We invest a lot of energy in recruiting and training our staff, and it shows. In annual evaluations, Cheley counselors consistently receive high marks from campers and parents, who describe them as friendly, happy, knowledgeable, caring, and really fun to be around. Campers grow to love their counselors, cooks, nurses and bus drivers. They all contribute wholeheartedly to the feeling of community that is so prevalent at Cheley.

We refer to our staff as youth development professionals. These are young men and women who have completed one or two years of college. Our 8-10 day on-site staff training devotes special attention to safety and risk management issues, team building, counseling skills and communication and teaching skills. Chosen for their love of the outdoors and preference for community living, our counselors are tuned in to young people in their growing up years and enjoy playing a part in their development.

Well over half of our staff returns to camp the following summer. This continuity encourages greater expertise and further development of skills and knowledge of the Cheley program. Many of our staff members were Cheley campers, which gives them a valuable perspective as counselors. From cooks to camp directors, our entire staff spends their summers in residence at camp, creating a vital, close-knit camp community.

Click here for Staff Profiles.