“Maar·muhts”
Marmots
Quarter B-4 is our four-night, one-week-style overnight program designed for younger campers, split into two age groups: Pikas for 8-year-olds and Marmots for 9- to 10-year-olds. Pikas and Marmots each follow a structured five-day schedule, but only Marmots (ages 9–10) are eligible to attend either Quarter B-4 or our 27-day Summer Camp program, Lower Ski Hi. This makes Marmots an ideal first step for boys who may want to return for a longer session in future summers.
A Summer Camp Experience Just for Younger Boys
Marmots take their first steps into the Cheley Experience, building friendships, gaining confidence, and discovering the joy of life outdoors. The Marmots unit offers a supportive, adventure-filled experience just for boys, led by experienced staff who understand the needs of younger campers. It’s summer camp at a pace and size that feels just right.
Located at our Land O’Peaks property in Estes Park, Colorado, the Marmots unit is an intentional introduction to overnight camp. It’s a chance for 9–to 10-year-old boys to try new things, connect with their peers, and be part of a tradition that’s more than 100 years in the making. Campers are placed in small, rotating activity groups (separate from their cabins), so they can explore a variety of programs, develop meaningful friendships, and receive plenty of individual attention from staff. Every aspect of the Marmot experience is designed to nurture independence while still offering structure and support.
What Marmots Do at Camp
Campers take part in a full range of outdoor and creative activities, led by Cheley’s experienced and enthusiastic staff. Days are active, evenings are reflective, and every moment is built to create a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
A typical day might start with cabin wake-up and breakfast in the dining hall, followed by a morning activity like archery or crafts. After lunch, Marmots head out again, maybe for high ropes, horseback riding, or a group challenge on the sports field. Free time and snacks in the afternoon give way to dinner and, finally, evenings gathered sharing skits, songs, and reflections from the day.
Each moment is designed to keep campers engaged, supported, and immersed in the natural rhythms of camp life, structured enough to feel safe, spacious enough to discover something new.
How They Spend Their Days
Each Marmot is placed into a dedicated activity group (separate from their cabin) and rotates through a set schedule with that group throughout the week. This structure gives campers a well-rounded introduction to Cheley’s core programs while helping them build connections across the unit and stay grounded in a predictable, age-appropriate routine.
Activities include:
- Archery
- Crafts
- Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
- High Ropes
- Horseback Riding (Ring Ride)
- Sports and Group Games
- Outdoor Rock Climbing
Building Confidence, Connection, and Character
Marmot Boys participate in one of Cheley’s most meaningful traditions: creating a Code of Living—a set of values their group commits to for their time together. It’s a powerful way for campers to co-create their experience and take ownership of how they show up in the community.
Each camper also receives a Green Kerchief, symbolizing their place in the Cheley tradition and the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting relationship with camp.
Life as a Marmot
Marmot boys live in Haiyaha, one of Cheley’s Summer Camp units at Land O’Peaks. The unit includes around 60 campers, divided into cabin groups, and is led by a team of 13 experienced staff members who guide campers through their daily routines, meals, cabin time, and evening activities.
Cabins are designed to feel cozy and manageable, creating natural opportunities for connection, teamwork, and growth. With a low camper-to-staff ratio and plenty of structure, each boy receives individual attention and support while still experiencing the independence that makes sleepaway camp so impactful.
A Launchpad for Future Summers
Many Marmots return to Cheley for our 27-day Summer Camp program once they’ve had a taste of the Quarter B-4 experience. Whether or not a camper returns right away, these five days often spark something lasting: confidence, independence, and a deep connection to nature and community.
For boys ages 9–11, the next step after Quarter B-4 is often Lower Ski Hi, where campers live in cabins with their peers, choose their own activities, and deepen their connection to camp life.
