It’s common for families to wonder if camp is something you have to begin early. Maybe you’ve heard about children who start at age 9 or 10 and then return summer after summer, building traditions and friendships along the way. If your teen is already in middle or high school, it can feel like the moment has passed—that they’ll be too far behind, or that everyone else will already know each other. But camp isn’t a race you start in elementary school. In fact, the teenage years can be one of the best times to begin, offering a fresh perspective and the courage to jump right in.
The Myth: “We Missed the Window”
The truth is, there’s no expiration date on camp. Families sometimes worry their teen will feel like the “new kid,” that everyone else already knows the songs, the traditions, or the inside jokes. But every year at Cheley, we welcome new campers in their teens who step into this experience for the first time and thrive. Some of our most confident, adventurous, and memorable campers began their journey at 13, 14, 15, even 16.
The Reality: Older Units, Fresh Starts
Our high school units (Senior Chipeta for girls, Haiyaha for boys, and the Trail’s Ends: GTE and BTE) are filled with traditions, adventures, and opportunities that speak directly to teens. While many campers have been coming for years, every summer, plenty of new campers join at these ages, and they quickly become an important part of the community.
The culture at Cheley is designed to welcome them. Counselors know how to help new campers find their place, and peers embrace fresh energy and curiosity. In fact, teens who start camp later often step into leadership roles sooner than they expect. Take Annie, for example. She arrived for her very first summer at 14, nervous that she might be behind everyone else. What happened next is exactly why we say it’s never too late to start camp.
“I came to camp as a young high schooler not knowing anyone, but was welcomed with open arms. Camp gave me the space to grow into myself, build lifelong friendships, and gain the confidence to take on leadership roles in high school, college, and beyond. At such a pivotal age, it truly changed my life in the best way.”
Annie, former camper and counselor
Why Camp Matters at This Age
At 13–16, there are endless ways a teen could spend a summer: sports, summer school, jobs, or just hanging out at home. But camp offers something those can’t: a complete reset. It’s a chance to step away from routines and screens, live in the mountains, and be part of a community where growth, fun, and belonging happen every single day. Camp builds confidence in ways no classroom, job, or backyard ever could through shared adventures, supportive mentors, and friendships that last long after summer ends.
As both a camp director and a parent of teenagers, I know how precious these years are. They’re filled with questions, growth, and independence, and camp is one of the few places that channels all of that into something positive.
The Perfect Time to Begin: Ages 13–16
So why is camp such a good fit for teens? Because everything they’re looking for—belonging, growth, adventure, independence—comes alive here.
- Self-discovery in real time. Middle and high schoolers are figuring out who they are. Camp gives them a chance to experiment—try new activities, new friendships, and even new versions of themselves—without the pressure of school or social labels.
- A safe space for growth. Counselors serve as mentors! They’re close enough in age to “get it,” but experienced enough to guide. Teens are surrounded by peers who celebrate effort, not just outcomes.
- Room to just be a kid. Even as they grow into young adults, teens still want to laugh, be silly, and have fun without judgment. Camp gives them that freedom.
- Unplugged connection. Teens rediscover how to talk, play, and share face-to-face time, over late-night wagon whispers, stories around a campfire, or cheering on a friend trying something new.
- A bigger worldview. Meeting campers from across the country and around the world broadens their perspective and helps them see themselves in new ways.
- A step toward college independence. Camp is one of the best ways to practice being away from home before heading off to college. Teens learn how to live with peers, manage responsibilities, and navigate challenges in a supportive environment. They return home more confident, prepared, and ready to take that next big leap when the time comes.
And at Cheley, new campers quickly join in traditions that create instant belonging, like signing the Code of Living, receiving a Blue Kerchief, and gathering at Chapel. These touchstones connect them to a community that has thrived for more than a century.
Why Now?
If you’re wondering whether your teen has missed their chance, the answer is simple: they haven’t. Ages 13–16 aren’t too late, they’re the perfect time to discover camp. Cheley is a place where new campers are welcomed wholeheartedly, where growth and belonging happen fast, and where the memories they make will stay with them long after summer ends.
If you’re considering camp for your teen, I encourage you to take the leap. These summers are short, but the impact is lasting. We’d love to welcome your child into the Cheley community!
