Job Description

Job Location Estes Park Center - Estes Park, CO 80511 Position Type Gap Programs Salary Range $15.16 - $15.16 Hourly

Job Category Gap Programs

Required Dates: 02/16/2026-06/12/2026

This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, which operates a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center, serving more than 150,000 guests annually. Participants of the Elevate Gap Program are employed with either housekeeping or food service and participate in weekly “Elevate Days,” or experiential learning days, led by our facilitators. It is also the responsibility of the facilitators to plan and execute extracurricular activities for program participants outside of their scheduled Elevate Days. The facilitator must be able to safely and efficiently plan, prepare for, and lead backpacking and camping trips, day hikes, outdoor education classes, and other outdoor activities for participants.

The mission of the Elevate Gap program is to foster a sense of belonging and community, build confidence in outdoor skills, and provide a supportive environment for self-discovery and personal growth. Through hospitality work, program days, and guidance from our facilitation team, we support young adults (ages 18-23) during a time of uncertainty.

Aligned with the YMCA’s core values of nurturing mind, body, and spirit, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones—physically, emotionally, and mentally—fostering resilience and personal development.

Gap Program Facilitators ensure that the program is carried out as it aligns with our mission. Facilitators are required to implement activities, nurture an intentional community among the Gap program participants, provide mentorship, and create interpersonal relationships as they see will benefit the participants’ experience. Facilitators help participants adjust to full-time work while navigating workplace challenges to ensure success at the YMCA of the Rockies and their future.

OUR CULTURE:
We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matter. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, facilitate, and debrief weekly Elevate days, including outdoor adventure trips, service trips,
  and self-development/discovery opportunities fostering intentionality and growth mindset.
• Initiate regular check-ins with GAP participants to help them meet their goals and to support their
  growth of a healthy mind, spirit, and body.
• Frequently post updates/communication with participants regarding expectations for upcoming activities.
• Lead adventures activities up to five days weekly, including day hikes, overnight backpacking and
• camping trips, snowshoeing, etc.
• Partner with third-party vendors and departments internally to obtain all items necessary for activities
  and trips (i.e., food, gear, campsite reservations, etc.).
• Load, unload, manage, inventory, and care for Elevate equipment and gear, ensuring that equipment is safe and in working condition.
• Communicate safety precautions before embarking on outdoor trips to mitigate risk.
• Assess, manage, and prevent risks and emergencies as the primary emergency responder and/or support person during program days and activities.
• Must always exhibit positive role modeling behavior.
• Must always maintain clear, professional boundaries.
• Promote learning and engagement opportunities that challenge growth.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as compiling and evaluating feedback, assessing program performance, communicating with and interviewing potential future participants, etc.
• Maintain ongoing interactions and conversations with residents individually and as a community.
• Maintain a high profile in staff housing; be approachable and receptive.
• Encourage interaction among staff and acknowledge the diversity within the community.
• Ensure the development of an environment that includes staff’s diverse backgrounds.
• Work closely with Housing Coordinator to ensure participants and staff meet housing expectations.
• Assist participants in establishing community standards and accepting responsibility for issues associated with Housing.
• Confront and document inappropriate behavior.
• Support and adhere to YMCA of the Rockies policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Meet with the Gap Program Coordinator on a regular basis to keep them informed of GAP program participants and potential issues. Assist in resolution as needed.
• Assist with staffing needs in other areas as needed.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Experience working in outdoor education, camps, recreational guiding services, or similar occupations.
• Must possess outdoor skills including hiking, camping, and backpacking.
• Possess stamina to engage in weekly physical activities while also managing complex group dynamics.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and problem-solving atmosphere.
• Must possess and maintain current CPR and WFA certifications or willingness to obtain them.
• Ability to interact with young adults in a leadership role.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, be self-directed, and make sound decisions.
• Must possess high emotional maturity and consistently set and uphold boundaries.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program and participants.
• Possess an aptitude in developing relationships with participants.
• Ability to safely drive participants in a 14-passenger minibus for activity days in various weather and road conditions.
• Must possess a valid, USA state-issued driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to maintain compliance with YMCA Approved Driver policy rules and requirements.
• Must pass DOT physical exam and drug test to be eligible to drive a 14-passenger minibus.
• Must be highly organized with impeccable accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks promptly and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate visually and orally while speaking, writing, and reading English fluently.
• Must exhibit proficiency in working with software systems and registrations such as Canva and Slack. Knowledge of Microsoft software (i.e. Word, Excel, and Publisher).
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith in all functions
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills (i.e. friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional).
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Be able to bend, stoop, kneel, walk, and hike on uneven terrain for 10 miles. We often hike at elevations over 8,000 feet with frequent uphill climbs.
• The employee must have sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to facilitate activities in various indoor and outdoor environments.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs and frequently get up and down from their desk.
• The noise level in the work environment is high.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATION:

Support organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
YMCA of the Rockies is a Praesidium-accredited organization. Our hiring process reflects the values and standards of Praesidium and other accredited organizations. For more information about Praesidium accreditation, please visit https://www.praesidiuminc.com/

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,

or qualifications associated with the

Qualifications