Camp Life
The morning air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine as the first light filters through your cabin window or wagon canvas. You hear the distant whinny of a horse, the laughter of early risers, and the rhythmic crunch of hiking boots on the trail. As you step onto the cool wood floor, the excitement of another adventure-filled day at Cheley sets in: one filled with summits to reach, friendships to strengthen, and moments that will stay with you forever.
At Cheley, camp isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after summer ends. Here, you’ll Disconnect to Really Connect. You’ll challenge yourself, cheer others on, and make memories you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re trekking up a mountain, cantering around the riding ring, or cheering on a fellow mountain biker, every moment at camp shapes who you are.
Sine 1921, A Summer Like No Other
For over 100 summers, Cheley has been a place where young people slow down, open up, and explore. Our 27-day program is designed with a distinct beginning, middle, and end, giving campers the time they need to unwind, settle into the camp schedule, and fully commit to the experience. What may seem like a long time at first quickly becomes a journey of growth, adventure, and deep connections. Our founder, Frank H. Cheley, believed in the power of camp to develop character, and today, we remain committed to that vision. Campers gain independence, confidence, and resilience as they immerse themselves in the outdoors, forge lasting friendships, and embrace challenges that shape them into their best selves. Cheley provides the space and time to unplug from technology, connect with nature, and form relationships that last a lifetime.
A Home Away from Home
Every summer, campers from over 45 states and at least 15 countries come together to form a vibrant, diverse community. But what makes Cheley feel like home isn’t just the people—it’s the deep friendships, shared laughter, and sense of belonging that grows within each unit.
Each unit is its own little world, shaped by the campers and staff who bring it to life. Whether you’re in a rustic cabin beneath towering pines or a wagon under the starry sky, your unit becomes your home, a place where lifelong friendships take root, challenges are tackled together, and every day is an opportunity for growth. Your unit becomes your family, a place where you can be yourself, try new things, and feel supported every step of the way. Many campers return year after year—on average, four to five summers—while some stay as many as nine.
New to Cheley? You’re not alone! 30% of our campers are first-timers every summer, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to camp life.
Adventure Around Every Corner
Our Spectacular Setting
The Rocky Mountains aren’t just our backdrop: they’re our playground. Cheley’s activities are designed to challenge, inspire, and excite, allowing campers to explore their passions and step outside their comfort zones. Each adventure at Cheley helps campers develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
What Will You Do at Cheley?
Cheley offers a free-choice program, allowing campers to build their own adventure by selecting from a wide range of activities each week. Whether it’s saddling up for a horseback ride, hiking to an alpine lake, testing your skills on the climbing wall, or diving into creative arts, there’s something for everyone. Campers challenge themselves in target sports like archery and riflery, navigate rugged terrain on mountain bikes, and take on technical climbing routes. Some prefer to paddleboard on a glassy reservoir or raft down the Poudre River, while others enjoy woodworking, ceramics, and sewing in the craft shop. No matter the activity, each moment at Cheley is designed to foster growth, connection, and a lifelong love for adventure.
Legendary Leaders Who Inspire
Our Dedicated Staff
A great camp experience starts with great leaders. At Cheley, our staff are more than just counselors—they’re mentors, role models, and champions of each camper’s growth and success. Selected for their character, professionalism, and leadership skills, our staff play a critical role in shaping each camper’s experience.
Who Guides the Cheley Experience?
Who are the people that make camp feel like home? The ones who cheer you on, encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, and create an environment where you can thrive. With 220+ summer staff and 12 full-time professionals, we ensure every staff member undergoes extensive training, background checks, and mentorship development to ensure they provide a safe, supportive, and transformative experience for every camper. Many of our counselors were once campers themselves, bringing a deep understanding of Cheley’s values and traditions. Over 45% of our staff return each summer, reinforcing the strong, tight-knit community that makes Cheley feel like home.
More Than Just Words
The Code of Living
At the start of each term, your unit gathers to create a Code of Living: a shared set of values that guide how you treat one another. Rather than a set of rules, it’s a commitment to respect, kindness, and integrity. The best part? Campers create it together, shaping the culture of their summer.
This tradition dates back to our founder, Frank H. Cheley, who believed that character isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you build. Throughout the summer, the Code serves as a reminder to live with intention, support one another, and grow into the best version of yourself. You may even take your Code of Living home, displaying it as a reminder of the lessons learned and the community built at Cheley.
A Symbol of Commitment
The Blue Kerchief
On the first Saturday night of camp, you gather with your unit around the fire. The air is crisp, and anticipation builds as the Blue Kerchief Ceremony begins. This tradition marks the beginning of your journey at Cheley and symbolizes your place in the camp community.
Wearing a Blue Kerchief isn’t just about tradition. It’s a symbol of commitment, growth, and belonging. It represents the values campers uphold, the friendships they form, and the experiences they embrace throughout the summer. Each color carries meaning: light blue for Summer Camp campers, yellow for Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs), dark blue for staff, and light green for Quarter B-4 campers.
The Blue Kerchief becomes more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a canvas for memories. Over the summer, campers personalize their kerchiefs with patches, pins, name tags, and other mementos earned through their experiences. It’s a keepsake that tells the story of their time at Cheley, a testament to their achievements, friendships, and the values they upheld. The privilege of wearing the Blue Kerchief is earned, and importantly, revocable.
A Place That Stays With You
Camp doesn’t end when summer does. The friendships, the memories, the lessons—you carry them with you. That’s why campers return year after year. It’s why so many describe Cheley as “the place where I feel most like myself.” It’s why adventure, growth, and connection don’t stop when you leave the mountains.
Come experience it for yourself. See why so many call Cheley home.
