Seasonal jobs and camps are summer staples in the Mile High City. Finding fun opportunities for both at the same place is less common — but not at the YMCA of Metro Denver.
Just ask local Jake Downing. He started as a preschooler at Y Academy and quickly became “a frequent flier in various YMCA summer camps,” exploring the various options every year, from sports to adventure camps. When he started looking for summer jobs as a teen, Jake jumped at the chance to work as a YMCA lifeguard.
“I worked my way up to head lifeguard, then worked at the front desk, next as full-time coordinator and finally as part of the sales team before my current position as Experience Manager. Lifeguarding taught me job basics and was super flexible with my extracurricular activities at the time,” he shared. “As head lifeguard, I learned more of the nuances of the pool, connecting with members and managing co-workers.”
YMCA members and coworkers continued to bring him back to explore new roles at the Y.
“I knew how good the staff and people were,” Jake explained. “You get to develop a relationship with members and team members. You also never have the same day twice, which I like.”
Last May, Jake graduated with a degree in business management and now serves as Experience Manager at the University Hills – Schlessman YMCA, building on his current history with the nonprofit.
“Working in each department has helped me grow a greater appreciation for the others,” he explained. “I can better understand the views of prospective and existing members and staff.”
Jake is excited to apply his new skills in mission, growth and strategy to serve the next generation of Denverites, like 16-year-old Centennial resident Gunner Sorrel. Gunner is a frequent visitor of the Centennial YMCA Center of Generations, which celebrated its first anniversary in June. Initially drawn to the Center of Generations for its esports program, Gunner found a place that nurtures both his competitive spirit and his technical skills.
“Esports is the next generation of competitive games. You learn a lot,” he shared. "You strengthen your brain in some ways — making decisions, critical thinking.”
He also enjoys the other activities offered at the Y, including modifying Nerf guns (and the Nerf wars that follow in the center’s lobby) and soldering.
“This place has been the highlight of my year. I look forward to going every day I can,” Gunner said, encouraging other teens to check out the space. Gunner’s involvement at the Y has also opened opportunities to work. This summer, he will serve on staff for the Y’s Esports Fortnite Summer Camp, which is being offered this year alongside Minecraft, League of Legends and Esports Mechanics. Other Y Summer Camps include cooking, STEM, art and sports camps, as well as teen leader-in-training camps. These camps also offer counselor job opportunities to older teens and adults, and lifeguard positions are routinely available, too.
Jake summed it up: “If you want a job that’s fun and challenging, where you can be part of a relaxed and caring culture with plenty of opportunity to grow, the Y is a great option.”