VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES

This program runs in the Denver Metro area and provides participants the opportunity to test their skill and precision through air rifle.

Training Requirements

½ day training to learn about air rifle set up, handling, and marksmanship.

Stand Skiing or Snowboard Instructors work with two-track, three-track, and four-track skiers, ski bikers and snowboarders at Winter Park Resort.

Skiers are not expected to also snowboard. Snowboarders may be asked to also learn skiing to better serve our participant population.

Examples of the types of disabilities served are Autism, Down Syndrome, IDD, amputee, MS, visually impaired, TBI, PTSD, etc.

Training Requirements

For New Stand Ski, Snowboard, & Ski Bike Volunteers:

• Ability to confidently ski or snowboard on intermediate (blue) terrain is required.
• Four (4) days of on-hill training clinics to build your foundation.
• Complete NSCD Orientation clinic (in person or online) to learn about various aspects of working with people with disabilities.

For Returning Stand Ski, Snowboard, and Ski Bike Volunteers:

Option 1: Refresh + Ride

• Complete the Online Overview.
• Join one (1) on-hill clinic of your choice to tune up your skills.

Option 2: Overview + Check-off

• Attend the NSCD Overview In-Person Clinic.
• Do a ½ day Skills Check-Off on the mountain to confirm you’re good to go.

Sit Ski Instructors work with bi-skis and mono-skis to support individuals who have muscle weakness, paralysis or neurological disorders. Examples are SCI, MS, Spina Bifida, CP, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Muscular Dystrophy, SMA etc.

Training Requirements

For New Sit Ski Volunteers:

• Ability to confidently ski or snowboard on intermediate (blue) terrain is required.
• Five (5) days of on-hill clinics to build your foundation.
• Complete NSCD Orientation clinic (in person or online) to learn about various aspects of working with people with disabilities.

For Returning Sit Ski Volunteers:

Option 1: Refresh + Ski

• Complete the Online Overview.
• Join one (1) on-hill clinic of your choice to tune up your skills.

Option 2: Overview + Check-off

• Attend the NSCD Overview In-Person Clinic.
• Do one (1) full day Skills Check-off on the mountain to confirm you’re good to go.

• Must be between age 16 – 18 years old.
• Ability to confidently ski or snowboard on intermediate (blue) terrain is required.
• Junior volunteers are welcome to sign up for any discipline, so they can explore what interests them most.

Assistant instructors support staff or the instructor(s) at Winter Park Resort with lifting and loading sit skiers and ski bikers, blocking on-hill to ensure participants’ safety, helping to transfer participants into equipment, carrying lesson support items such as poles or hoops that are used during a lesson. Assistants are trained to work with all types of disabilities.  

*Assistant to the instructor volunteers are not eligible for the five (5) day pass or season pass commitment perks.

Training Requirements

For New Volunteers:

• Ability to confidently ski or snowboard on intermediate (blue) terrain is required.
• Online or In-Person Orientation Clinic.
• One (1) full day On-Snow Clinic to build confidence and essential skills.

For Returning Volunteers:

• Ability to confidently ski or snowboard on intermediate (blue) terrain is required.
• Online or In-Person Refresher Training.
• One (1) on-hill clinic of your choice of stand ski clinics to tune up your on-snow abilities.

Volunteers help to support our equipment room by managing day-to-day equipment rentals for the NSCD Winter Ski and Snowboard program at Winter Park Resort.

Training Requirements

• Complete NSCD Orientation clinic (in person or online) to learn about various aspects of working with people with disabilities.
• One (1) full-day indoor training with equipment.

Archery takes place around the Mountain and Metro area. Programs are generally set up for groups to participate.

Training Requirements

• One (1) half-day training learning about the different types of bows, adaptations to support varying disabilities, and archery safety.

The NSCD has a fleet of adaptive bicycles, including recumbent hand cycles, foot-powered recumbent cycles, and upright bicycles.

Cycling takes place around the Denver Metro area with groups and individuals. The program focuses on youth and adults.

Training Requirements

• One (1) day of training on bikes. Training focuses on fitting, using adaptations for different types of disabilities, and bike maintenance.
• Volunteers must have their own bike to support the lessons.

Field Days are special events that take place at the NSCD Adaptive Program Center in the Denver Metro area. Events usually feature multiple stations such as archery, climbing, and cycling for school-age kids.

Training Requirements

• Previous training in specific field day sports with the NSCD will be required.
• Other support such as helping with check-in or lunches do not require additional training.

This program takes place during the months of June-August in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park. Volunteers support by setting up fishing gear, casting, repairing broken lines, and reeling in and releasing fish.

Requirements

• Previous fishing experience and knowledge of tackle is preferred.

Side walkers are trained volunteers who walk beside the horse to support riders with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.

They ensure rider safety, help maintain balance, and assist the instructor in running activities, acting as the vital link between the rider and the ground.

Training Requirements

• One (1) full-day of on-site training at the NSCD Adaptive Horseback Riding Center in Granby, CO.

Guiding the horse, managing speed, and executing turns or halts based on the instructor’s directions.

Training Requirements

• One (1) full-day of training working with horses at the NSCD Adaptive Horseback Riding Center in Granby, CO.

• No training requirements—just a willingness to work on the ranch!
• Volunteers must be able to lift 20+ pounds and be on their feet during their shift.

Taking place on lakes around the Mountain and Metro area, volunteers help support lake days for groups with varied types of disabilities.

Requirements

• Volunteers must be able to swim and support themselves in the water.
• Previous experience kayaking and/or paddleboarding preferred.

The NSCD has a fleet of adaptive mountain bikes and fat tire bikes to help participants explore mountain trails and gravel roads around the Mountain or Metro areas. Some experienced participants will also have the opportunity to ride Trestle in Winter Park. Volunteers must have their own mountain bike to support the lessons.

Training Requirements

• One (1) day of on-site training, which focuses on bike maintenance, safety, fitting the proper bike for each participant, and riding skills.
• Previous mountain biking experience at the intermediate to advance level is preferred.

Volunteers support Nordic and fat tire biking at Devil’s Thumb Resort in Granby, CO. Volunteers lead private and group lessons for stand and sit Nordic cross-country skiers. Volunteers work with all types of disabilities.

Training Requirements

• Online or NSCD Overview In-Person Clinic
• One (1) full-day training.

Volunteers help belay and set ropes for climbers. Programs take place at climbing gyms around the Denver Metro area. Participants include amputees, participants with IDD, TBI, and PTSD, Down Syndrome, etc.

Training Requirements

• NSCD Overview Clinic.
• Belay Certification required.
• One (1) full day of training.

Volunteers help belay and set ropes for climbers. Programs take place outdoors in Clear Creek Canyon, Staunton State Park, Eldorado Canyon, and Castlewood Canyon. Participants include amputees, participants with IDD, TBI, and PTSD, Down Syndrome, etc.

Training Requirements

• NSCD Overview Clinic.
• Belay Certification required.
• One (1) full day of training.

Volunteers support our school programs which include different types of activities such as hand cycling, archery, MOVES obstacle course, climbing, and paddling. Participants are part of a special education class and programs take place either at schools with special education teachers and NSCD staff on site, at NSCD Adaptive Program Centers, or at local parks and lakes.

Training Requirements

• Online training + one (1) full-day training including a basic understanding of disabilities as well as programs such as hand cycling, fitting of bikes, basic climbing, paddling, archery, and a review of the MOVES obstacle course.

Volunteers support the rafting program as Raft Guides, Raft Assistants, and Shuttle Drivers. The rafting program serves groups, camps, and families. Oftentimes, you may have 1–2 people with disabilities along with their family members.

Raft Guides: Lead participants on guided rafting trips while ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience on the water. Raft Guides are responsible for navigating the raft, providing instruction, managing river safety, and adapting to participants’ individual needs throughout the trip. Must be comfortable working in moving water, lifting 40lbs, and confidently leading a raft with participants.

Raft Assistants: Assist in on shore boat set up and tear down and group management. In some cases, Raft Assistants may also be assigned to get on a boat to help with behaviors and group management. Must be comfortable lifting 40lbs.

Training Requirements

• Raft Guides: Proof of Certification Required & one day in-person training.
• Raft Assistant: One day in-person training.
• Shuttle Driver: One (1) half-day of NSCD vehicle training, plus a MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) check.

Kayaking on Clear Creek River in Golden, CO. This program is a fan favorite for our adrenaline junkies. Volunteers must have whitewater experience and feel comfortable working with and guiding independent participants with a disability on the river.

Training Requirements

• Whitewater certification or Swiftwater certification required.
• One day in-person training.

• Wells Fargo Ski Cup (February, Winter Park Resort)
• Ski for NSCD (March, Winter Park Resort)
• Rocky Mountain Wine Festival (September, Winter Park Resort)

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Use your creative talents to help tell the NSCD story. Photographers and videographers capture meaningful moments from our programs and events, helping us share the impact of adaptive recreation with our community and supporters.