Q. Why should I participate in the STP?
A. Year after year students return from summer training programs talking about how God met them, challenged them, and caused them to grow. We recognize summer internships and academics are only becoming more competitive, but continue to see God meet students at STPs in unique and incredible ways!
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. Team Members cost $1700, and Team Leaders cost $1100. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due to secure your spot at the program, and applied to your program cost. If applications are completed before Dec 31st you will receive a $100 discount from your program cost.
Q. What does the program fee cover?
A. The program fee pays for the Navigators program to take place, and includes bringing in quality speakers, a road trip to Colorado Springs, program materials, program events, etc. Team Members will earn a paycheck through the YMCA, less room and board. Team Leaders are considered "volunteer staff" at the YMCA and their employment will only cover room and board, no paycheck.
Q. Can I fundraise for the program?
A. Yes! In fact we encourage it! A support raising workshop will be offered before the program to teach biblical support raising models. All donations are tax-deductible through The Navigators, and a stipend can be requested if a surplus of over $200 is raised.
Q. How do I find a job at the YMCA?
A. The Navigators has an excellent reputation at the YMCA, and will be given a special job application link to identify our applicants as part of the Navigators program. This is still a job application and interview that must be taken seriously! Please return all forms from the YMCA in a timely manner and take the application process seriously, as your admittance into the program is dependent on your employment to the YMCA!
Q. What type of jobs will I work/should I request?
A. The most popular jobs are housekeeping, food service, and conference set up and service (CSS). If you have other skills such as lifeguarding, AV/Tech, or HR experience, you could request those jobs as well.
Q. What is the easiest way to travel to the program?
A. If you would like to drive (which can be helpful to have access to a car) we will organize a transportation pool to help coordinate rides. The drive can be done in one day, though two is recommended. If enough time is provided, we can assist with finding housing in Colorado Springs (about 10 hour drive from Arizona, and 3 hours from Estes Park). For flying, Denver International Airport is the easiest airport to fly into, and about two hours from Estes Park. A "transportation" channel will be created to assist with rides from the airport, or a shuttle can be purchased from www.estesparkshuttle.com.
Q. Can parents/friends visit the program?
A. Yes! In fact we encourage it! Parents and friends are welcome to NavNight (Tuesday night) or Program Night (Thursday night). However, we ask program participants engage with all program commitments (Tuesday for team members, Monday-Tuesday for Team Leaders).
We encourage parents to visit the 5th week of the program (June 15, 2025). After four week, Team Members earn one free night at the YMCA Lodges for friends and family to visit. We discourage visitors the 4th week of the program, as we take a programs trip down to Colorado Springs, CO.
Q. I have a wedding/graduation/family vacation during the summer. Can I travel from the program?
A. We encourage all participants to be "fully engaged" during the summer. However, we understand there may be important family obligations. Each applicant is permitted one special case for travel, if requested before the program begins and approved by their work supervisor. We recommend travel take place outside of program days.
Q. I have a specific question about the program not answered here, who can I ask?
A. Please email EstesSTP@gmail.com with your question and someone from the team will reach out to you shortly!
Q. How do I apply!?
A. You can apply here!