As the sun sets on Summer 2025 in Haiyaha, we’re left with echoes of laughter through the pines, boots dusty from trail miles, and hearts full of unforgettable memories. Our campers arrived eager and curious, and they left as hikers, riders, sharpshooters, leaders, and friends—more confident, more connected, and forever changed by the time they spent beneath Colorado’s open skies. Each moment—whether spent beside a campfire or summiting a peak—contributed to a summer of growth and joy, woven together by a community spirit that makes Haiyaha truly one of a kind.
Hiking this summer, led by Jack Wright, Gabi Narvaez, and Will King, brought campers across some of the most breathtaking ridges and valleys in Rocky Mountain National Park. From first steps to seasoned summits, every hike was a chance to grow in grit and appreciation for the outdoors. We celebrate Berkeley Graham-Gurland for earning both his Hiking Basics and the Mountaineers Patch.
In Backpacking, counselors Bryson Andregg and Gary Garcia led campers into the backcountry for days filled with teamwork, starlight, and stories whispered through tent walls. Congratulations to Alejandro Harris and Niko Darrah, who earned both their Backpacking Basics and their Backpacking Patches this term. And with many years and miles under their boots, we were honored to recognize Bryant Pierce and Schuler Hurst with the Tyrolean, Cheley’s highest hiking and backpacking recognition. The Tyrolean is not something a camper can set out to achieve in one summer. It is earned over time, through quiet consistency, thoughtful leadership, and a deep love for the trail. Recipients are known not just for what they’ve done, but for who they’ve become along the way—carrying extra weight without being asked, helping others reach the summit, and showing humility, stewardship, and grace in every backcountry setting. It is one of the rarest and most meaningful recognitions in the hiking and backpacking programs, and Bryant and Schuler exemplified the character, maturity, and spirit this honor represents.
The On the Trail patch is awarded to campers who spend at least fifteen days out of camp, embracing the full wilderness experience through hiking, backpacking, riding, and more. We celebrate Alejandro Bibas, Antonio Carbonell, Calvin Frost, Guillermo Bibas, and Wyatt Morgan for their dedication and adventurous spirit.
The Riding program, brought to life by wranglers Rodrigo Cruz, Milo Arato, and Buckley Cason, gave campers the chance to build trust and skill in the saddle. We proudly recognize Jose Bours for earning both his Riding Basics and Riding Patch. And we were thrilled to honor Noah Posin with the Trailhand—the highest recognition in the riding program. The Trailhand is not something you can earn through a checklist; it is a recognition that emerges from consistent dedication, quiet leadership, and a deep, steady presence in the barn, on the trail, and in the community. Noah’s calm confidence, deep care for the horses, thoughtful mentorship of younger campers, and ability to lead by example made a lasting impression on both peers and staff. This is one of the rarest honors at Cheley, and Noah truly earned his place in this long-standing tradition of excellence.
Mountain Biking and Sports, led by Cam Arnold and Collin Butler, offered campers the chance to test their speed and stamina on challenging terrain. Though no patches were awarded this summer, the adventures on two wheels (and One Wheels!) and the team sports played on sunlit fields added energy and fun to every day.
The Outcamping program, led by Dylan Horan, brought campers into nature for nights spent cooking over open fires, laughing in tents, and connecting more deeply with the land—and each other. One highlight this summer was the “Chopped” competition, where teams of campers took on the challenge of creating delicious and inventive outdoor meals using surprise ingredients. These spirited cook-offs tested creativity, collaboration, and culinary skill, and brought tons of laughter (and surprisingly good food) to the backcountry. While no outcamping patches were given this term, the spirit of outdoor living was alive and well under Dylan’s leadership.
The following campers earned arrows in Archery:
White Arrow
Atticus Kutner, Ben Pearlstein, Chase Render, Colton Woolfolk, David Tyler, Enrique Rangel, Ethan Vaughn, Grant Gonzales, Harrison Keast, Henry Nichols, Kieran Gajajiva, Mark Thompson, Nicholas Sailer, Robert Gordon, Robert Sullivan, Theo Goldman, William Hart, and Ziggy Wild.
Black Arrow
Atticus Kutner, Ben Pearlstein, Chase Render, Colton Woolfolk, David Benzecry, David Tyler, Enrique Rangel, Ethan Vaughn, Grant Gonzales, Harrison Keast, Kieran Gajajiva, Logan Hunt, Malcolm Oblak, Nicholas Sailer, Robert Gordon, Theo Goldman, William Hart, and Ziggy Wild.
Blue Arrow
Braden Cramer, David Benzecry, Eli Katris, Enrique Rangel, Ethan Vaughn, Grant Gonzales, Harrison Keast, Logan Hunt, Malcolm Oblak, Nicholas Sailer, Robert Gordon, Sam Bosworth, William Hart, and Ziggy Wild.
Red Arrow
Chase Render, Colton Woolfolk, Eli Katris, Ethan Vaughn, Grant Gonzales, Harrison Keast, Malcolm Oblak, Mason Matakis, Nicholas Sailer, Noah Brown, Robert Gordon, and Robert Spilotro.
Gold Arrow
Chase Render, Eli Katris, Ethan Vaughn, Gavin Delisi, Malcolm Oblak, Robert Gordon, Robert Spilotro, and Theo Goldman.
Riflery, with instructor William Schnieders at the helm, saw campers sharpen their focus and precision on the range. Campers achieved remarkable levels in prone, kneeling, sitting, and standing shooting positions:
Prone Specialist
Alexander Nuckols, Ben Pearlstein, Benjamin Gallon, Brody Pelusio, Chase Render, Cooper Megown, David Tyler, Desi Ach, Edouard Bonnie, George Stoops, Grant Gonzales, Guillermo Bibas, Ignacio Gallegos, Kieran Gajajiva, Logan Hunt, Malcolm Oblak, Quinn Hart, Robert Gordon, Rye Canterbury, Sam Bosworth, William Hart, and Ziggy Wild.
Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Antonio Carbonell, Ben Pearlstein, Chase Render, Clifford Bailey, Colton Woolfolk, Cooper Megown, David Tyler, Gavin Delisi, Grant Gonzales, Guillermo Bibas, Henry Nichols, Isaac Rocha, Jaryn Jones, Kieran Gajajiva, Logan Hunt, Malcolm Oblak, Michael Sullivan, Noah Brown, Owen Thorpe, and Walker Tipper.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Antonio Carbonell, Braden Cramer, Chase Render, Christian Carbonaro, Cole Render, Cooper Megown, David Tyler, Ethan Vaughn, Gavin Delisi, Henry Nichols, Isaac Rocha, Kieran Gajajiva, Malcolm Oblak, Michael Sullivan, Owen Thorpe, and Robert Sullivan.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Braden Cramer, Gavin Delisi, Henry Nichols, Mac Sellers, Robert Sullivan, Sean Keyland, and Theo Goldman.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Henry Reis, Sean Keyland, and Theo Goldman.
Kneeling Specialist and Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Kneeling Specialist: Braden Cramer, Dylan Robertson, Gavin Delisi, Henry Nichols, Kieran Gajajiva, Noah Brown, Owen Thorpe, Robert Gordon, Robert Sullivan, Sean Keyland, and Theo Goldman.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Braden Cramer, Jack Lathrop, Henry Reis, Jackson Remley, and Theo Goldman.
The following campers earned his Level 2 pin: Henry Reis.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Henry Reis and Mack Hudson.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Henry Reis, Sean Keyland, and Theo Goldman.
Sitting Specialist
The following camper earned his Sitting Specialist: Robert Gordon.
Standing Specialist and Level I, II, & III
The following campers earned their Standing Specialist: Braden Cramer, Cooper Megown, Gavin Delisi, Mack Hudson, Sean Keyland, and Theo Goldman.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Mack Hudson and Sean Keyland.
The following camper earned his Level 2 pin: Henry Reis.
Creativity flourished under Jacob Meechan’s crafts program, while general counselors supported campers in every area of growth and exploration. Campfire evenings, emceed by Jonah Craine, brought the unit together in a celebration of humor, music, and tradition. Whether it was trivia night, dodgeball, or “Cross the Circle,” campers connected in laughter and vulnerability. This summer’s All-Camp Campfires were unforgettable highlights: in Term 1, Haiyaha performed a hilarious and pixel-packed skit inspired by Minecraft, bringing blocky adventures and laughs to the stage. In Term 2, our campers pulled off an action-packed and clever take on Mission Impossible, complete with stunts, suspense, and plenty of Cheley flair.
We are incredibly proud of our Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) are older campers who take on a special role within the unit as leaders, role models, and community-builders. They participate in mentorship opportunities, support program areas, and lead activities like Code of Living discussions and All-Camp Campfire skits. CILTs are selected for their maturity, compassion, and dedication to the Cheley experience, and their leadership leaves a lasting impact on Haiyaha. (CILTs):
- Term 1: Charlie Ehlert, Luis Jara-Chacha II, Noah Posin, Andrew Roberts
- Term 2: Alexander Christopher, William Cutshaw, Alex Hampton, Johnno Huss, Ben Olshansky, Cole Render
The Code of Living brought our community together with intentionality and purpose. Campers in Term 1 chose values like Inclusivity, Unity, Grounded, Contribution, and Individuality. Term 2 emphasized Beacon, Discipline, Authenticity, Honor, and Spirit. At the end of each term, campers and staff voted for peers who most embodied these ideals. The Gold Key is one of the most distinguished honors a camper can receive at Cheley. It recognizes not only leadership and kindness, but also a deep and consistent commitment to living the values of the Code of Living. Recipients of the Gold Key are looked up to by their peers, respected by staff, and remembered long after the term ends for the integrity, compassion, and authenticity they bring to the community. We congratulate this year’s Gold Key recipients: Bryant Pierce, Caleb Donnelly, Alex Hampton, Mark Thompson, Schuler Hurst, and Walker Miley.
Director Alex Aronov added a fresh spark to camp mornings with genre-themed musical wakeups and feng shui-inspired cabin cleanups that kept spirits high and cabins (mostly) tidy.
As we close the chapter on this unforgettable season, we are filled with pride and gratitude. The friendships formed, the trails traveled, and the lessons learned will ripple far beyond Haiyaha. Until we meet again—keep leading with heart, living with purpose, and carrying the spirit of Cheley with you.
With warmth and admiration,
Alex Aronov, Director
Morgan Perrée, Assistant Director
