At Cheley, care has always been at the center of the experience. It shows up in the way campers are welcomed during the Blue Kerchief Ceremony and into each Friendship Circle, in quiet conversations on the trail and during rest hour, and in the steady presence of staff who know when to listen and when to guide.
We are honored to share that Cheley has been awarded the GOLD MESH(+) Seal by the Alliance for Camp Health for 2025, the highest level of recognition within the program. This recognition reflects something we have long believed. When young people feel safe, supported, and connected, they grow in lasting ways.
What the MESH(+) Seal Represents
The MESH(+) Seal is awarded to overnight camps and summer programs that intentionally support mental, emotional, and social health. It goes further by recognizing communities that integrate nature, relationships, and personal growth into daily life.
At Cheley, this looks like a balance of structure and freedom. Campers spend their days exploring the Rocky Mountains, building skills through meaningful summer camp activities, and returning each evening to a community that knows them well. It is a model rooted in presence. It encourages gratitude, builds resilience, and creates space for each individual to feel a true sense of belonging.
A Holistic Approach to Care
Earning the GOLD designation means meeting high standards across four key pillars: Program, Staff Training, Screening, and Medication and Care Measures. Each one reflects a different part of how care shows up at Cheley.
Program
Building Connection Through Experience
From unit time to program to campfire, connection is woven into daily life. Campers set goals, reflect on their experiences, and build friendships that often last well beyond the summer. Our staff creates space for both energy and reflection. Whether a camper is navigating missing home or celebrating a milestone, they are supported by staff who are present, attentive, and trained to respond with care.
Staff Training
Preparing Leaders Who Support Growth
Great experiences begin with exceptional people. Our staff training focuses on creating leaders who understand youth development and the responsibility of caring for others. This includes abuse prevention training, risk management, and ongoing coaching throughout the summer. Our staff also participates in CampWell, strengthening their ability to support camper well-being in real time.
Screening
Listening to Every Camper’s Voice
Care begins before campers arrive and continues throughout their time at camp. We gather thoughtful input from families and campers, creating a full picture of each individual. During the summer, regular check-ins, Go-To Counselor conversations, and midterm reflections help every camper feel seen and heard. This ongoing loop of communication helps us respond early, adjust when needed, and support each camper’s experience in a meaningful way.
Medication and Care Measures
Thoughtful, Consistent Support
Our medical staff works together to provide consistent and compassionate care. From medication management to protecting health information, every step is handled with intention and respect. Staff are trained to navigate both physical and emotional needs so that campers feel supported in all aspects of their experience.
A Culture of Care That Lasts Beyond Summer
Receiving the GOLD MESH(+) Seal affirms the work that happens every day at Cheley. It reflects a shared commitment among staff, campers, and families to create a community where people feel safe to be themselves and supported as they grow. This recognition also connects us to a broader Movement of Care, a collective effort to raise the standard of well-being across Colorado summer camps and beyond.
At Cheley, we will continue to learn, evolve, and invest in the people and practices that make this possible. Because the most meaningful outcomes of camp are not just the skills campers gain, but the confidence, resilience, and connection they carry home with them.
