Activities

Our archery range offers beginners through experts the chance to improve their skills and have fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. $3 per person per hour class.  Please check the program bulletin for the Archery Class Schedule.  You can sign-up in Sweet Memorial two days in advance when offered. Age 9+.  The Archery Range is typically open Mid-May until Early October.  We also offer hour long private classes.  A private archery class costs $40 and can take up to 18 people.  You may reserve a private archery class depending on availability by calling 970-586-3341 ext. 1172 to set-up a class.

During the summer months, enjoy a high altitude game of basketball or volleyball on our outdoor courts. Bring your own gear or check out balls at the Sweet Memorial Building.
In the fall, winter, and spring our Longhouse Gymnasium is open for basketball, volleyball and shuffleboard. The gym has two full basketball courts which also can serve as volleyball courts.
Basketballs and volleyballs can be rented with a $10 cash deposit.

Please reserve campfire rings and cookout sites at Sweet Memorial.Cost: $12 includes campfire ring reservation and two bundles of wood. $5 refundable deposit for water bucket.  Prices good for activities booked until May 2012. Please call for prices after May 2012, 970-586-3341 x1104

You can't beat this exercise if you're looking for a team-building opportunity. Our Challenge Course is divided into two categories: low elements and high elements.

• Low elements: Low elements are at ground level and consist of a fixed obstacle. The YMCA facilitator presents a problem or task and the group works together to solve it. There is no right or wrong way to solve the task as long as the group follows the given guidelines. Low elements focus on the entire group. By working together through these tasks, group characteristics such as communication, cooperation, trust and leadership are enhanced.
•  High elements: High elements are 35 feet off the ground and consist of wire cables and platforms between trees. Participants are on a belay system to provide protection and safety. Each element has a set task and there is no wrong way to achieve the end result as long as guidelines are met. High elements focus on individual goal setting and achievement.

A typical full day on the course is 9-12 and 1-4. A half-day could be either the morning or the afternoon slot. The mornings are recommended during the summer months because of afternoon showers. The ideal group size is 8-15 participants per course.  12 years old is the minimum age for the high course.

Schools, youth and church groups:
Half-day $20.00 per person
Full-day $30.00 per person

Professional and corporate groups:
Half-day $40.00 per person
Full-day $70.00 per person

All groups MUST book in advance.

Sign up in Sweet Memorial two days in advance when offered as a family program between the summer months of June-August. If you have a group of at least 6 people you may reserve climbing time depending on availability by calling 970-586-3341, ext 1106.

We are happy to offer a three-sided outdoor climbing tower at our facility.   Our wall offers three sides with enough diversity and usability to suit the needs of beginner and intermediate climbers. Sign up in Sweet Memorial two days in advance when offered as a family program between the summer months of June- August. Individuals cost is $10/person for a 1.5 hour session. If you have a group of at least 6 people, you may reserve climbing time depending on availability by calling 970-586-3341, ext 1106. Group fee is $150 for a 1.5 hour session for up to 15 people. Age 7+. Prices good for activities booked until May 2011.

Outdoor Rock Climbing
Outdoor rock climbing will be offered at Mary's Lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Instruction and all equipment is provided.  Our rock climbing area includes routes with varying degrees of difficulty, including a 5.9 route.  Kids 12 and up can participate.
Sundays: 9-12 am and 1-4 pm
Wednesdays: 1-4 pm
Cost: $30 per person
How to Register: Register at Sweet Memorial Program Building 2 days in advance, or make a private group booking prior to arrival.  To contact Program staff with questions, please call 970-586-3341, ext. 1104.

Welcome to the fun world of arts & crafts in the Mootz Family Craft and Design Center!  We offer a wide variety of crafts for kids ages 2 to 92! Check out the wood and leather crafts, the jewelry area with thousands of beads, ceramics, tie dye and our seasonal crafts: silk painting & basket making, which are usually open for 10 weeks during the summer.  Our hours vary, so please check the Program Bulletin. The prices range from $3.00-$35.00 per project with most people spending around $15.00. Please call 970-586-3341 extension 1132 for more information.

 

Our challenging 18 hole disc golf course will take you around our property while testing your skills! Disc golf discs can be rented at the Sweet Memorial Building for a $10 cash deposit.

Click here to read the disc golf rules.
View the disc golf course map.
Download the disc golf score card. 

Evening Camp offers kids and parents to make the most out of their summer evenings.  Activities include camp games, mini-golf, crafts and special programs and performances.
June 19 - August 9
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
5:30 - 9:30 pm
Ages 3-10
$15 per child
Register here

We offer a wide variety of family programs, ranging from Capture the Flag to Animal Detective to Outdoor Living Skills.  To see what we're offering this week, please check out our program bulletin. FREE.

Come hear a spooky presentation of "Ghost Towns of the Rockies," an entertaining talk by author and speaker Preethi Burkholder. View more information here. Friday, October 21st, 2011 at the YMCA.

Looking to have a weekend full of activities with little planning? Let us do all the work while you and your family attend one of our Family Weekend Festivals. Perfect for families with younger children, all lodging, meals and activities are included in an affordable packaged price.

Dorsey Lake is located at the entrance of the YMCA. This small lake is available for fishing by children 14 years old and younger. Live or artificial bait may be used and the limit is 3 fish.  Licenses are not required in Colorado for persons 15 or under.

 

Nearby Rocky Mountain National park is home to world-class fly-fishing opportunities.  Estes Park Center offers a variety of fly fishing options through Sasquatch Fly Fishing, so you can get the most out of your experience.   Full, half day or overnight trips are available. Trips include rod, reel, line, waders, leader, tippet and flies.  All you need to bring is food, water, personal clothing and the willingness to learn.

Sasquatch generally opens on Memorial Day and has closed for the season on August 27th, 2011. You may set up private outings, but we are limited to 10 per party. To book a private outing or for more information please contact:

Joe Croteau
(303) 485-7554
Email joe@sasquatchflyfishing.com
Or visit www.sasquatchflyfishing.com

 

Located in the basement of Sweet Memorial Building is our Game Room. Activities include ping pong, pool table, foosball, marble football, TV/VCR and movie check-outs. $10 deposit, $1 fee for pool table use and $5 refundable deposit for ping pong.

 

Come Hike with Us!

Looking for beautiful and educational hikes in or near Rocky Mountain National Park?  We have the guided hikes you are looking for! During the summer season, our expert Hikemasters lead hikes of varying difficulty to many different locations in the area (from strolling on the “Y” grounds, to hiking to alpine lakes, to climbing peaks). Each week’s hikes are listed in the Program Bulletin [summer months].

All hikes leave from the Sweet Memorial Building where sign-up sheets  are available two days prior to the hike date.  Each hike is limited to a maximum of 14 people (sometimes limited to 9) so sign up early, read or ask about requisites, bring listed hike necessities, and prepare to have fun! If you have more than five in your party, we ask you to talk with a Hikemaster before signing up to determine the best hike to fit your group.

You may request a hike in advance for your family & friends, or just yourself. Contact Ken Teselle: e-mail KTeselle@ymcarockies.org, cell 610-780-5752; or Jeff Mabry at 970-586-3341 ext.1108.

Join us for the informative Hiker’s Huddle at 7:00pm every Sunday in Hempel Auditorium (summer only). Learn about the week’s upcoming hikes, meet other hiking quests, find out the 10 essential hiking items, and see a slide show.

For those hiking on their own, Sweet Memorial offers maps and recommendations of trails in the surrounding area. Ask about dog-friendly trails.

The fine print - “some restrictions apply”: We want all children, parents, and other guests to enjoy all we have to offer. It is recommended that children under the age of 12 only sign-up for hikes under 3 miles. The Hikemaster will have discretion for hikes over 4 miles. A parent must accompany children under the age of 16 on all program hikes.

Estes Park Center offers a variety of horseback rides through the Jackson Stables livery located on grounds.  Please visit jacksonstables.com to find out more about the variety of horseback rides and hayrides.
Check out the spring trail riding schedule!

 

 

Horseshoe pits are located beside the outdoor basketball courts; horseshoes may be acquired at the golf shack with a $10 deposit.
 

 

Ice skates are available to rent at Sweet Memorial Program Building, and ice skating is available near the entrance of our property on Dorsey Pond. $5.00 refundable deposit per pair of skates.

 

Guests of the YMCA are welcome to check books out from our library at no cost.  We have more than 15,000 volumes including current bestsellers, classics and a delightful children's library. We are now offering computer and internet access to our guests for a fee of $5.00 per half hour. This service includes access to e-mail, Internet, word processing and printing of documents. Stop by or call 970-586-3341, x. 1133.

See the Library's Summer Programs.

 

The outdoor mini-golf is a challenging 18-hole course open in the summer and warmer portions of spring and fall. The course is lighted during the evening in summer. FREE.

 

Mountain bike trails for the entire family can be found right at Estes Park Center. Enjoy the scenery, breathe the fresh air and get some exercise at the same time. Bring your own bikes and helmets or rent a bike on property at New Venture Cycling. Rentals are available anywhere from 1 hour up to a full-day. For current rates and information on New Venture Cycling visit online at http://www.newventurecycling.com or call 970-301-0853.

Whether you're an old-timer or first-timer, the Dorsey Museum has something for you.  Housed in a 1924 guest lodge, the museum features several period room settings and display galleries. There is also a 1905 log tourist cabin and two-bedroom cabin depicting accommodations from 1949. Birders are invited to enjoy watching our feathered friends at our feeders.

 

 

The Bennett Preschool serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years. We believe in a play-based curriculum where the teachers create a developmentally appropriate environment for the children to explore through play.
  
 Our program uses an Emergent curriculum which fosters the development of the whole child including language, cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains. An emergent curriculum begins with the children's interest and the teachers then act as facilitators to help develop those interests more.
 
Our program also intertwines the methods of HighScope Curriculum, actively involving children in their learning. Children learn through direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. A plan-do-review sequence allows children to plan what they want to work on, including what they need to use, then do the task, and finally review their findings by discussing it with their peers.
 
 We have also incorporated health, safety, nutrition, and character development into the curriculum. The Christian values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith are a part of the learning experience. These values, which are an integral part of the YMCA of the Rockies mission, are modeled through our actions and conversations.

Please enter the Bennett Preschool website here to learn more. For more information or a tour, please call: 970-586-3341 x1137.

Rafting trips are offered through Rapid Transit Rafting.

Full and half-day rafting trips!  Our trips are designed for both first-time and experienced rafters, and are great for the whole family.  Rapid Transit Rafting has offered raft trips from Estes Park for more than 20 years.  Our morning and afternoon half-day trips are on the Cache La Poudre River, and our full day trips float the Colorado River.

We ensure your trip is safe, as each of our guides surpasses state requirements with extensive training in first aid, river rescue and CPR.  We have one of the best safety records in the state and we are fully insured and licensed by the state of Colorado.

Children older than 7 years who weigh at least 50 pounds are welcome.

Call Rapid Transit Rafting toll-free at 800-367-8523, email us at raftcolorado@aol.com,
or visit http://www.rapidtransitrafting.com/.

 

Bring your skates and head over to the roller rink!
Open during the fall, spring and winter months, the skating rink is located in the Longhouse Building. Skates are provided and rollerblades are welcome. FREE.

 

Guided snowshoe hikes are available during the winter months.  Our guides will take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, where you'll be able to experience a wide variety of terrain.  Snowshoes are available to rent in Sweet Memorial Program Building. Adults ages 13+ is a $10 rental fee, children 12 and younger rent for $5 rental fee.

 

Please note that the swimming pool will be closed from Sunday, November 27 to Saturday, December 17.  Our indoor swimming pool is open year-round. Water exercise classes, lap swims and open swim times are all scheduled in our program bulletin. Heated to 83 degrees and at a length of 25 yards, you are sure to find room for relaxation and fun.  For more information and pool rules, click here. FREE. 

We have three tennis courts with equipment available for a $10 deposit at the golf shack in summer or Sweet Memorial Building during spring and fall. FREE.


 

 

Have the ride of your life! Our zip line is a platform start, 20ft in the air. Guests who ride reach a max height of 35ft off the ground, 30mph and zip over 800ft across the beautiful Wind River Valley,  all under the supervision of trained staff. Feel the rush of fresh mountain air while viewing the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and the sounds of Wind River. Please call for current schedule and cost. You must be above the age of 12 and no less than 80lbs or more than 220lbs for safety reasons. Sign up in Sweet Memorial two days in advance when offered as a family program between the summer months of June-August. Individual cost is $12 per person for a 1.5 hour session.  If you have a group of at least 6 people,  you may reserve zip line time depending on availability by calling 970-586-3341 ext 1106. Group Zip Line rates are $200 per 1.5 hour session. Prices good for activities booked until May 2011

Estes Park and the surrounding area has much to offer, including museums, shopping, rock climbing, golf and more.  For more information, please visit the Estes Park Visitors Bureau website.

 

Board games...$5
Frisbee...$5
Puzzles...$5
Tennis Racket/3 balls...$10
Day Packs...$5
Horseshoes...$10
Child Carrier...$50
Ice Skates...$5
Ping Pong...$5
Videos...$10
Frisbee Disc Golf Discs...$10
Basketball, Football, Soccer ball, Volleyball, Softball & Bat...$10
Pool Table...$10 plus $1 per hour user fee

 

June

 

June 12th. . . . . Singer, Songwriter, Chuck Pyle

June 16th. . . . . “Strangebyrds”

June 19th. . . . . Singer, songwriter Richard Geppinger

June 21st . . . . All female Bluegrass band, “Giddy-up Kitty”

June 22nd . . . . “The Metamoocil Mountain Boys”

Acoustic Blues, Folk a& American

June 23rd. . . . . Nancy McNeill

June 26th. . . . . Singer, songwriter, Sid Hausman

June 29th. . . . . Vocal Duo; “The Flyin’ A’s”

June 30th. . . . . “Steel Pennies”

 

July

 

*July 1st. . . . . Singer, songwriter, Mary D’Ambra

July 7th. . . . . Folksinger; Mark Dvorak

July 10th. . . . . Modern Era Folk Musician; Lee Murdock

July 13th. . . . . Award winning Children’s Songwriter, Katherine Dines

July 17th. . . . . Harmony driven Acoustic Duo; “Jubilant Bridge”

July 19th . . . . “Windy Peak”

July 21st . . . . Summer Harmony Barbershop Kids

July 22nd. . . . . Country Singer, Songwriter; Elizabeth Blum

**July 24th. . . . . The Queen City Jazz Band

July 26th . . . . A Cappella vocals; “Cool Shooz”

July 28th. . . . . “Orion’s Bow”

 

August

August 2nd. . . . . Acoustic Trio; “Dakota Blonde”

August 3rd. . . . . “5280 A cappella”

*August 7th. . . . . “Esprit Creole”

August 9th. . . . . Singer, songwriter, RJ Cowdery

August 11th. . . . .  The Coot Lake Band

 

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

*Outdoor Amphitheater

** Walter G. Ruesch Auditorium

All other performances are in the Hempel Family Program Building

ADMISSION IS FREE