GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOUTH & MOUNTAINS MEET
Frank H. Cheley
Est. 1921 in Estes Park, CO
We build the lasting character and resiliency of young people, creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural environment.
Why Cheley?Find Their Place at Cheley
At Cheley, campers are thoughtfully grouped by age to create close-knit communities designed to meet them where they are developmentally. As campers grow, their experience grows with them, with increasing opportunities for independence, challenge, responsibility, and leadership, all rooted in friendship, adventure, and the Code of Living.
Explore by age to see the units available to your camper and find the community that feels like the right fit.
A First Taste of Cheley
For many eight-year-olds, Quarter B-4 is their first experience away at camp. With plenty of support and encouragement, campers get a taste of independence, make new friends, explore the outdoors, and discover just how much they’re capable of—all during a five-day introduction to the Cheley Experience.
Not sure if Quarter B-4 is right for your camper? We’re here to help!
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Pikas 5 DAYS · Age 8
Pikas is designed specifically for eight-year-olds experiencing Quarter B-4. In a caring, age-appropriate community, campers explore Cheley activities, traditions, and outdoor adventures while practicing the independence and confidence that come with being away from home.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Pikas 5 DAYS · Age 8
Pikas is designed specifically for eight-year-olds experiencing Quarter B-4. In a caring, age-appropriate community, campers explore Cheley activities, traditions, and outdoor adventures while practicing the independence and confidence that come with being away from home.
Discovering Camp
At nine and ten, camp is about discovery. Campers learn the fundamentals of activities, set goals, contribute to their community, and begin developing the independence that comes from life away from home. Whether joining us for five days or 27, campers are supported as they try new things, build friendships, and discover what the Cheley Experience is all about. New to overnight camp? Here’s everything you need to know.
Not sure which experience is the best fit? We’re here to help!
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Lower Ski Hi 27 Days · Ages 9–11
Lower Ski Hi is designed with younger and first-time campers in mind. Campers receive the support and structure they need to build confidence, explore a wide variety of activities, learn Cheley traditions, set goals, and become more self-reliant while finding their place in a caring community.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Marmots 5 DAYS · Ages 9–10
Marmots offers nine- and ten-year-olds a five-day introduction to the Cheley Experience. Campers rotate through activities like hiking, archery, and high ropes while experiencing camp traditions, making new friends, and getting a feel for life away from home.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Lower Chipeta 27 Days · Ages 9–11
Lower Chipeta is designed with younger and first-time campers in mind. Campers receive the support and structure they need to build confidence, explore a wide variety of activities, learn Cheley traditions, set goals, and become more self-reliant while finding their place in a caring community.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Marmots 5 DAYS · Ages 9–10
Marmots offers nine- and ten-year-olds a five-day introduction to the Cheley Experience. Campers rotate through activities like hiking, archery, and high ropes while experiencing camp traditions, making new friends, and getting a feel for life away from home.
A Choice Year
Eleven is a choice year at Cheley. Campers can choose between Lower Ski Hi or Lower Chipeta and Ski Hi or Chipeta, depending on where they’ll feel most comfortable, challenged, and excited for the summer. There isn’t one right choice! Previous camp experience, independence, friendships, school grade, and readiness for new challenges can all help determine the best fit.
Still not sure which is the best fit? We’re here to help!
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Lower Ski Hi 27 Days · Ages 9–11
For an eleven-year-old who is newer to Cheley or would benefit from another summer with a little more structure and support, Lower Ski Hi can be a great fit. Returning campers also have the opportunity to be among the oldest in the unit, serve as role models, and approach camp with the confidence that comes from already knowing the ropes.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Ski Hi 27 Days · Ages 11–13
For campers ready for what comes next, Ski Hi builds on the foundation of the Lower experience with greater independence, new traditions, and bigger adventures. Campers gain access to opportunities like backpacking and overnight horseback rides while setting new goals and becoming part of an older community.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Lower Chipeta 27 Days · Ages 9–11
For an eleven-year-old who is newer to Cheley or would benefit from another summer with a little more structure and support, Lower Chipeta can be a great fit. Returning campers also have the opportunity to be among the oldest in the unit, serve as role models, and approach camp with the confidence that comes from already knowing the ropes.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Chipeta 27 Days · Ages 11–13
For campers ready for what comes next, Chipeta builds on the foundation of the Lower experience with greater independence, new traditions, and bigger adventures. Campers gain access to opportunities like backpacking and overnight horseback rides while setting new goals and becoming part of an older community.
Testing Their Wings
At twelve and thirteen, campers take on greater independence, pursue more challenging goals, and experience the accomplishment that comes from stretching beyond what they thought they could do. Campers can choose between two distinct settings: the lively, interconnected community of Land O’Peaks or the smaller, more self-contained experience of Trail’s End. Both offer adventure, friendship, personal growth, and the traditions and values at the heart of the Cheley Experience.
Not sure which is the best fit? We’re here to help!
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Ski Hi 27 Days · Ages 11–13
Ski Hi offers the energy and connection of life at Land O’Peaks while maintaining a close-knit unit community of its own. Campers build confidence through increasingly challenging activities, set bigger goals, and enjoy greater independence while living in cabins and connecting with the larger camp community.
Trail's End Ranch
Boys' Trail's End (BTE) 27 Days · Ages 12–17
Boys’ Trail’s End offers a quieter, self-contained camp experience 12 miles from Land O’Peaks. Campers live four to a rustic Conestoga wagon in a multi-age community where younger campers learn alongside older role models and shared responsibility, adventure, and everyday life together foster independence and close friendships.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Chipeta 27 Days · Ages 11–13
Chipeta offers the energy and connection of life at Land O’Peaks while maintaining a close-knit unit community of its own. Campers build confidence through increasingly challenging activities, set bigger goals, and enjoy greater independence while living in cabins and connecting with the larger camp community.
Trail's End Ranch
Girls' Trail's End (GTE) 27 Days · Ages 12–17
Girls’ Trail’s End offers a quieter, self-contained camp experience 12 miles from Land O’Peaks. Campers live four to a rustic Conestoga wagon in a multi-age community where younger campers learn alongside older role models and shared responsibility, adventure, and everyday life together foster independence and close friendships.
Challenge, Leadership & Lifelong Friendship
No age is too old to start going to camp. Whether arriving at Cheley for the first time or returning for another summer, our oldest campers take on greater independence, deeper challenges, and growing responsibility. Campers test their grit, create lifelong friendships, and strengthen the values they develop through the Code of Living. With meaningful opportunities to lead and contribute to their community, these years give campers the space to discover who they are and the kind of person they want to become.
Not sure which is the best fit? We’re here to help!
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Haiyaha 27 Days · Ages 14–17
Haiyaha is our senior Land O’Peaks unit for young men. Campers pursue some of Cheley’s biggest adventures, take greater ownership of their goals and experience, and step into meaningful leadership within their unit. These years are about challenging yourself, investing deeply in your community, and making the most of every opportunity camp has to offer.
Trail's End Ranch
Boys' Trail's End (BTE) 27 Days · Ages 12–17
At Boys’ Trail’s End, older campers become an important part of a multi-age community. The secluded setting, rustic wagon life, and shared responsibility create an environment where campers rely on one another, take greater ownership of camp life, and naturally become mentors and role models for younger campers.
Land O'Peaks Ranch
Senior Chipeta 27 Days · Ages 14–17
Senior Chipeta is our senior Land O’Peaks unit for young women. Campers pursue some of Cheley’s biggest adventures, take greater ownership of their goals and experience, and step into meaningful leadership within their unit. These years are about challenging yourself, investing deeply in your community, and making the most of every opportunity camp has to offer.
Trail's End Ranch
Girls' Trail's End (GTE) 27 Days · Ages 12–17
At Girls’ Trail’s End, older campers become an important part of a multi-age community. The secluded setting, rustic wagon life, and shared responsibility create an environment where campers rely on one another, take greater ownership of camp life, and naturally become mentors and role models for younger campers.
Campers in Leadership Training
For returning Cheley campers ready to experience camp in a new way, the Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) program combines the fun and adventure of being a camper with a greater commitment to service, leadership, and responsibility. CILTs remain part of their home units while participating in leadership training, supporting their community, and spending time on an exchange in another unit. The CILT program is application-based for eligible returning campers and is not an award or required next step in the Cheley Experience. At its heart, being a CILT is about giving some of your own camper experience to help make camp better for others.
Interested in the CILT Program?
Our Activities
The Rocky Mountains are our playground, and every day is an adventure! Whether hiking to a summit or riding horseback, campers challenge themselves, build confidence, and learn lifelong skills—all while creating unforgettable memories.
Why Cheley?
Families choose Cheley for the best of both worlds: a trusted, structured environment where safety comes first and an adventure-filled experience where kids can truly be kids. Parents value our century-long tradition, top-rated overnight camp programs, and deep commitment to camper well-being, while campers love the friendships, challenges, and the thrill of trying something new. At Cheley, campers unplug from technology, immerse themselves in nature, and build confidence, resilience, and independence. Skills that last long after the summer ends. As one parent shared, “Cheley gave my child the confidence to explore, grow, and thrive—and I knew they were in safe hands.”
Our Dedicated Staff
Our staff is committed to each camper’s growth, safety, and success. Every counselor is carefully selected, background-checked, and completes over 10 days of training in first aid, risk management, child protection, and mental health before campers arrive. With small camper-to-staff ratios and clear professional boundaries, every camper is supported and encouraged—all while experiencing a safe, fun, and transformative summer.
Our Spectacular Setting
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, our 1,400-acre campus is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and indigenous pine forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for adventure. With towering peaks, alpine meadows, and winding trails, campers wake up to some of the most picturesque views in the world—an experience that stays with them for life.
Our Nourishing Meals
Great adventures need great fuel! Our made-from-scratch, family-style meals keep campers energized with plenty of variety and options for every dietary need, including allergies and restrictions. Campers and staff consistently rave about the quality, and there’s something for everyone at the table because shared meals are about more than just food, they’re about community.
Our Compassionate Care
Your camper’s well-being is always supported. Our four on-site health centers are staffed by licensed medical professionals who manage everything from daily medications to unexpected illnesses and injuries. Counselors are trained to recognize and respond to campers’ mental, emotional, and social needs, ensuring each child feels cared for. With these supports in place, campers can focus on exploring, building friendships, and growing in a caring environment.
Our Proven Preparedness
With more than 100 summers behind us, we’ve built and refined systems to respond to both the everyday and the unexpected. Regular drills, clear protocols, and strong local partnerships mean our crisis response team is ready to act when needed. Should an incident occur, families receive timely, thoughtful updates with camper well-being front and center.
The Countdown to Summer 2027 Is On!
Until 1st term
Until 2nd term
Until Quarter B-4