The Olney Family Internship at Rocky Mountain Adaptive, 2026-2027

Application deadline: January 19, 2026

Send your application package and questions to bchiblak@ubishops.ca.

Experiential Learning lies at the heart of Bishop’s University’s mission, empowering students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom through internships and co-op placements. We are therefore thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Olney Family Internship for the Summer of 2026.

Thanks to the generous support of the Olney family, one Bishop’s student will have the unique opportunity to take part in an innovative internship program that connects Bishop’s University with Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA) in Canmore, Alberta. RMA is a charitable organization dedicated to making mountain sports accessible to individuals of all abilities, an initiative that deeply resonates with the Olney family’s values and long-standing support.

Of the four Olney siblings, Andy, Monica (’74), Chris (’79), and Marie (’83), three are proud Bishop’s University graduates. Their continued commitment to giving back to the Bishop’s community exemplifies the spirit of leadership, generosity, and engagement that defines our alumni.

The Olney Family Internship was conceived by Marie Olney, who approached Bishop’s University with the idea of establishing a family-funded internship that would both support a Bishop’s student and contribute to one of her family’s preferred charitable organizations. Together, the Olney siblings created this initiative to offer a transformative Experiential Learning opportunity, one that connects a current Bishop’s student with Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA), fosters hands-on learning, and encourages trans-Canadian travel and exchange.

The internship consists of two integrated components. The first is a three-month summer residency at Rocky Mountain Adaptive in Canmore, Alberta. Immersed in the stunning mountain environment, the selected student will work directly with the RMA team to design and develop a project of their own creation.

The second component is a six-credit Experiential Learning course at Bishop’s University, taken during the following Fall and Winter semesters. With the ongoing support of RMA staff (remotely), a Bishop’s academic supervisor, and the Experiential Learning Coordinator, the student will refine, finalize, and deliver their project, bringing their applied learning journey full circle.

Rocky Mountain Adaptive

Rocky Mountain Adaptive is a non-profit organization based in Canmore, Alberta that works to create and provide accessible adventure to individuals of all ages living with physical or neurodivergent (intellectual, cognitive, or developmental) challenges. Steeped in the philosophy that there are no limits, RMA’s mission is to make sports and recreation in the Canadian Rockies accessible to all.

Programming runs throughout the year and ranges from single-day lessons and experiences to multi-week programs. RMA also has a wide variety of sports to choose from. From paddle sports to alpine adventures, these programs provide opportunities for both locals and tourists from around the world to enjoy the Rockies.

For a glimpse into RMA and the organization in general, visit their website at https://rockymountainadaptive.com/

Hear from RMA’s Executive Director, Jamie McCulloch to learn more:

Learn about past project ideas and get application tips:

Internship

As an intern at RMA, you will have the opportunity to join the RMA team for three months in the summer of 2026. Once in Canmore, you will work hand-in-hand with the team throughout the summer on a project of your creation, while also supporting RMA with their programming.

Upon your return, you will then be enrolled in two Experiential LearningCourses in the Fall 2026 semester and Winter 2027 semester where you will continue to develop your project.

*The internship is only open to returning students.

Schedule

June – August 2026: The selected student will spend the summer working directly with the RMA team in Canmore, Alberta. Throughout the summer, participants will be expected to work with the RMA team, develop their own project and collect data to continue their work throughout the upcoming academic year.
September 2026 – April 2027: The selected student will then be enrolled in two Experiential Learning course at Bishop’s University in the fall and winter semesters (6 credits). The course code will reflect the student’s degree area (3 credits) and ELP300 Experiential Learning Internship / Placement (3 credits). The appropriate Dean and Chair will determine the supervisor for ELP 300.

Eligibility

The selected applicant must be returning to Bishop’s to continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year during which time they will complete 6 credits of Experiential Learning courses (Fall/Winter).

Applicants must have completed at least 30 credits at Bishop’s and must be returning to Bishop’s University full-time in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Applicants must be in good academic standing throughout the internship.
Applicants should have an interest in sports and recreation but need not be “athletes”. Experience and/or interest in teaching sports will be considered an asset.
Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to understand or have a pre-existing interest in accessibility issues as they relate to individuals of all ABILITIES partaking in all aspects of society, including sports and recreational activities.
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Applicants should submit a proposal that suggests ways to enhance RMA’s impact on the community in general, and on the disABLED in particular. Project proposals will be evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis on their alignment with RMA’s mission. The successful intern will have the flexibility to modify and adjust the proposed project based on fieldwork at RMA over the summer and in collaboration with RMA staff.

Projects could entail:

A proposal for a marketing/fundraising campaign for RMA.
A review of existing disABLED sports and recreation programs available in Canada vis-à-vis successes and failures.
A proposal for a path forward to make RMA a Canadian (International) Centre of Excellence.
The development of comprehensive internal and external Communications Plans for RMA and the subsequent execution of said plan.
Development of a diversity plan to make sports, and recreational activities accessible to individuals of all abilities (to include, but not limited to senior/elderly individuals, Indigenous peoples, new Canadians) while maintaining RMA’s primary goal of providing these opportunities to individuals of various disABILITIES.

Funding

Value: $15,000 (includes project work plus travel and living expenses while in Canmore).

Funding will be awarded throughout the year as a stipend for both the summer work experience at RMA in Alberta and the Experiential Learning Courses (6 credits) on campus. This is paid in three instalments: $7,000 over the summer, two payments of $2,000 throughout the academic year, and one of $1,000 upon completion of the project. See the following breakdown for more information on the payment and activity schedule.

Date	Deliverable	Payment amount	Notes
January 19, 2026	Submission of project application
February 2026	Committee will select this year’s participant
March-May 2026	Secure lodgings and transportation	$3000.00	One-Time Payment via Bishop’s University Payroll
June-August 2026	On-site work at RMA, in Canmore Alberta	$7000.00	Payable bi-weekly via Bishop’s University Payroll
September 2026	Debrief with Faculty Supervisor and Mr. McCulloch on project outline.	$2000.00	Payable to the student account.
December 2026	Submit project write up for review.
January-April 2027	Continue Project in the new year.	$2000.00	Payable to student account.
April 2027	Submit final project Presentation of project to the Olney family	$1000.00	Payable to student account.
May 2027	Final grades submitted

Application Process

Those interested should submit a proposal that suggests a project that will enhance RMA’s impact on the community in general, and on the disABLED in particular. Project proposals will be evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis of their alignment with RMA’s mission. The successful intern will have the flexibility to modify and adjust the proposed project based on fieldwork at RMA over the summer and in collaboration with RMA staff.

Your application package should include the following:

Choice of EITHER a video or a written proposal of your project idea:
- Provide a short video (maximum 5 minutes) introducing yourself and explaining how your life experiences, goals for the future, and personal development make you a suitable candidate to be the next intern at RMA, as well as the details of your project idea.
- Write a proposal (maximum 2 pages) in which you introduce yourself and outline the project you wish to pursue in support of RMA’s objectives in general terms, with the understanding that the on-site / field component of your time at RMA headquarters will further define the nature and goals of your project.
Provide a Curriculum Vitae (two pages max). Include relevant past work experience, references, and any additional information you deem beneficial to your application.
Two letters of reference from professors at Bishop’s University. The letters should detail why the applicant would be suitable for the internship. One of these references should come from the intended supervisor for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year; despite it not being a requirement, it is highly recommended that applicants secure their supervisor ahead of the interviewing process. The EL Coordinator can assist as necessary.

We are currently receiving applications for the 2026-2027 internship until January 19, 2026.

Applications should be submitted as PDF files to bchiblak@ubishops.ca.

If you have any questions about preparing your application, please email the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Bassam Chiblak, at bchiblak@ubishops.ca.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Adaptive:

Other Resources: