Message From Leadership

Staff member Lindsay Bullock represented YMCA of the Rockies as part of the U.S. delegation at the World YMCA’s Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya, in October 2024. At the Summit, YMCA leaders from around the world came together to discuss ways to collaborate to advance the priorities of Vision 2030, the collective vision of global YMCAs.

From March through November, Lindsay participated in a global learning exchange. As part of the program, Lindsay completed a project that advanced YMCA of the Rockies’ work in equity and global engagement. Lindsay began her journey at YMCA of the Rockies as a seasonal staff member, then became the Membership and Giving Coordinator, and has grown into her new position as the Family Programs Director at Estes Park Center.

“Being part of the global effort of YMCA’s all around the world to improve our work, especially through the lens of providing meaningful work for young people, has been life changing. I came out of this program a better employee and a better person.”
LINDSAY BULLOCK, YMCA OF THE ROCKIES STAFF MEMBER

This year we dedicated the newly remodeled Teen Barn at the Outpost! This historic and special place, located beside Glacier Creek, has been a cornerstone of memory-making for generations. Now, thanks to generous donors, Ken and Annette Hallock, the enhanced facility allows us to help thousands more students feel welcome and comfortable during our Outdoor Education programs, Day Camp and adventure activities!

In the summer of 2024, we served 2,587 overnight campers, 524 day campers, and awarded 275 camp scholarships! And, in a recent social impact survey, 64% of camper parents shared their children have grown significantly in physical, social, and emotional health as a result of both YMCA of the Rockies overnight and day camps!*

“Camp has given me self-confidence through the example of supportive adults and knowing there’s somewhere I can always be myself!”
CAMP CHIEF OURAY CAMPER

In 2024, YMCA annual fund supporters helped provide donor-sponsored getaways for 4,208 deserving families and individuals!

• 2,356 Teacher Families
• 903 Military Families
• 57 G.R.A.C.E. Families
• 96 Single Parent Families
• 464 Faith Leader Families
• 198 Foster Families

Plus 134 stays to school and nonprofit fundraisers.

“Having a place to reconnect, heal and create new memories meant more to us than words can express.”
MINDARD FAMILY, G.R.A.C.E GUESTS

Estes Park Center was honored to welcome Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra for a week-long musical festival funded by generous donors with a passion for the arts. The musicians offered performances throughout the week and hosted a children’s workshop.

Violinist Mary Beth Ions shared, “Music has a magical quality… During our week at the YMCA with Carl and my colleagues, I was transfixed. The beauty of the area, the chapel (that view!), and the deep appreciation from audiences was unmatched.”

This special event, returning in 2025, is designed to elevate the arts at the YMCA and is part of the Climbing Higher campaign.

After exploring locations across the country, FNDcourage found an ideal home for their Teen and Adult Retreats at YMCA of the Rockies. The partnership has created life-changing experiences for individuals living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), offering a safe, welcoming space where participants feel seen, understood and empowered to connect.

Staff member Amanda Hopper described YMCA of the Rockies as “more than a venue—it’s a lifeline,” highlighting that the flexibility to accommodate dietary needs, opportunities for quiet reflection and space to build meaningful relationships make the YMCA an invaluable partner in delivering transformative retreat experiences.

In December, Húnkpapha Lakhóta skier and activist Connor Ryan visited Snow Mountain Ranch for a day of connection and learning. Raised on the homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations, at the foot of the Rockies, Connor draws on traditional Lakota ecological knowledge to deepen our relationship with the land and water we ski on.

Through a film screening, Nordic ski event, and keynote address, Connor inspired reflection on nature, Indigenous wisdom, and our shared commitment to sustainability and cultural understanding. One attendee shared that her son, also a skier and a huge fan of Connor, was thrilled to meet someone he looked up to so much—truly an unforgettable moment!

We are grateful for a generous lead gift from the Schlessman Family Foundation which will kick off fundraising for a new Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch, one of the largest projects for the Climbing Higher campaign.

The Schlessman Family’s support has strengthened our mission through capital projects, scholarships, Camp Chief Ouray, charitable stays and more—helping ensure access and opportunity for all. Their investment in the Nordic Center will create a world-class, inclusive space that will serve skiers of all abilities for years to come.

“The Schlessman Family Foundation and YMCA of the Rockies have been linked for five generations. Throughout the generations we have found respite, renewal, community and adventure and for many the YMCA is a second home. In turn, the family elects to continually support the mission and growth of the YMCA.

The Nordic Center is where many of us put on skis for the first time and our investment in developing a new facility is something we believe will help enhance accessible entry into winter outdoor recreation in Colorado.”

LAUREN WATEL, SCHLESSMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT