Celebrating Service and Innovation

Last week, part of our year-round team—Jeff, Brooke, Shawn, Kim, Dylan, and Rhonda— gathered at the ACA National Conference, an event that celebrated not only the latest in camp operations and strategy but also the profound impact that camping has on shaping character. Throughout the sessions and conversations, it was clear that the heart of our work lies in creating environments where campers and staff alike grow in resilience, empathy, courage, and integrity.

This gathering was a testament to the transformative power of camp, reminding us that every experience—whether it’s a challenging activity or a moment of shared laughter—plays a part in cultivating character.

Honoring Excellence

Jeff Cheley Receives the National Service Award

We are thrilled to announce that Jeff Cheley was honored with the National Service Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes continued and increasing service beyond the field/affiliate office level, with no more than eight awards presented annually. To qualify, a candidate must be a current ACA member who has demonstrated service to one or more field/affiliate offices and is endorsed by two field/affiliate offices or by a national board, committee, or national awards committee.

Jeff’s journey truly embodies these values. As a pivotal figure in the fourth generation of camp leadership, he has played an integral role in preserving the enduring traditions established by Frank Cheley. His impressive background includes:

Drawing from eight years as a camper and six years as staff—serving as a horseback riding counselor, unit director, and Operations Director—Jeff transitioned into his current leadership role in 2004.

A proud Longhorn with a degree in Business Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin, he has broadened his expertise through Leadership Denver and contributes to the community through his board roles with the Estes Park Medical Center Foundation and the Denver Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Jeff’s dynamic involvement in the camping profession extends to being the President of the Colorado Camps Network, Treasurer of the Western Association of Independent Camps, and an active member of multiple ACA committees.

Adding a lighthearted note to his achievements, Jeff’s award announcement also highlighted his well-known love for wearing costumes—a fun reminder of the creativity that thrives in the camp community. If you get a chance, be sure to ask him about his unique collection!

Diving into Conference Sessions

The conference featured a rich array of sessions that explored leadership strategies, innovative communications, government relations, and operational excellence. Each session underscored the central belief that camps do more than operate efficiently—they cultivate character, forge lasting bonds, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Team Reflections and Takeaways

Our team’s diverse roles enriched our conference experience. Below, we’ve shared one key takeaway from each team member—detailing the lessons learned and ideas sparked by these sessions.

• Shawn: Shawn attended the CODA pre-conference sessions and continues to be a pivotal contributor to the Alliance for Camp Health. One of the highlights for him was presenting on the dangers of cell phone use around kids, stressing how putting away your phone can lead to the best summer experience possible. Shawn emphasized that deep, meaningful friendships are formed when everyone is fully present rather than distracted by screens. Shawn also attended two insightful sessions led by Dr. G, who speaks at our staff training each year. It was especially valuable for him to connect directly with Dr. G to plan new materials for staff training. Additionally, a session led by Dr. G on how to navigate change provided Shawn with useful strategies to manage transitions successfully within camp.

• Brooke: Brooke, who also attended the CODA pre-conference, learned powerfully through diving into conversations with unfamiliar faces and tackling topics that sparked her curiosity. One key takeaway was the importance of breaking down every single touchpoint in communication, particularly with the focus on enhancing arrival day—ensuring it’s an incredible experience for parents. She highlighted how crucial it is to train staff in the same way we’d want to train campers, fostering an atmosphere of excellence throughout. Additionally, she emphasized the value of continuing to engage alumni and developing new pathways for them to stay connected. Brooke also recommended a shift in focus for webinars, considering not only the parents but also the campers, further expanding our ability to engage both audiences meaningfully.

• Kim: Serving as the Rocky Mountain Local Council of Leaders chair for ACA, Kim gained valuable insights at the pre-meeting where insurance and staffing were the primary topics of discussion. She highlighted that many camps are still struggling with staffing challenges, but Cheley stands apart by providing an exceptional staff experience. One key takeaway was the “Safety 360” approach—encouraging staff to perform a quick, comprehensive hazard assessment in just 60 seconds, which sharpens the awareness of potential risks for both staff and campers. Additionally, the innovative “Couch to Camp” session further equips our staffing team with practical strategies to feel more prepared, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in every aspect of camp operations.

• Rhonda: Drawing from her Quality Programs Level 2 training, Rhonda learned the importance of a systematic approach to enhancing camp programming. She emphasized that we should plan, assess, and evaluate our programs—starting with robust staff training—to ensure that children feel genuinely safe during activities. According to Rhonda, creating an environment where kids feel secure goes beyond simply preventing discomfort. To achieve this, she recommends using a detailed observation checklist or form. This tool can capture specific instances of excellence, such as when a staff member demonstrates active inclusion and effective group management, helping us raise the bar on safety and overall program quality.

• Dylan: From my perspective, the conference underscored that safety and security are paramount for parents when choosing an overnight camp—trust builds strong relationships with parents, while fun creates memorable experiences for kids. In today’s climate, where negative headlines can sometimes overshadow the positive qualities of Gen Z, it was both refreshing and inspiring to see firsthand how responsible they truly are and why our staff consistently excel. Equipping our team with the skills to communicate effectively—managing conflicts and navigating hard conversations without external mediation—is essential. We also remain committed to keeping families informed year-round about camp news, our safety measures, and the exciting initiatives designed to instill resilience in both campers and staff.

In Closing

The ACA National Conference was a powerful reminder of the transformative spirit at the heart of every camp. By nurturing character and encouraging personal growth, camps continue to be a cornerstone for building resilient, empathetic, and courageous individuals. We’re excited to bring the innovative ideas and renewed sense of purpose from this conference back to Cheley. Stay tuned for more detailed reflections from our team as we continue to celebrate the unique ways that camp cultivates character in every facet of life.