- What is the program all about?
- How does LT train students to be leaders?
- Who runs the LT program?
- Who participates in Colorado LT?
- When is the Colorado LT program?
- Where is the LT program located?
- How does housing and food work for participants?
- How do I apply for Colorado LT?
- How much does the LT program cost?
- How does employment work?
- How do I apply?
- When are the registration deadlines and application fees?
- Is it mandatory that participants work full-time? Why?
- Does LT guarantee employment for all participants?
- How are students able to save their summer employment money?
- If a participant needs to briefly return home, how does that work?
- Can participants leave the LT program if they have a personal emergency? How does that work?
- What is the history of the program?
-
What is the program all about?
CO LT is an experience our students will remember and cherish for a lifetime. Leadership is a skill needed for life. The world is in dire need of Christian leaders. Christian leadership is based in a committed relationship with Jesus Christ and revealed by Christian character.
The program includes national speakers challenging the students in many areas of Christian leadership and commitment. We have small core groups to facilitate growth and discovery in a special environment. "Projects" are made up of 10-14 people who will spend one day a week in service, prayer and outreach.
Our goal is to provide as many practical leadership experiences as possible to students. It is a "hands-on" program.
The net result of the program traditionally has been more committed followers of Jesus who will have a greater impact in ministry and life.
-
How does LT train students to be leaders?
In the same way that diamonds are formed as a result of time and pressure, so also the Colorado LT program creates a challenging environment spanning eleven weeks. A combination of full-time employment, teachings, workshops, group ministry activities, and dorm-style living quarters provide just the right challenge and setting for life transformation. We believe this life transformation is key to living as a Christian who has an impact on the world around them. In addition, opportunities are available for students to take on a wide range of responsibilities, from program administration to small group leadership.
-
Who runs the LT program?
The program is run by a team of pastors and staff members from various GCM campus churches around the country. The development of program content and teachings is guided by the program directors, a group of GCM pastors and the GCM headquarters.
-
Who participates in Colorado LT?
We expect more than 150 college students and GCM staff from more than 9 different campuses. Illinois State, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Maryland, Texas A&M, Missouri and Illinois to name a few.
-
When is the Colorado LT program?
For Colorado LT 2012, the dates are yet to be determined. This will be 11 weeks.
Students are encouraged to extend their work agreements with the YMCA both at the beginning and end if they are able to work longer.
-
Where is the LT program located?
Estes Park, Colorado may be one of the most beautiful places on planet earth. The YMCA is located adjacent to the Rocky Mountain National Park on the western edge of Estes Park. The camp is surrounded by snow capped mountains and has hundreds of miles of trails to get alone or be with friends. r be with friends.
-
How does housing and food work for participants?
The participants will be living in dorm-style rooms with other employees of the YMCA. You are provided with three meals a day in a special employee cafeteria on site.
-
How do I apply for Colorado LT?
Click on "Ready To Register" link at the top or bottom of the page, or just click here and follow the instructions for applying.
-
How much does the LT program cost?
The Colorado LT 2012 fees are $695, plus registration fee. Participants pay some at the beginning and payments through the summer. Support raising for this missions training is highly encouraged.
-
How does employment work?
The YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Center (EPC) employs all our participants and houses them in their dorms. Compensation includes food and housing plus approximately $180 per week in additional wages for 40 hours of work. Every worker is guaranteed at least 40 hours per week.
-
How do I apply?
There are two different distinct applications. One to the YMCA for employment and one to GCM for participation in the program. Acceptance as an employee of the YMCA is mandatory for participation in the program except for GCM employed interns.
You can apply online at www.ymcarockies.org. Look under employment. Be sure to use the "How to fill out the YMCA application without mistakes" handout.
For CO LT 2012 info and an application, go to gcmlt.org; and for the YMCA, go to www.ymcarockies.org.
-
When are the registration deadlines and application fees?
There are three registration deadlines with corresponding application fees: the early-bird registration and app fee is $25 if you apply by February 15; the standard registration and app fee is $50 by March 15; and the late registration and app fee is $75 by April 15.
-
Is it mandatory that participants work full-time? Why?
As part of the LT program, and as part of your employment agreement with the YMCA, each participant is required to work a full-time job.
The reason for this is to provide an environment for meeting and building natural relationships - important for developing the skills you'll be learning this summer. Obviously, most participants will need to earn an income to help pay for LT, school, and personal expenses.
-
Does LT guarantee employment for all participants?
GCM cannot guarantee anyone a job for the summer. Your participation in the Colorado LT requires that you apply for and receive employment from the YMCA of the Rockies. Your hiring is completely up to the YMCA.
-
How are students able to save their summer employment money?
Every LT participant is encouraged to manage their money wisely throughout the summer. There are several factors affecting how much money you will save, such as what type of position you will obtain, how many hours you work, and how much money you spend. Your local staff member will be happy to help you strategize ways to make the most of your earnings at LT.
An excellent way to maximize your savings is to recruit a team of financial supporters or sponsors. Enclosed in the LT acceptance packet you will find information on how to develop these sponsors to help fund your LT program fees and travel expenses. The information includes various ways that you can ask others to financially and prayerfully support your summer at Leadership Training. People close to you are often eager to help! Those who develop sponsors through fundraising to cover their program fees could save over $1000!
-
If a participant needs to briefly return home, how does that work?
Any student can leave at any time during the summer. We recognize that many families have weddings, reunions and other events that happen in the summer. You will need to communicate your planned departure and return information to a ministry leader at LT before leaving, and provide contact information for while you're gone in case of an emergency. We encourage students to find out as far ahead of time about times they will need to leave so that they can let their employer know about needs for time off. It is helpful to include this information when applying for a position so the employer and employee can work out a plan to accommodate their need.
-
Can participants leave the LT program if they have a personal emergency? How does that work?
Absolutely! As with a previously-planned event requiring your temporary departure from LT, we will need to communicate your planned departure and return information to a ministry leader at LT before leaving, and provide contact information for while you're gone in case of an emergency.
-
What is the history of the program?
GCM and the Estes Park Center (EPC) have partnered since 1998. With every succeeding year the partnership has gained greater steam and created a better Win-Win position for both ministries.
When Gary Van Horn became the director of the EPC (January 2002), that same year John Drage became the director for GCM CO LT. They have worked hard at putting together parameters in that relationship that helps both GCM and positively influences the EPC.
The partnership is positive for the EPC because GCM provides a competent, conscientious and committed employee for the EPC during the busy summer months. Their Christian witness, both verbal and non verbally are sensed throughout the entire camp. This positive Christian influence provides an even better YMCA. The Y can only be as bright and shining as its staff.
The partnership benefits GCM with a beautiful setting to host one of its LT programs internationally. The EPC also provides CO LT with space to conduct its meetings and a couple complimentary cabin spaces for GCM staff while allowing us to rent the rest of our (GCM LT) staff housing at a discount.