July 5th & August 2nd
Final Saturday
Final Saturday is the one day each summer when families are invited to visit camp. It’s a joyful, emotional celebration of your camper’s growth, community, and accomplishments. You’ll attend Chapel, enjoy a BBQ lunch, meet their counselors, and explore camp through your camper’s eyes.
Who Can Attend
Final Saturday is primarily intended for immediate family—parents, siblings, and possibly grandparents or guardians. That said, we recognize that families come in many forms. If your camper has a cousin who feels like a sibling or a best friend who’s truly part of the family, they’re welcome too. To preserve the intimate and meaningful nature of the day, we ask that families avoid bringing large groups or extended relatives who aren’t closely connected to the camper’s experience.
Cheley alumni and former staff are also welcome to visit on Final Saturday. It’s a special opportunity to reconnect with camp and celebrate the next generation of campers. Please note: pets are not allowed at camp on Final Saturday.
What to Expect
Click here to download a printable PDF with the full schedule and reminders for your visit.
Chapel (Starts at 11:00am)
Chapel is held at Land O’Peaks, Girls’ Trail’s End, and Boys’ Trail’s End. Chapel is a meaningful Cheley tradition—a time for campers, staff, and families to come together in one of the most beautiful settings on camp property. It’s a non-religious gathering led by campers and staff that focuses on the values of our Code of Living and the principles that guide us throughout the summer.
Chapel is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of belief. It’s a moment for reflection, connection, and celebration of personal growth. You’ll hear heartfelt “What Camp Means to Me” speeches, enjoy musical performances (including selections from our optional Choir at LOP), and experience the joy and emotion that mark the end of an unforgettable term. All campers and staff wear their Blue Kerchief and Chapel attire. You’re welcome to do the same!
Families may begin arriving at 9:45am; we recommend arriving no later than 10:40am to allow time to park and settle in.
BBQ Lunch (11:45am–1:30pm)
BBQ lunch is provided for all visitors at Land O’Peaks, Girls’ Trail’s End, and Boys’ Trail’s End. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic to share with your camper. Leftover food cannot be left with campers.
Recognition Ceremonies
Recognition Ceremonies are a meaningful part of Final Saturday, giving families a window into their camper’s journey over the summer. Each unit will host a ceremony where you’ll meet your camper’s counselors and hear a brief overview of their program area.
These ceremonies celebrate growth and accomplishments—whether it’s earning a patch or milestone, participating in a new activity, or achieving a personal goal. Each moment reflects the effort and intention your camper brought to their experience.
At the close of each ceremony, we’ll honor campers during our Citizenship Recognition Ceremonies, where select individuals are acknowledged for consistently embodying the traits of the Code of Living as voted on by peers and staff.
| Unit | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Chipeta | 1:30 to 2:30 | Chapel |
| Lower Ski Hi | 1:30 to 2:30 | Lower Ski Hi Buddy Ring |
| Chipeta | 2:00 to 3:00 | Chipeta Lodge |
| Ski Hi | 2:00 to 3:00 | Ski Hi Lodge |
| Senior Chipeta | 6:30 to 8:00 | Senior Chipeta Lodge |
| Haiyaha | 6:30 to 8:00 | Haiyaha Lodge (Totem) |
| Girls' Trail's End | 1:15 to 2:30 | GTE Chapel |
| Boys' Trail's End | 1:15 to 2:30 | BTE Lodge |
Additional Events
| Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Store Open! | 10:00 to 4:00 | Ski Hi Camp Store |
| Craft & Ceramics Show | 10:00 to 3:00 | Chipeta Craft Shop & Sir Amick's Shop |
| Woodworking Show | 10:00 to 3:00 | Haiyaha Wood Shop |
Join fellow Cheley families, Jeff Cheley, Brooke Cheley-Klebe, and members of our year-round team for a casual get-together from 3:30 to 5:30pm at The Barrel (251 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park). It’s a relaxed time to connect, celebrate the summer, and ask any last questions. Campers will remain in their units during this time, but siblings are welcome. At The Barrel, you can also enroll for Summer 2026.
Enrollment for Summer 2026
After all the hugs, high-fives, and maybe a few tears, you’ll leave Final Saturday knowing your camper had a summer they’ll never forget. So what’s next? Even though the real world comes rushing back—school, sports, screen time—the impact of camp sticks. And while your camper may not say it right away, they’re probably already dreaming about next summer.
Re-enrollment for 2026 opens on Final Saturday to give current families priority access. Many units fill quickly, so don’t wait to save your camper’s spot. Camp is still fresh in their heart (and yours), and enrolling now guarantees their return while giving you the flexibility to make changes later if needed.
Where to Enroll
- 10:00am–1:00pm at the Chapel
- 1:15pm–3:00pm at the Ski Hi Camp Store
- 3:30pm–5:30pm at our Family Gathering at The Barrel
Before You Leave Camp
Before heading out, please be sure to stop by your camper’s unit to pick up their luggage and any remaining belongings. Don’t forget to collect any medications or valuables you dropped off on Arrival Day. It’s also a good idea to swing by Lost & Found to check for any missing items. Taking care of these final steps helps your camper head home with everything they came with.
Camper Pick-Up Times
All campers will participate in a special closing Final Campfire in their unit on Saturday evening. This meaningful tradition provides emotional closure, reflection, and celebration at the end of the summer. Campers cannot be picked up until after Final Campfire concludes. We appreciate your support in honoring this important experience.
| Units | Pick-Up Time |
|---|---|
| Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta | Saturday 8:00pm or Sunday 6:00–8:00am |
| Girls’ Trail’s End, Boys’ Trail’s End, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta | Saturday 9:00pm or Sunday 6:00–8:00am |
