Located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, EXPAND is dedicated to helping people of all abilities recreate through 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
Physical fitness and sports
Independence and self-confidence
Building community
Safety within programs and in the community
Emotional well-being
Cognition skills such as decision making, understanding rules and sustained attention
Leisure awareness, leisure education and having FUN!
Unique Experiences
This internship is better than your friends internship! EXPAND accepts up to nine interns who are 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 our five EXPAND CTRS's and you 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, softball, kickball, bowling, cycling, and basketball.
Fitness classes including spinning, yoga, water aerobics, dance, morning movers and movement mentors.
Adventure programs including camping, adaptive water ski, and overnight trips!
Social programs including Friday night fun, crafts, and chat & chow.
Summer Camps including an inclusive Kidz Kamp and specialized Camp Amico
Intern Qualifications
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation
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 first Tuesday in March
Fall applications due first Tuesday in May
Winter/Spring applications due first Tuesday in October
Intern Perks
$1,500 stipend
Free Recreation Center Pass with access to facilities, drop in classes, outdoor pools, and Boulder Reservoir
"EXPAND was one of the best experiences I've had with multiple opportunities to learn, try new things, and grow both as a professional and an individual. I improved my confidence, leadership, and social skills through meetings, experiences, and planning and leading programs."
- Brittany Mellgren, EXPAND Intern, spring 2026
"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!"
