EXPAND swim fitness program

About EXPAND

Located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, EXPAND is dedicated to help people of all abilities enjoy life. At EXPAND, Our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists work together to facilitate recreation and leisure based activities to assist our participants in learning and practicing:

  • Social and communication skills
Two EXPAND interns holding up a t-shirt at the Boulder Reservoir
  • Physical fitness and sports
  • Independence and self-confidence
  • Building community
  • Safety within programs and in the community
  • Emotional well-being and appropriate expression of emotions
  • Cognition skills such as decision making, understanding rules and sustained attention
  • Leisure awareness, leisure education and having FUN!

And so much more!

Unique Experiences

EXPAND field trip

Come join our team! EXPAND accepts up to nine interns studying Therapeutic Recreation per year; three during each semester (fall, winter/spring, summer).

Fall: early September to mid- December

Winter/Spring: early January to mid- April

Summer: end of May- early September

Interns are supervised by one of the EXPAND staff members and will get a chance to work with all of us. We strive to have you involved in all aspects of our jobs so you leave understanding what it takes to be a community-based recreational therapist. Our internship meets all NCTRC standards so you too can take the test and become a CTRS!

Program Opportunities

  • Sports including swimming, gymnastics, flag football, pickleball, and basketball.
  • Fitness classes including spinning, yoga, water aerobics, dance, and movement mentors.
  • Adventure programs including camping, adaptive water ski, and overnight trips!
  • Social programs including Friday night fun, crafts, chat & chow and school day off programs.
  • Summer Camps including Kidz Camp and Camp Amico

Intern Qualifications

EXPAND intern and participant
  • Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation
  • Effective written and communication skills
  • General understanding of working with individuals with a variety of needs
  • Problem solving and adapting skills
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
  • Ability to work independently and under supervision of CTRS

Intern Application Deadlines

  • Summer applications due March 1st, 2024
  • Fall applications due April 19th, 2024
  • Winter Spring applications due October 18th, 2024

Intern Perks

  • $1,500 stipend
  • Free Recreation Center Pass with access to facilities, drop in classes, outdoor pools, and Boulder Reservoir

"The variety of opportunities that I received through this internship was incredibly appealing as someone who wanted to 'EXPAND' their Recreation Therapy toolbox as much as possible. Working with this supportive and enthusiastic group of CTRS’ is one of the reasons that I have grown and learned so much about myself and the profession. This is the kind of agency that will do anything and everything to help you reach your goals. I will always be grateful towards them!"

- Erin Klein, EXPAND Intern, spring 2022

Contact Emily Nelsen