YMCA of the Rockies

Craft Shop Instructor

May - August 2019 • Estes Park, CO

What I liked

This was such a fun job because I got to learn a new art skill and then teach it to guests that visited the craft shop. I became knowledgeable in glass fusion and jewelry techniques and then pass what I learned onto others. Plus, on my days off I could hike in Rocky Mountain National Park(a 10 minute drive) or spend the day in beautiful Estes Park.

What I wish was different

The housing situations aren’t perfect. They get pretty noisy. Plus, the food served in the cafeteria is monotonous.

Advice

Keep in mind that room and board is taken out of your paycheck so you don’t get paid very much. However, the experience of living and working in the Rocky Mountains for the summer is unbeatable.

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Food Service Worker

June - August 2018 • Estes Park, CO

What I liked

I loved meeting people both that I worked with and those I met that were visiting.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Grounds Crew Member

May - August 2018 • Estes Park, CO

What I liked

Working hard, simple dorm room and easy to get along with bosses.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to stay on longer and enjoy the greater responsibility I was receiving for managing tasks and building cool things.

Advice

Go in expecting the food to be bad, the rooms to smell bad, and that the pay will be bad and you'll enjoy the experience when you know that you're working for something bigger than yourself.

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Engineering and Experiments camp counselor

May - August 2018 • Estes Park, CO

What I liked

I got to live in a beautiful place.

What I wish was different

The staff dormitories weren't great.

Advice

Everyone should take a summer to work in the middle of the mountains.

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Adventure Activities

May - August 2018 • Estes Park, CO

What I liked

I was able to live 2 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and was able to meet so many adventurous people. I worked 40 hours a week and received free meals and housing in return plus a wage. My job consisted of helping families in our adventure activities department with rock climbing and zip-line.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be adventurous and take opportunities to travel while you can.

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Recreational Supervisor/ Programs Intern

May - August 2018 • Granby, CO

What I liked

I loved living in the Rocky Mountains and receiving internship credit in a work environment I could see myself finding a lifelong career in!

What I wish was different

Nothing.... truly. I loved every minute of it.

Advice

If you have the opportunity to work and live somewhere completely new and not knowing anyone besides the people who hired and interviewed you, go for it! I met some of my now closest friends and was able to experience a new area of the country while working for an international non-profit organization.

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Housekeeper

May - August 2018 • Granby, CO

What I liked

My boss and co-workers were amazing. They worked hard and really cared about me as an individual.

What I wish was different

The staff housing at the Y is a bit sketchy, so it would have been nice if some of that was updated.

Advice

If you do it, make as many friends from as many different backgrounds as possible. Get meals with them. There’re many diverse people there, so take advantage of that.

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