“Pie-kuhs”
Pikas
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. Both groups follow a structured five-day schedule that introduces them to the Cheley Experience, but only Marmots are eligible for our 27-day summer program. For 8-year-olds, Pikas is an age-appropriate, adventure-filled introduction to overnight camp life.
A Summer Camp Experience Just for 8-Year-Old Boys
Pikas are often taking their very first steps into camp life, and we’ve built this program to support them at every moment. The Pikas unit offers a fun, active, and nurturing experience for 8-year-old boys led by caring staff who understand the needs of younger campers. It’s summer camp at just the right pace, with a structure that makes space for wonder, discovery, and confidence-building.
Located at our Land O’Peaks property in Estes Park, Colorado, the Pikas unit is intentionally small. Campers live in close-knit cabin groups and rotate through age-appropriate activities in even smaller day groups. The experience is full of variety, but designed to be predictable and supportive, building friendships, gently encouraging independence, and helping campers fall in love with life outdoors.
What Pikas Do at Camp
Campers explore a full range of outdoor and creative activities, led by Cheley’s enthusiastic and experienced staff. Days are active, evenings are cozy and reflective, and every moment is designed to help first-time campers feel safe, capable, and connected.
A typical day starts with breakfast in the dining hall, followed by a morning activity like crafts or a gentle hike. After lunch, Pikas head out again, maybe to the challenge course or to visit the camp goats. Afternoon snacks, free time, and cabin games lead into dinner, followed by a unit campfire with songs, skits, and stories. Every day has a rhythm campers can count on, with just enough variety to keep it fun.
How They Spend Their Days
Each Pika is placed in a rotating day group (separate from their cabin) so they can experience a variety of activities and build friendships across the unit. Smaller group sizes ensure every camper receives individual attention and feels supported throughout their day.
Activities include:
- Challenge Course
- Climbing Wall
- Crafts
- Hiking around Estes Park
- Little Ranchers
Building Confidence, Connection, and Character
Every Pika participates in Cheley’s time-honored Code of Living tradition, co-creating a set of values that guide how they treat themselves, others, and their camp community. It’s a gentle but meaningful way to help even the youngest campers take ownership of their experience.
Each camper also receives a Green Kerchief, symbolizing their place in the Cheley tradition and their first steps into the wider camp community.
Life as a Pika
Pika Boys live in Ski Hi, one of Cheley’s boys’ units at Land O’Peaks, specially adapted for our youngest campers during Quarter B-4. The unit includes around 36 campers, divided into cozy cabin groups, and is led by a team of 9 experienced staff members who guide them through each day with care and encouragement.
With a small group size and a high counselor-to-camper ratio, each boy receives individual attention and support while still learning to navigate daily routines on their own. Cabin life is simple and fun, full of opportunities to bond with bunkmates, try new things, and feel proud of small accomplishments. Whether it’s walking to the barn or helping clean up after meals, every moment helps campers grow in confidence and connection.
The Beginning of a Cheley Journey
While Pikas aren’t eligible for the 27-day program just yet, many return the following summer as Marmots and continue growing within the Cheley Experience. The Pika program is designed to be a joyful and confidence-building first step, planting the seeds for long-term connection to nature, community, and self.
