Elevate Gap Program 2025 » Impressive Teens

A semester-long program for young adults ages 18 – 24. Fall/Winter 2023 Dates: July 31 – December 8, 2023 Elevate participants spend the semester experiencing the outdoors while gaining work and life skills. The components of this program are outdoor adventure, employment in housekeeping and food service, and community building. Highlights of the Gap Program: Earn money throughout semester while working in a seasonal job at YMCA of the Rockies with fellow participants Rocky Mountain National Park will be your backyard for a full semester Free certifications obtained throughout program Outcomes of Gap Program: Documented professional outdoor experiences in activities like climbing, biking, backpacking, mountaineering, fly fishing, environmental education, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing Networking opportunities through outdoor job panels and vistis to likeminded organizations Certifications include: WFA (Wilderness First-Aid), CPR, BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing), LNT (Leave NO Trace) and more. Elevate Days: Once a week, participants will spend time learning new skills in the outdoors. Using small cohorts, groups will participate in hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and backpacking adventures, while learning about essential wilderness skills like how to plan ahead and prepare, backcountry safety, flora and fauna, adventure sport techniques, and more. These trainings will prepare participants for outdoor adventure jobs at the YMCA and beyond. They will be paid between 4-8 hours per week for attending these trainings, and will be awarded a certificate at the end to indicate their proficiency in the field. Hospitality Days: Four days a week, participants will work alongside their cohort in housekeeping and food service departments earning $13.65/hour. Days Off: Participants will have at least 2 days off per week to participate in activities near Estes Park or throughout Colorado. As part of the Rocky Mountain Living Package, they can opt into other outdoor adventure opportunities and excursions with other staff. The program fee is $250, but participants will earn money back while working in seasonal job throughout the semester. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.