Spring Youth Programs Intern

Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program provides active learning through outdoor and adventure education. We use an experiential approach to connect youth with their local surroundings, making learning relevant and fun by utilizing Colorado’s greatest natural resource: the mountains!

Spring Youth Programs Intern
Colorado Mountain Club (CMC)
Location: Golden, CO

Position Overview 

Are you passionate about working with youth, outdoor adventure, and creating meaningful learning experiences? Join the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program as a Spring Intern! This internship offers hands-on experience in outdoor education, youth program planning, and trip logistics. You’ll work alongside CMC staff to prepare for a four-day overnight program near Great Sand Dunes National Park, supporting activities that help students build confidence, develop outdoor skills, and connect with their peers and the natural world. This is a great opportunity for a college student interested in outdoor education, recreation, environmental studies, youth development, or a related field to gain practical experience. Relevant academic experience is welcome but not required. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Trip Planning: Assist with daily schedules, weather backup plans, and other program logistics. 
  • Activity Development: Create engaging daily debrief activities to help students reflect on their experiences. 
  • Participant Preparation: Organize participant rosters using registration and waiver information and assemble trip binders for instructors. 
  • Trip Preparation: Assist with grocery shopping, food preparation, packing, and program supplies. 
  • Overnight Trip Support: Attend the April 13–16 overnight trip near Great Sand Dunes National Park, providing additional support to instructors and serving as an extra belayer after appropriate training. 

Qualifications 

  • Must be at least 18 years old. 
  • Interest in working with youth and a passion for outdoor education, recreation, or experiential learning. 
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to take initiative. 
  • Ability to work independently on administrative tasks and collaboratively with a team. 
  • Top-rope belaying experience or willingness to learn and practice before the trip. 
  • Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and/or CPR certification is preferred but not required. 

Schedule & Compensation 

  • Internship Dates: January–April 2027. 
  • Time Commitment: Approximately 4–8 hours per week, with some flexibility based on the student’s academic requirements and availability. Some weeks may require additional hours leading up to the trip. 
  • Overnight Trip: April 13–16, 2027. Housing, food, and transportation during the trip are provided. 
  • Compensation: This internship can be completed for college credit or volunteer hours. A small stipend will be available: $750. 

Benefits 

  • Free Colorado Mountain Club membership and access to associated membership discounts and deals. 
  • Potential opportunity to obtain free WFA and CPR certifications. 
  • Hands-on experience in outdoor education, youth programming, trip planning, and climbing support. 
  • Flexible, hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of in-person work at CMC’s Golden office and remote tasks. 

How to Apply 

Email your resume and responses to the three questions below to youth@cmc.org. A cover letter is not required. 

  1. Tell us about yourself! What are you passionate about, what interests you about working with youth or the outdoors, and what would you hope to gain from this internship? 
  2. Organization & Attention to Detail: Imagine you are preparing participant information for a four-day overnight trip. You need to review registration and waiver information, organize a participant roster, and assemble trip binders for instructors. How would you approach these tasks to stay organized, accurate, and on schedule? 
  3. Problem-Solving & Teamwork: While preparing for the trip, you learn that the weather may affect one of the planned outdoor activities. At the same time, you have several remaining preparation tasks to complete. How would you approach the situation, and what would you do to help the team prepare? 

For more information about CMC’s Youth Education Program, visit www.cmc.org/youth. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: CMC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.