Workamping isn’t limited to campgrounds and RV parks – many organizations welcome RVers to join their teams in exchange for a site and other perks. One standout example is Snow Mountain Ranch at YMCA of the Rockies, a retreat and conference center nestled in the Colorado mountains. In this story, longtime Workampers Ernie and Sue Stones share what it’s like to spend a season volunteering at this unique and inspiring destination.
By Workamper Ernie Stones
Cool mornings, mountain scenery, friends around the fire, and rewarding work in a Christian environment – that’s volunteering and RVing at Snow Mountain Ranch (SMR) in Colorado.
We’re Ernie and Sue Stones from Canyon Lake, TX, and we’ve volunteered at SMR for the past three summers. The first thought that comes to mind is the friendly atmosphere at the Ranch, from staff, volunteers, international students, and guests – everyone is terrific! There is a wide variety of volunteer positions available. We’ve benefited from flexibility in volunteer assignments, with Ernie working in a different function each year.
How about camping in a mountain meadow in a sea of wildflowers, with panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains? That’s the scene in the Geronimo Campground for seasonal workers and volunteers at SMR. The campground features full RV hook ups with spacious pet-friendly sites. We especially enjoy the evening campfires.
There is so much to do at the ranch and the surrounding area. Many of the guest activities at SMR are available to volunteers for free or for a reduced charge. And a volunteer activities coordinator keeps things hopping with trips, excursions, and on-campus fun and games. Very special to us is the open air church service at Columbine Point looking out at the Rocky Mountains – God’s own cathedral.
The area has so much to offer – Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater, numerous lakes and rivers, to name just a few. Nearby towns of Granby, Tabernash, Fraser, Winter Park, and Grand Lake offer entertainment and a full variety of restaurants.
To sum it up – SMR is a great place to find rewarding work and also a place to thoroughly enjoy.
Workamping at places like YMCA of the Rockies shows just how diverse the opportunities can be for RVers on the road. Whether you’re greeting guests at a visitor center, maintaining trails, or supporting family-focused programs, these experiences provide more than just a campsite – they create memories that last a lifetime. Ready to explore options beyond traditional campgrounds? Check out the Workamper News Job Listings to see what unique adventures await.
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