Internship FAQs
What is the BOEC Internship Program?
Interns are a valuable part of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). Because the BOEC courses rely primarily on the interns, the internship offers its participants the chance to play an integral role in empowering people of all abilities through outdoor experiences. A unique aspect of the BOEC internship is that it gives the interns an unlimited amount of responsibility.
Two primary internship programs occur seasonally through out the year. About twelve interns are selected for each season. An internship in either season requires one to make a full time commitment for four to six months (depending on season) to the BOEC.
Where have past interns come from?
Previous interns have come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Age, past experience, and level of education has varied with each intern group. A typical selection of interns may include:
- People ranging from age 21 to into their 30′s.
- Working professionals looking for a career change.
- College students completing an academic requirement for recreation management, outdoor experiential education, recreation therapy, etc.
- People looking for a life changing experience.
- People looking to gain outdoor experience and experience with people with disabilities. Physical, Occupational and Recreation Therapists looking to gain more outdoor experience and expand their professional horizons.
When are internships offered?
The winter internship begins November 1 and goes through April 30, after the ski resort closes. This commitment requires interns to remain away from home during the holidays. The summer internship begins May 15 and runs to September 30. All internships are full time commitments without time for outside work, or part time jobs. Potential interns must take this financial burden into consideration when applying.
How much do interns work?
Interns are the lifeblood of the BOEC, they are where the “rubber meets the road.” Without the intern staff the BOEC could not continue to operate in the way that it does and affect so many people in such a positive way. Depending on the season and participant volume in the ski or wilderness programs, interns typically get one day off every eight to ten days, with two to four days off every eight to ten days during off-peak times. The hours interns work varies depending on season and whether they are on a wilderness course. When interns are not on course they may be required to perform maintenance days and/or work in the administrative office.
Is room and board included?
Yes! Over the years, the intern cabin has been given gradual and steady improvements to make an incredibly comfortable home for the beloved interns. The cabin stands as one of three buildings on the thirty-nine acre wilderness site. The land is leased from the town of Breckenridge and is located on Peak 9 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. The all wood cabin features 3 toilets, 3 showers, 2 washers, 2 dryers, a TV and DVD player and gas and electric heat. This spacious, fully furnished cabin can house twelve interns during a season. There are 6 bedrooms: 2 singles, 2 doubles and 2 triples. Due to its very convenient location, interns can to walk or ski to work, and a short walk also allows one to access the FREE Summit County bus system.
Interns eat extremely well through generous deals on bulk purchases and a weekly check for fresh food. Going to purchase food, whether part of the trip to Denver or the weekly stop at the supermarket, is a responsibility shared by all interns.
Do interns get paid?
Yes and No. Interns receive a monthly stipend of fifty dollars, which usually goes to buying new equipment or gear on pro-deal (getting great stuff wholesale)! All interns also receive a free 25 punch pass to the Breckenridge Recreation Center, which boasts a wide variety of activities ranging from a rock wall and full weight/cardio center, to pools, hot tubs, clay tennis courts, and a variety of exercise classes. Depending on the season of the internship, benefits vary.
Winter Interns receive:
- Three-mountain season ski pass (Breckenridge, A-Basin, Keystone)
- Free rentals and skiing at the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic Centers
- Skier improvement clinics
- Adaptive instructor training
- Opportunities to become certified with Professional Ski Instructors of America or American Association of Snowboard Instructors
- Pro-deals (wholesale outdoor gear)
Summer Interns receive:
- Training with the climbing wall
- Off site rock climbing
- Top rope set up training
- High ropes course and elements experience and set-up
- Paddling experience both flat-water (canoe) and whitewater (rafting)
- Training in low impact camping and hiking
- Pro-deals (wholesale outdoor gear)
Will an internship at the BOEC lead to a job?
The experience of being a part of a non-profit organization can only add strength to a resume and enrich life experiences. The BOEC internship is a building block towards a bright future in experiential education, adaptive sports, allied heath (therapeutic recreation, physical and occupational therapy) and outdoor education. An internship at the BOEC has rolled over into a full time job for many of our staff. Roughly fifty percent of our staff throughout all areas of the BOEC were once interns. Former interns currently hold positions such as ski instructors, wilderness course directors, ski program trainer, internship program coordinator, operations manager and outreach coordinator. Just the experience of being an intricate part of a non-profit, as an intern, can help one discover a new career path and make the connections leading to the ‘dream’ job.
Will this internship fit NCTRC requirements?
Yes. 1-4 interns within the intern group will be chosen to do a Therapeutic Recreation internship. Interns will assist in assessment, planning, implemention/facilitation, and evaluation during BOEC activities which are goal oriented and directed toward rehabilitation, amelioration, and/or modification of specific physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social functional behaviors. Responsibilities may include: client assessments, progress notes, discharge plans, activity analysis, leisure education, etc.
What are the qualifications for being an intern?
All interns must be at least twenty-one years of age, have First Aid and CPR certification and the ability to commit to an entire season. Above all the BOEC is looking to create an intern staff that is self-motivated, takes initiative, and has some experience working with people with disabilities and special needs. It is helpful to have technical outdoor or skiing skills and, most importantly, the ability to work well with people. All interns must have a strong sense of hard work, flexibility, a love of the outdoors, an open mind and a love for working with people.
