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Recognitions
At Cheley Colorado Camps, campers are empowered to choose activities that most inspire and challenge them through a free-choice program and weekly activity sign-ups. Surrounded by majestic peaks and hidden in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, campers discover ancient, untouched slabs of granite, rushing mountain streams, and sun-drenched valleys. In this summer home, campers learn new skills and how to exercise judgment while overcoming challenges.
Our recognition system provides campers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a specific activity area while developing advanced skills and knowledge. It is based on the belief that campers work harder at improving themselves when they have a set of incentives and guidelines by which to measure progress.
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Patch Recognitions
Patch recognition is an optional curriculum for campers who want to work on in-depth activity skills. To earn a recognition, campers must fulfill the requirements listed in Recognition Guidelines, which campers receive on Orientation Day. Campers are not expected to know or be able to perform all the requirements listed in this book at the beginning of the summer. Rather, if one decides to work for a patch, the knowledge and skills needed are learned through counselor instruction and participation in the activity.
Earning a recognition depends upon a camper’s ability to fulfill all requirements. To become a Patch recipient, campers must first satisfy the requirements for the Basics. Each set of requirements is split into things campers must KNOW (i.e., describe orally or in writing to a counselor) and things campers must DO (i.e., demonstrate the ability to a counselor). Counselors guide and encourage, however, the camper is expected to show initiative, and demonstrate a strong interest and desire.
There are three editions of Recognition Guidelines: one for Lower Chipeta/Lower Ski Hi, one for Chipeta/Ski Hi/Trail’s End Junior, and one for Senior Chipeta/Haiyaha/Trail’s End Senior. As such, patch requirements are specific to each unit’s edition. As campers get older, the number of requirements increases, as does the difficulty of those requirements. Campers at Girls’ Trail’s End and Boys’ Trail’s End utilize the “Junior” and “Senior” editions, depending on their age.
When all of the requirements for a recognition are completed, the camper will be presented with an embroidered patch or pin, which can be attached to the camper’s Blue Kerchief. The patch signifies that a camper achieved a level of skill and mastered a body of knowledge that is highly commendable. Patch holders are expected to continue their leadership in these skill areas if they are on the specific activity.
Program Patches
Activity Area | Patch Name | Units Available |
---|---|---|
Horsemanship | Riding Patch ("RP") | Lower Chipeta Lower Ski Hi Chipeta Ski Hi Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) |
Hiking | Chipmunk Patch | Lower Chipeta Lower Ski Hi |
Hiking/Mountaineering | Mountaineers Patch | Chipeta Ski Hi Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) |
Outcamping | Outcamping Patch | Lower Chipeta Lower Ski Hi Chipeta Ski Hi Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) |
Backpacking | Backpacking Patch | Chipeta Ski Hi Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) |
Mountain Biking | Mountain Biking Patch | Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Senior) |
Climbing | Spider Patch | Lower Chipeta Lower Ski Hi |
Specialty Patches
Unlike Program Patches, Specialty Patches show a camper’s desire to participate, learn, and grow in many different activities rather than concentrating in one area. The Circle of Stars and Pinecone Patch recognize campers who participate in a variety of activities at camp. The On the Trail Patch recognizes campers who spend most of their time out of camp, maximizing their time spent in the Rocky Mountains. These are granted to campers who within a single term meet the requirements outlined in Recognition Guidelines and can be earned more than once. Campers should keep the requirements for these patches in mind throughout the term.
Patch Name | Units Available |
---|---|
Circle of Stars | Lower Chipeta Lower Ski Hi |
Pinecone Patch | Chipeta Ski Hi |
On the Trail Patch | Chipeta Ski Hi Senior Chipeta Haiyaha Girls’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) Boys’ Trail’s End (Junior and Senior) |
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Target Sport Recognitions
Archery Arrows
Cheley follows the Camp Archery Association standards which stress safety, proper form, and technique. Recognitions must be earned in the order listed below, and campers can continue progress each summer they return to camp. The recognitions for archery consist of pins that can be attached to Blue Kerchiefs and are typically given out at the end of each term.
Points Needed | Number of Arrows | |
---|---|---|
White Arrow | 50 points | 30 arrows |
Black Arrow | 100 points | 30 arrows |
Blue Arrow | 150 points | 30 arrows |
Red Arrow | 200 points | 30 arrows |
Gold Arrow | 250 points | 30 arrows |
Riflery Patches and Pins
Cheley follows the Camp Rifle Association standards which stress safety, proper form, and technique. Recognitions must be earned in the order listed below, and campers can continue progress each summer they return to camp. The recognitions for riflery consist of patches and pins that can be attached to Blue Kerchiefs and are typically given out at the end of each term. Campers can earn the following patches: Young Specialist (Lower Ski Hi and Lower Chipeta only), Prone Specialist, Sitting Specialist, Standing Specialist, and Kneeling Specialist.
Number of Targets | Points Needed | |
---|---|---|
Specialist Patch | 8 targets | 20 points |
Level 1 pin | 8 targets | 25 points |
Level 2 pin | 8 targets | 30 points |
Level 3 pin | 8 targets | 35 points |
Level 4 pin | 8 targets | 40 points |
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FAQs
What should campers do if they're interested in a recognition?
Trigger Bill suggests you…
- Tell the counselor you are interested!
- Sign up for that program often.
- Start patchwork early in the term.
- Ask questions while on program.
- Seek guidance from patch holders.
- Stay focused and work hard!
What is the Blue Kerchief?
The Blue Kerchief is the first recognition that every camper receives! It represents the values of the Code of Living adopted and followed by the camp community. The Blue Kerchief is worn with pride, and it symbolizes one striving to live up to the Code of Living.
Campers wear light blue kerchiefs, staff wear dark blue, and CILTs wear yellow. They are worn on Sundays at Chapel, and at special all camp events. Any recognitions such as patches, pins, buttons, and special camp memorabilia may be put on the kerchief. If a camper is not living up to the Code of Living, the unit director and Boys’/Girls’ Camp director may withdraw their kerchief until the camper proves that they are a good citizen and regain the right to wear the kerchief.
Can campers earn Boy Scout Merit Badges at Cheley?
To work on a Boy Scout Merit Badge at Cheley, a camper will need a signed merit badge application(s) from their Scoutmaster. Once at camp, it is imperative that the camper inform their unit director at the beginning of the term of their interest in working towards a Merit Badge. Campers must also meet with Jeff Cheley.
Hiking Merit Badge
To earn the Merit Badge for Hiking, one must complete the Cheley Mountaineers Patch. In addition, the camper must: Participate in five hikes, each of at least ten miles, and write a short report of the experience, including: a) the date, b) description of route, c) the weather, and d) interesting things seen. Participate in a twenty mile hike and write a short report.
Horsemanship Merit Badge
To earn the Merit Badge for Horsemanship, one must complete the Cheley Riding Patch.
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge
To earn the Merit Badge for Wilderness Survival, one must complete the Cheley Outcamping Patch.
Wood Carving Merit Badge
Campers may work with the crafts coordinator to get requirements signed off for the Wood Carving Merit Badge. This badge may involve additional work outside of camp.
Leatherworking Merit Badge
Campers may work with the crafts coordinator to get requirements signed off for the Leatherworking Merit Badge. This badge may involve additional work outside of camp.
Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge
Campers may work with the Riflery Coordinator to get requirements signed off for the Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge.
Cycling Merit Badge
To earn the Merit Badge for Cycling, one must complete the Cheley Mountain Biking Patch. In addition, the camper must make sure the following requirements are met: Complete two rides of ten miles each, complete two rides of fifteen miles each, complete two rides of twenty-five miles each and complete a fifty mile trip in less than eight hours. For each trip write a short report of each experience, including: a) the date, b) route, and c) interesting things seen.
Are there other recognitions?
Yes! There are a few other types of recognitions, such as citizenship recognitions. These cannot be worked on with a specific plan. It is up to each camper to bring out the best in themselves. This includes being kind to all fellow campers, always doing your best, being enthusiastic, participating fully, and following the Code of Living. A vote is taken by all campers and staff in each unit at the end of the term for who they believe has consistently exemplified the Code of Living. These recognitions are presented at the Recognition Campfires.
The recognitions are as follows:
- The Silver Coup: Lower Chipeta and Lower Ski Hi
- The Silver Spurs: Ski Hi and Chipeta
- The Driver (of the Covered Wagon): Trail’s End Junior
- The Gold Key: Haiyaha and Senior Chipeta
- The Top Hand: Trail’s End Senior
Cheley Colorado Camps is not a competitive or award-conscious camp. Campers and parents are encouraged not to measure the camp experience by the number of recognitions received. Cheley expects that campers will improve themselves and their outdoor living skills, seeking to better their own performance, whether they seek recognitions or not.