Music isn’t just a background soundtrack at Cheley; it’s the heartbeat of camp life, weaving its way through every moment and shaping the essence of our community. From the first light of dawn to the twinkling stars above, melodies fill the air, creating memories that last a lifetime. But what about music makes it such an integral part of the Cheley Experience?
Picture this: as the morning sun peeks over the horizon, campers across our eight units awaken to the gentle strains of music. It’s wake-up call time, and as they tidy their cabins or wagons and prepare for the day ahead, they’re serenaded by the sounds of their favorite tunes. It’s a lively start to the day that sets the tone for the adventures to come.
And as the day unfolds, music continues to play a central role in the Cheley Experience. Our non-religious Chapel gathering is a testament to the transformative power of music. Here, campers and staff come together to sing fun, uplifting songs that uplift spirits and inspire joy. It’s a time of camaraderie and reflection and it brings us closer together.
Every evening at Cheley, whether you’re in camp or camping under the stars, culminates in our cherished friendship circle—a ritual where campers and staff gather as a unit under the night sky to sing their unit songs, followed by taps. It’s a time-honored tradition that fosters unity, connection, and a deep sense of belonging.
But music isn’t confined to structured times. In every unit lodge, songbooks and chord books stand ready for impromptu jam sessions, while pianos invite campers to unleash their creativity. Whether it’s strumming a guitar by the campfire or belting out a favorite song with friends, music is a constant source of inspiration and connection.
And let’s not forget the dance parties! From square dances to disco nights, Cheley pulses with rhythm and movement. Whether it’s our famous all-camp campfire dance parties or a Zumba session, our counselors are always ready to lead the way, ensuring that every moment is infused with energy and excitement.
Even during out-of-camp activities, music remains a constant companion. Our counselors are renowned for their “van jams,” curating playlists that transform mundane journeys into unforgettable adventures. Whether we’re singing, dancing, or simply tapping our feet to the beat, music infuses every moment with energy and excitement.
But perhaps the true magic of music at Cheley lies in its ability to expand our horizons. As campers immerse themselves in new songs and melodies, they discover a world of musical possibilities waiting to be explored. Guaranteed, they’ll return home with a new favorite song and a deeper appreciation for the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.
So why is music so vital at Cheley? Because it’s more than just entertainment; it’s a language that transcends barriers, a catalyst for connection and community. Whether we’re singing around the campfire, dancing under the stars, or coming together in our unit circle, music reminds us that we’re part of something greater than ourselves—a symphony of laughter, friendship, and endless possibility.
Friendship Circle Songs
Support Staff
Friends, I will remember you,
Think of you and pray for you.
And when another day is through,
I’ll still be friends with you.
(Chorus from Friends With You)
Lower Ski Hi
Hidden by bush and tree, bounded by rushing stream,
Looking o’er the valley far, here’s where we play and dream.
Lift up your voice in praise, sing that we’re loyal to
Lower Ski Hi we love you, and we’ll all be true.
Ski Hi
Ski Hi, we love you, your spirit and scenery sublime,
Thatched peaks and streamlets, with lavender Columbine.
Our lives inspiring, to service and loyalty, too;
Ski Hi, we love you – we’ll ever be true.
Haiyaha
High on the hill you stand, fairest spot in the land,
Guarded by rocky walls, sheltered by pine trees tall.
You are so strong and free, like you we aim to be
Haiyaha, Haiyaha! You are a dream come true.
Boys' Trail's End (BTE)
Trails End, Trails End, You’re in our hearts forever.
Life here is something to remember.
Love flows in as each day begins,
For there is a spirit that never ends.
We share the same bonds of love,
With Signal’s sun setting above,
As the North Fork sings its song,
Another peaceful day is gone.
Lower Chipeta
If you listen one and all, you can hear the Chipeta call,
You can feel the spirit rise where e’er you go.
May we never forget that glad day when we met,
And those dear old Chipeta girls we love so well.
Chipeta
If you listen one and all, you can hear the Chipeta call,
You can feel the spirit rise where e’er you go.
May we never forget that glad day when we met,
And those dear old Chipeta girls we love so well.
Senior Chipeta
If you listen one and all, you can hear the Chipeta call,
You can feel the spirit rise where e’er you go.
May we never forget that glad day when we met,
And those dear old Chipeta girls we love so well.
Girls' Trail's End (GTE)
Green trees around us, blue skies above,
Friends all around us with their hearts filled with love.
Taps sounding softly, hearts beating true,
As Trail’s End says goodnight to you.
Taps
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky,
All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
Additional Girls' Camp Songs
I SEE THE MOON
Sung by Lower Chipeta, Chipeta, Senior Chipeta
I see the moon and the moon sees me,
The moon sees somebody I’d like to see,
God bless the moon and God bless me,
And God bless the somebody I’d like to see.
CHIPETA, CHIPETA
Sung by Chipeta
Chipeta, Chipeta, your campers have gathered
To sing in the campfire glow.
Night soon will be falling,
Night winds will be calling
Through pine trees that sway to and fro.
The friendships we’ve made here
Will always remain dear,
Although we have drifted apart.
We love you Chipeta, we’re loyal Chipeta.
You’ll always be close to our heart.
PEACE, I ASK OF THEE, O RIVER
Sung by Senior Chipeta
Peace, I ask of thee, O River; Peace, Peace, Peace,
When I learn to live serenely, Cares will cease.
From the hills I gather courage, Visions of the days to be,
Strength to lead and faith to follow, All are given unto thee.
Peace, I ask of thee, O River; Peace, Peace, Peace.
THERE’S A RANCH AT THE END OF THE TRAIL
Sung by Girl’s Trail’s End (GTE)
There’s a ranch at the end of the trail,
And it’s calling me to stay,
But the day is done, the time has come for me to be on my way.
But someday I’ll return as before,
Just to ride the range once more,
With my pals and friends, where the West begins,
At the ranch at the end of trail.
