Estes Park Center Internships
The Estes Park Center currently has the following Internships available for college students. Internships are unpaid, and for college credit.
Housekeeping Operations
Housekeeping Operations
Conference Office
Food Service Operations
Human Resource Management
Recreation and Program Operations
Food Service Operations
Human Resource Management
Recreation and Program Operations
Housekeeping Operations Internship
Week one:
Laundry worker. Learn all aspects of sorting, washing, drying, and packing linens.
Week two:
Laundry worker. Attend linen exchange window. Learn machinery trouble-shooting, routine maintenance, and minor repair.
Week three:
Linen driver. Work with driver to deliver and pickup linens at the various lodges.
Week four:
Housekeeper. Work with cleaning crew in lodges.
Week five:
Housekeeper. Work with cleaning crew in lodges.
Week six:
Housekeeping crew leader. Organize crew activities in cabins and lodges.
Week seven:
Floater. Put together cleaning supply kits, strip and stock lodges, maid service, hostess.
Week eight:
Janitorial Worker. Clean public areas, shovel snow, deliver roll away beds and cribs.
Week nine:
Quality Control Inspector training. Learn accommodation inspection standards and take corrective measures.
Week ten:
Lost and Found administration. Take guest calls, recover lost items, return them to guests, store and account for unclaimed items.
Week eleven:
Office worker. Operate phones, RDP, and other office functions.
Week twelve:
Train with Laundry manager, Housekeeping Manager, Janitorial Manager, and Department Director.
ESTES PARK CENTER CONFERENCE INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW
The Conference Department at Estes Park Center/YMCA of the Rockies serves over 80,000 conferences every year which are religious, family, educational, and recreational in nature. Conference members are accommodated in over 200 cabins and 450 lodge rooms, as well as over 50 meeting facilities located on 800 acres in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado. This facility can house up to 4,200 people.
This operation includes receiving contracts from the sales office. We proof contracts, prepare files,and assign specific room/cabin accommodations. We file information for eventual tracking of deposits and payments. We contact leaders of groups to begin the process of helping them prepare for their events including contractual changes; pre-conference meetings, delegate registration and billing; meeting room set-up and tear down; refreshment orders, send banquet or special event order information to food service, arrange for audiovisual systems that may be needed, and conduct all follow up. We work with all other departments to distribute information and needs of each group to create a great experience which will lead to repeat groups which are over 93% of our conference business. We also prepare up to date financial forecasts, annual occupancy reports, and any pertinent information required by the association.
The purpose of this track is to train and teach interns in Conferece Office Operations at a large family and conference center.
The 3 month plan will be divided into 6 areas of study: Conference overview, In-depth conference preparation, Schedule of meeting rooms, Audiovisual overview, Meeting room set-up, and Conference/Group Statistics. It will also give the interns knowledge of every other department which includes Sales and Marketing, Finance, Program, Buildings and Grounds, Housekeeping, Chaplain's office, and Business Office.
Conference Overview: Month One
Interns will all receive orientation regarding the policies and expectations of the YMCA of the Rockies. They will attend an all day meeting which will include speakers from every department. They will learn the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith that the YMCA of the Rockies association believes in. They will also learn the policies that staff follow while living on-grounds.
The Conference overview will begin with a tour and familiarization with the grounds of the Estes Park Center. Tours (including self tours) will take place over the first few weeks including the grounds and facilities. The intern will need to memorize room layouts of each lodge and cabin. They will need to know specifics including views from rooms, bed make ups, size, bathrooms, etc. to assist eventually in guest service.
The intern will be trained in basic office procedures. They will learn the positions of full time employees and their responsibilities. They will gain knowledge about mail procedure, files, and paperwork. The intern will work with conference services and audiovisual to learn how they clean and set up meeting rooms and other needs. They will learn what audiovisual equipment is rented and will have basic knowledge on how to set up this equipment.
Computer Systems: Month Two
The second phase of internship begins with the Estes Park Center's software program: Resort Date Processing (RDP). At the end of the month, the intern will be able to use RDP to check-in (RDP 120) and check out (RDP 131) a group. They will be able to post charges to a folio (RDP 131) and work with a cashier to collect payments. The intern will also be able to use the RDP's "tape chart" (RDP 142) to see if rooms are occupied and if they are clean and ready to be occupied. The intern will be able to add a room or rooms upon arrival of a group in needed (RDP 120-R).
The intern will be given adequate resources to resolve basic guest problems.
The intern will also assist in conference arrival preparation: preparing check-in packets (maps, meal tickets, room charts). Later in the overview period, the intern will assist in pre-conference profile calls.
Additional time will be spent to learn of the area's attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, and the town of Estes Park. To that end, the intern will be encouraged to participate in the varied staff activities offered.
In-depth Conference Preparation: Month Three
In this section of their internship program, the conference intern will learn about managing the contracts of a group. The intern will be on the phone to assist our guests in making contractual changes. Several different RDP programs will be learned. They will learn how to take deposits over the phone using RDP 120 credit card module. They will learn how to block rooms for a conference and pre-assign the rooms that are blocked (RDP 551, 143, and 102). They will be able to run arrival reports using RDP 804 and 462, and will be able to check for missing deposits. The intern will be able to use RDP 120-H to make a rooming list for an incoming group.
At the end of the internship program, the intern will have learned how to schedule meeting rooms based on the group size and needs. They will work with group leaders and the Conference Director to determine meeting rooms and meeting room set-up specifications.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to set-up and maintain audiovisual equipment in buildings with up to 800 seats. They will be able to use amplifiers, LCD players, 35mm projectors, TV, VCR, and DVD players. The intern will be able to operate and maintain a 32-channel soundboard and manage sound and lights in the 800 seat auditorium. Additional instruction will be given on making a power point presentation. The intern will have the opportunity to meet outside production vendors.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to clean and maintain meeting rooms. They will understand the differences between theater style seating, classroom style seating, hollow-square, etc. They will also be able to accurately judge how many people can be seated in a room and understand the fire code capacities for meeting rooms. During this month, a field trip may be provided to other area conference facilities to see their meeting rooms and set-up procedures.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to use Microsoft Word and Excel to create statistical reports for the conference office. With the help of the Conference Office and Group Sales staff, the intern will compile year-end reports. Pie charts and graphs will be used to show the annual number of conferences and conference attendees at the Estes Park Center. The statistics will be presented to the President and CEO of the YMCA of the Rockies.
Final Reports and Evaluations:
The intern will be evaluated by a written report. The intern will in turn write a detailed report of their internship, experience, and recommendations for improvement or changes in the Conference Office and/or other ideas, suggestions, and comments they may have.
This internship can be 3 or 6 months in duration. It can be geared to fit your needs.
The purpose of this track is to train and teach interns in Conferece Office Operations at a large family and conference center.
The 3 month plan will be divided into 6 areas of study: Conference overview, In-depth conference preparation, Schedule of meeting rooms, Audiovisual overview, Meeting room set-up, and Conference/Group Statistics. It will also give the interns knowledge of every other department which includes Sales and Marketing, Finance, Program, Buildings and Grounds, Housekeeping, Chaplain's office, and Business Office.
Conference Overview: Month One
Interns will all receive orientation regarding the policies and expectations of the YMCA of the Rockies. They will attend an all day meeting which will include speakers from every department. They will learn the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith that the YMCA of the Rockies association believes in. They will also learn the policies that staff follow while living on-grounds.
The Conference overview will begin with a tour and familiarization with the grounds of the Estes Park Center. Tours (including self tours) will take place over the first few weeks including the grounds and facilities. The intern will need to memorize room layouts of each lodge and cabin. They will need to know specifics including views from rooms, bed make ups, size, bathrooms, etc. to assist eventually in guest service.
The intern will be trained in basic office procedures. They will learn the positions of full time employees and their responsibilities. They will gain knowledge about mail procedure, files, and paperwork. The intern will work with conference services and audiovisual to learn how they clean and set up meeting rooms and other needs. They will learn what audiovisual equipment is rented and will have basic knowledge on how to set up this equipment.
Computer Systems: Month Two
The second phase of internship begins with the Estes Park Center's software program: Resort Date Processing (RDP). At the end of the month, the intern will be able to use RDP to check-in (RDP 120) and check out (RDP 131) a group. They will be able to post charges to a folio (RDP 131) and work with a cashier to collect payments. The intern will also be able to use the RDP's "tape chart" (RDP 142) to see if rooms are occupied and if they are clean and ready to be occupied. The intern will be able to add a room or rooms upon arrival of a group in needed (RDP 120-R).
The intern will be given adequate resources to resolve basic guest problems.
The intern will also assist in conference arrival preparation: preparing check-in packets (maps, meal tickets, room charts). Later in the overview period, the intern will assist in pre-conference profile calls.
Additional time will be spent to learn of the area's attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, and the town of Estes Park. To that end, the intern will be encouraged to participate in the varied staff activities offered.
In-depth Conference Preparation: Month Three
In this section of their internship program, the conference intern will learn about managing the contracts of a group. The intern will be on the phone to assist our guests in making contractual changes. Several different RDP programs will be learned. They will learn how to take deposits over the phone using RDP 120 credit card module. They will learn how to block rooms for a conference and pre-assign the rooms that are blocked (RDP 551, 143, and 102). They will be able to run arrival reports using RDP 804 and 462, and will be able to check for missing deposits. The intern will be able to use RDP 120-H to make a rooming list for an incoming group.
At the end of the internship program, the intern will have learned how to schedule meeting rooms based on the group size and needs. They will work with group leaders and the Conference Director to determine meeting rooms and meeting room set-up specifications.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to set-up and maintain audiovisual equipment in buildings with up to 800 seats. They will be able to use amplifiers, LCD players, 35mm projectors, TV, VCR, and DVD players. The intern will be able to operate and maintain a 32-channel soundboard and manage sound and lights in the 800 seat auditorium. Additional instruction will be given on making a power point presentation. The intern will have the opportunity to meet outside production vendors.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to clean and maintain meeting rooms. They will understand the differences between theater style seating, classroom style seating, hollow-square, etc. They will also be able to accurately judge how many people can be seated in a room and understand the fire code capacities for meeting rooms. During this month, a field trip may be provided to other area conference facilities to see their meeting rooms and set-up procedures.
At the end of this internship the intern will be able to use Microsoft Word and Excel to create statistical reports for the conference office. With the help of the Conference Office and Group Sales staff, the intern will compile year-end reports. Pie charts and graphs will be used to show the annual number of conferences and conference attendees at the Estes Park Center. The statistics will be presented to the President and CEO of the YMCA of the Rockies.
Final Reports and Evaluations:
The intern will be evaluated by a written report. The intern will in turn write a detailed report of their internship, experience, and recommendations for improvement or changes in the Conference Office and/or other ideas, suggestions, and comments they may have.
This internship can be 3 or 6 months in duration. It can be geared to fit your needs.
The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center services up to 4,000 guests/staff per day and prepares up to 9,000 meals per day during the peak season. The Food Service department manages 5 dining room facilities. The department operates year-round and strives to ensure serving excellence to both guests and staff of the Estes Park Center.
The trainees will learn and experience the various aspects of food service. They will gain knowledge in departments ranging from the kitchen and dining rooms. The trainees will be familiarized with varying dining experiences, both guest and staff, in locations such as large dining halls and outdoor cookout facilities. They will be trained in supervising the dining rooms, cooking, preparing cold dishes, displaying food attractively and managing safety requirements.
Goals of the Program
The goal for the trainee in the Food Service Operations program is to create the confidence needed for him or her to go into a supervisory position for a food service establishment. The trainee will have a working knowledge of a food service department.
Job Descriptions
BACK OF THE HOUSE TRAINING - Kitchen:
• Develop an understanding of the kitchen facilities and equipment, including the overall functioning of the facility as well as safety procedures.
• Learn the basics of cooking and preparing basic foods and sauces
• Understand the process of food sanitation and preparation
• Prepare a menu for an entire day, including the estimates of food amounts
• Direct the kitchen for an entire day by his or her self. He or she will be expected to make menu preparations, delegate responsibilities, and organize the presentation of the food in the dinning room.
FRONT OF THE HOUSE TRAINING - Dining Room Supervision
• Understand the function of all the dining room and dish room areas
• Learn the dining room set-up
• Learn all areas of beverage
• Learn basics of cold food menus
• Learn the basics of all areas of clean up and sanitation
• Supervision of a crew for each shift
• Train employees in the different areas of the dining room
Food Service Operations
The following outlines the specifics of the Food Service Operations 18-month internship program.
BACK OF THE HOUSE TRAINING - Kitchen: 6 months
Month 1 and 2:
During months 1 and 2, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Develop an understanding of the kitchen facilities and equipment, including the overall functioning of the facility as well as safety procedures.
• Learn the basics of cooking and preparing basic foods and sauces
• Understand the process of food sanitation and preparation
Month 3 and 4:
During months 3 and 4, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Cook specific dishes for the dining room by his or her self, determining the ingredients and amounts needed as well as preparing the dishes.
• Prepare a menu for an entire day, including the estimates of food amounts
• Direct the kitchen for an entire day by his or her self. He or she will be expected to make menu preparations, delegate responsibilities, and organize the presentation of the food in the dinning room.
Month 5 and 6:
During months 5 and 6, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Plan a menu for an entire week, including the estimates of the food amounts that will be needed.
• Place food orders. Conduct inventories.
• Manage the preparation of the food
• Learn food cost calculations
• Organize storage areas and food stock management
BACK OF THE HOUSE TRAINING - Bakery: 1 Month
Month 7:
The trainee will be instructed in planning and preparation of all baked goods for dining rooms and catered functions. During months 7, 8, and 9 the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Operation of baking equipment
• Understanding safety procedures for baking equipment
• Bake a variety of breads, desserts, and cakes
• Learn the basics of bake goods decoration
FRONT OF THE HOUSE TRAINING - Dining Room Management: 7 months
Months 1 and 2:
During months 1 and 2, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Understand the function of all the dining room and dish room areas
• Learn the dining room set-up
• Learn all areas of beverage
• Learn basics of cold food menus
• Learn the basics of all areas of clean up and sanitation
Months 3 and 4:
During months 3 and 4, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Understand cashiering procedures and money management
• Supervision of a crew for each shift
• Train employees in the different areas of the dining room
Months 5, 6 and 7:
During months 5, 6 and 7, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Preparation and organization of employee schedules and job assignments
• Preparation of cold food menus
• Supervise and train other employees in dining room management
• Perform manager duties and act as the head of the dining room
FRONT OF THE HOUSE TRAINING – Catering and Banquets: 2 months
Months 8 and 9:
The trainee will assist all Catering and Banquets Manager and the Chefs with planning, preparing, and serving all catered functions for both guests and staff. This will develop direct Customer Service, and will be an ongoing practice while the intern is learning the Front of the House Management.
During months 8-9, the trainee will have accomplished the following:
• Planning and sale of a special event, including menu design
• Planning and implementing a room set-up and decoration
• Serving and coordination of staff in a function
• Banquet management and billing.
FRONT OF THE HOUSE TRAINING – Managing an Independent Food Service Establishment: 2 months
Months 17 & 18:
The intern will be able to apply all the learned skills by working as Assistant Manager in the Rustic Café, the snack bar in the Administration Building.
• Develop an understanding of the Rustic Café facilities and equipment, including the overall functioning of the cafeteria as well as the safety and sanitation procedures.
• Train as a Batista, learning the use of specialty coffee machine and the preparation of espresso, lattes and other coffees.
• Learn the opening and closing procedures, food preparation and direct customer service in a fast food establishment.
• Practice stocking and ordering products
• Practice and refine skills of scheduling, training and managing employees.
HUMAN RESOURCES INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW
The YMCA of the Rockies/Estes Park Center has a total of 275 employees during the winter months, and 875 employees during the summer months. The Human Resources Office is in charge of recruiting, hiring, and training staff; employee relations; administering new hire paperwork and documentation; coordination and supervision of staff housing; planning and facilitating staff activities; managing the international trainee program; compensation, benefit administration, maintaining accurate and thorough files, policy abidance, and disciplinary procedures.
As an intern, you will participate in the HR office for a total of 3-6 months. The internship can be tailored to fit your needs. You will learn the fundamentals of the HR function, Resident Staff Coordinator function, and the International Staff Coordinator function.
Month 1 - 3
Introduction to the Human Resources function, including Employee Relations, Employee Orientation, and Policies and Procedures. Intern will go through basic training in confidentiality, importance of documentation, and proper use of keys and other work related equipment and material. Intern will be introduced to Resident Staff Coordinator function. Responsibilities include facilitation of daily office procedures. Intern will receive basic training in HR computer software programs. Please see training plan for details.
Intern will be introduced to Staff Housing facilitation. This includes coordinating staff housing for approximately 550 staff, facilitation of staff activities, creating and maintaining a cleaning schedule, staff check in and check out procedures, and safety and risk management training. Trainee will receive basic training in International programs. Trainee will facilitate at least one cultural event.
Month 3 - 6
Intern will begin e-mail correspondence and hiring for International Program. Intern will begin community outreach program. This will continue for length of program. Intern will gain increased responsibility in the Resident Staff Coordinator function and will begin planning activities and attending manager’s meetings. Intern will help in the facilitation of both the International Orientation as well as general Employee Orientation.
Depending on season, intern will attend local job fairs and begin recruiting process. The intern will familiarize themselves with the Cool Works applicants on-line. Intern will facilitate mailings to colleges, universities, and other YMCAs. Intern will audit files and conduct International Orientation for supervisors. Along with the Resident Staff Coordinator, intern will help supervise employees in the office. Intern will assist with discipline and documentation of matters concerning staff housing.
Program Department Internship
The Program Department is one of the primary reasons guests come to the YMCA of the Rockies. Each year we serve over 100,000 guests of all ages and all walks of life through a variety of Recreation and Programs. Our recreation includes: swimming, roller/ice skating, miniature golf, library, tennis, museum, volleyball, basketball, softball, and skateboarding. Our programs include: family programs, day camp, outdoor education, preschool, rock climbing, hiking, fly-fishing, and arts and crafts. The Program Department hires a staff of approximately 150 during our peak (summer) season.
The purpose of this internship is to provide training and hands on work experience in the essentials of running recreational and educational programs in a resort environment. All interns will be provided a learning opportunity in an environment of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. This internship can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Internships can be from 3-6 months in duration. Interns can choose to focus in the following areas:
• Recreation Management/Family Programs (year-round)
Intern will become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the program department; learn the policies and procedures of the YMCA of the Rockies; plan, implement and evaluate a variety of family programs; prepare cash reports; publish the weekly program bulletin; plan special events; provide excellent guest service.
• Outdoor Education (fall and spring)
Intern will learn to teach a minimum of 5-7 outdoor education classes primarily to students in Middle School; lead student and teacher orientation prior to class; make phone contacts with schools to answer questions, schedule classes and make confirmations; have a clear understanding of the curriculum necessary for the state of Colorado; participate in and/or lead parent/teacher orientation prior to their arrival at YMCA of the Rockies.
• Day Camp (summer)
Intern will have a clear understanding of the standards required by the Department of Human Services and the American Camping Association for operating a Day Camp; assist in the pre-registration and check-in of children for camp; have a clear understanding of the various forms and waivers necessary for a child to participate at camp; develop schedules and implement camp programs for children of different ages; understand and implement camp policies and procedures; provide excellent guest service by providing a fun, positive and safe camp experience for children.
• Ropes/Rock Climbing (summer)
Intern will facilitate high and low ropes courses as well as our 30 foot climbing tower for guests of all ages; plan and schedule private group usage of ropes and rock activities; have a clear understanding of the various waivers required for participation in rocks and ropes; coordinate with the day camp program to facilitate ropes and rock activities for campers ranging in age from 3 to high school; provide excellent guest service.
• Aquatics (year-round)
In conjunction with life guarding, the intern will develop schedules to ensure adequate lifeguard coverage for lap swim, water exercise, open swim and various private group use of the swimming pool; have a clear understanding of pool maintenance; assist in the planning and implementation of pool staff in-services and trainings; provide excellent guest service.
• Library (summer)
Intern will learn policies and procedures of the YMCA library; order, receive, catalog and shelve new reading materials; develop and schedule programs; provide excellent guest service.
• Preschool (fall and spring)
Intern will have a clear understanding of the requirements of the Department of Human Services and the Larimer County Health Department for a licensed child care facility, develop and implement appropriate lesson plans, prepare required reports for tuition assistance programs including CCAP and EVICS, provide a fun and caring learning environment for children.