As a young man, Frank H. Cheley’s dream was to help boys grow into manhood in the great outdoors. His work with the YMCA convinced Frank that youth learn best through firsthand experiences, particularly when those experiences come under the direction of dedicated adult leaders. More than 85 years later, these basic principles are still the foundation for our work with young people at Cheley Colorado Camps.
Frank Cheley put his dreams of a character-building camp set in the high mountains of Colorado into action in 1921, the year he opened Bear Lake Trail School – An Alpine Summer Camp for Boys on the shores of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of all, he wanted the boys to become good sportsmen, which he described as “self-propelled, independent individuals with real character and personality.” Five years later, in 1926, Frank welcomed “vigorous girls” to his “vigorous camp” and called it Chipeta, named after the queen of the Utes, wife of Chief Ouray.
The entire operation moved to the Land O’ Peaks property in 1927, and in 1941, Frank opened the Boys’ and Girls’ Trail’s End camps. Today all eight camp units are housed on these three properties. The massive lodges and cozy cabins of the 20’s and 30’s have been carefully maintained, providing a legacy of rich memories for the children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren of those early campers.
Frank Cheley’s family has been steadfast in upholding the philosophy of camp life envisioned by their forefather. Following Frank’s death in 1941, son Jack and his wife, Sis, led Cheley for 40 years before entrusting its leadership to son, Don and his wife, Carole. Today, the camp remains a mission for the entire family as its leadership transitions to the two oldest members of the fourth generation, Jeff and Brooke. The well-preserved history of Cheley lives on in the camp’s historic log and stone lodges, the hearts and souls of countless satisfied campers, staff and alumni, and the stories that embody the fun and spirit of the Cheley program.
Frank Cheley put his dreams of a character-building camp set in the high mountains of Colorado into action in 1921, the year he opened Bear Lake Trail School – An Alpine Summer Camp for Boys on the shores of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of all, he wanted the boys to become good sportsmen, which he described as “self-propelled, independent individuals with real character and personality.” Five years later, in 1926, Frank welcomed “vigorous girls” to his “vigorous camp” and called it Chipeta, named after the queen of the Utes, wife of Chief Ouray. The entire operation moved to the Land O’ Peaks property in 1927, and in 1941, Frank opened the Boys’ and Girls’ Trail’s End camps. Today all eight camp units are housed on these three properties. The massive lodges and cozy cabins of the 20’s and 30’s have been carefully maintained, providing a legacy of rich memories for the children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren of those early campers. Frank Cheley’s family has been steadfast in upholding the philosophy of camp life envisioned by their forefather. Following Frank’s death in 1941, son Jack and his wife, Sis, led Cheley for 40 years before entrusting its leadership to son, Don and his wife, Carole. Today, the camp remains a mission for the entire family as its leadership transitions to the two oldest members of the fourth generation, Jeff and Brooke. The well-preserved history of Cheley lives on in the camp’s historic log and stone lodges, the hearts and souls of countless satisfied campers, staff and alumni, and the stories that embody the fun and spirit of the Cheley program.
