As fall settles in, we find ourselves reflecting on the summer gone by, recalling the vibrant energy of camp and the reasons we return year after year. At Cheley, our mission has always been to provide a space for growth, connection, and unforgettable experiences, and each season brings a renewed sense of purpose. As we move into the offseason, we connect with new families and campers, sharing what makes Cheley such a special place. For those of us who know it best, we return not just for the activities or the stunning scenery, but because of the deep, lasting impact camp has on our lives.
From the moment campers step out of their car or off the bus, they become part of something bigger: our Cheley community. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are made, where every day presents an opportunity to grow, and where challenges are met with support and encouragement. Whether it’s climbing to the top of a mountain, pushing through a tough hike, or learning a new skill, Cheley creates an environment where personal growth is always at the forefront.
Our programs are designed to offer each camper the chance to discover their true potential, both through structured adventure activities and the freedom to choose their own path. From backpacking in the Rockies to forging new skills in the craft shop, we create experiences that inspire confidence and build character. The Cheley Experience is more than just a summer getaway; it’s an opportunity to learn new things, gain independence, and become the best version of yourself.
One of the cornerstones of our culture is tradition. Vespers, a quiet time for reflection held on select evenings, serves as a pause to appreciate the growth of the week and the relationships we’ve built. It’s a reminder of why we come back: to connect with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
As the summer draws to a close, one of our most cherished traditions takes place—“What Camp Means to Me.” These reflections, written by campers of all ages, capture the heart of Cheley: the laughter, the lessons, the challenges, and the triumphs. It’s a time for campers to reflect on their journey and share how their summer experiences have shaped them. Whether it’s their first year or their eighth, each camper’s speech reflects the unique and transformative impact Cheley has had on their lives.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few “What Camp Means to Me” speeches from our campers this year, each one capturing a different piece of the Cheley story:
What Camp Means to Me
First Summer
Camp isn’t just a place to spend your summer. It’s not just a place to tick off a few of those countless days and nights. Camp is a magical place to make memories and friends. A place to spend your nights star-gazing, awaiting the adventures tomorrow holds. And Cheley embraces that. As a first-year, I’ve already gone on many adventures, whether it’s going on ring rides, backpacking trips, rafting, or hiking. I’ve always had an incredible time. Already awaiting the next adventure! This is why I love Cheley. For being the place that holds all this magic, for giving me and all of us these wonderful opportunities. Thank you, Cheley, for bringing this wonderland to life. This magic is what camp means to me.
Second Summer
When I first entered camp, I said to myself, “why did my mom sign me up for this?” But as the days went by, I realized that camp is much more than just leaving home for a month. Camp is forming lasting friendships with campers and counselors, creating memories with new experiences, laughing with friends, and participating in moo-offs. Camp is going from saying “when can I go?” to “when can I come back?” and that is what camp means to me.
Third Summer
To me, camp means a place of growth, love, laughter, and looking out for one another. Camp is a place to step outside of your comfort zone and make unforgettable memories. I tried something new this year: a backpack! It helped me grow and I made new friends and memories. Camp is an opportunity for you to learn new things and try new things. I feel when I coem to camp, all my worries fly away and I’m present in the moment. I have always tried at least one new thing and make a few more friends every year. Camp has helped me become who I am today. I would definitely not be who I am today if I never had the camp experience.
Fourth Summer
To me, camp is truly a home away from home. For many of us, it is one of the few steady things in our ever-changing lives. This past year, I dealt with the highs and lows of school, knowing that camp was waiting for me helped more than anything else. For the past month, we have been living in a community filled with love, laughter and friendships that will last a lifetime. Here, we meet the people who will answer our calls no matter what, the people who we peak mountains with, the people who will taste the food first and tell us if it’s spicy. We meet OUR people, the people who get us. To me, camp means those people, those friendships, in our beautiful rocky mountain setting. I feel so grateful to have been able to have been able to spend my past four summers here, creating memories, and I hope to create many more. Thank you to the lovely community here for making camp what it means to me, because it means so, so much.
Fifth Summer
To me, camp is a place where you can be yourself. You are surrounded by supportive firends and counselors who help you explore yourself and go outside of your comfort zone. Camp is a place where you can try new things and fail without the fear of being made fun of. You don’t have to worry about what you wear or how you look. Camp is a place you can disconnect and enjoy nature.
Sixth Summer
To me, camp is a breath of fresh air. It’s a break from the tiring schoolwork and repetitive nature of life, a time when I can laugh and sing as loud as my heart tells me to. Camp is a place that brings out the best in all of us. At home, if I come across a hard decision, I look to the Code of Living and ask myself: “what would those words I hold so closely tell me to do?” Camp provides me with a month of clarity and wild freedom, the adrenaline rush from peaking a mountain lingering long after we have left. The ring of laughter and the mealtime chatter lasts in my mind, comforting me in times when I feel lost. The confidence of my step, the sureness of my thoughts becomes so much greater. The moment I drive into camp on Arrival Day and I take a deep breath, it feels like joy, certainty, and unbound genuinity. To me, camp is exactly the medicine I need after those 11 months pass and it’s finally time to return.
Seventh Summer
Camp is the place where I’ve found myself. Because of Cheley, I know who I want to be and the impact I hope to have on the people and the world around me. My summers spent sleeping in wagons, peaking mountains and eating more bulk lunches than I can count have given me so much. I’ve been given the best role models to look up to. I’ve learned to believe in myself, to face challenges head on and to chase my goals. Because of camp, I have built great friendships that I know will last forever. Being a part of Cheley has meant more to me than anything else in my life. Now I know that even when I leave, camp will never leave me because the lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made here will stay with me forever.
Eighth Summer
To me, camp is a place I can come back to every summer and expect familiar faces, songs, and reliving of stories, but also anticipate challenging myself to further limits, trying something different, or simply just meeting new people. Camp is a place where I know that every experience or interaction I may have will shape me into who I am today. It’s a place I can come back to 11 months later and talk to people as if we never left in the first place. For me, camp is a place where my mind and heart will always be no matter how distant I may be or how long I’ve been away.
