Forms & Dates
Are You Ready to Apply?
While we have a rolling hiring process, be sure to get your application in early, especially if you have specific position preferences. We prioritize applicants that can work the entire summer. Limited positions are available with an end date of August 6. Review our dates below and on your application, please note your availability.
Applications Open: October 18
Interviews Conducted: Starting November 1
All Staff Arrive: June 3
| Staff Dates | |
|---|---|
| June 3 | Staff Training Begins |
| June 13 | First Term Begins |
| July 9 | First Term Ends |
| July 10 | Midterm |
| July 11 | Second Term Begins |
| August 6 | Second Term Ends |
| August 7 | Midterm |
| August 8 | Quarter B-4 and Family Camp Begin |
| August 13 | Quarter B-4 and Family Camp Ends |
Contract Ends: August 13
Some positions require additional training, whether it be specialty, program, or certification; therefore, contract dates may extend beyond the above dates and will be discussed in the interview process. Please review those dates below.
| Position | Training Date |
|---|---|
| Outcamping Coordinator | May 16 |
| Pre-Camp Leaders | May 17 |
| Pre-Camp and CheDOT | May 18 |
| Head Cooks and Ropes Course Facilitators | May 22 |
| Horseback Riding Counselors and Barn Crew | May 26 |
| Directors and Assistant Directors | May 30 |
| Hiking, Backpacking, and HBO Counselors | May 30 |
| All Staff Arrival by Staff Training | June 3 |
What We Need
- Thoroughly read our website, employment information, and other resources for staff to understand the Cheley Experience and what to expect as a staff member and in each position.
- Fill out and complete our online application. Please take time to thoughtfully answer each question and select the appropriate position preference(s) for your age, skills, and interest.
- If we decide to move forward with your application, we will contact you via email to schedule a time that works for your interview.
Interviews are scheduled on Zoom, typically from 8AM – 3PM mountain time, although we sometimes offer in-person interviews for local applications. The interview isn’t just for us to get to know you better, but it’s also for you to decide if camp is a good fit for you. Ultimately, we want all our staff to be successful! Prior to your interview, please read the job descriptions for your position choices and prepare any questions. Based on the initial interview, additional interviews may be scheduled.
- Provide three (3) references. Send this reference link to three people (non-family members). Applications are not complete until all references are received
- If we have a position available, we will be in touch within two weeks.
- If you are offered a position via email and accept that position, you will receive a “Welcome!” email from our Human Resources Manager detailing how to self-on-board through Paycom. After completing this self-onboarding, they will approve your profile. You will be notified when paperwork items are ready.
Other Information
Certification Requirements and Bonuses
Staff members must obtain required certifications depending on their position prior to the start of Staff Training. While we offer courses (CPR, First Aid, WFA) during Staff Training for a cost, we highly encourage getting it done prior to then. If hired, you will receive a list of ACA-approved certification providers.
Staff members are also eligible to receive bonuses for relevant certifications based on current, nationally recognized certifications and organizations. Certifications earned at Cheley Colorado Camps during Staff Training in 2023 are not eligible for the additional bonus. If contract dates are not met, your certification bonus is forfeited.
- Teaching (1-3 Years): $200
- Teaching (4-10 Years): $400
- WFA: $100
- WFR: $200
- OEC Ski Patrol: $200
- WEMT/EMT: $250
- CDL License (CheDOT drivers only): $350
- ACCT, CWI, High Ropes Level 1: $200
- High Ropes Level 2: $250
If you have other certifications you feel will be valuable to the Cheley Experience, we would be happy to discuss those with you during the interview process.
Benefits
While working, staff members have access to seasonal outdoor “pro-deal” discounts and a discount card, good at a variety of Estes Park establishments. You will also save money during the summer as a result of having few expenses!
Travel
Staff are responsible for their transportation to and from camp. If you have a car, we recommend you drive to camp. If you are flying to camp, we do not provide transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN) except in rare circumstances and for international staff. We recommend utilizing the Estes Park Shuttle, which offers a reliable, daily scheduled shuttle service between Denver International Airport and the Estes Valley Area.
To assist with travel expenses, we provide a travel allowance of a fixed rate determined by where you are traveling from. You will be eligible for a travel allowance upon successful completion of your contract dates and positive job performance reviews. If contract dates are not met, your travel allowance is forfeited.
Note: First-year international staff do not receive travel allowance, and we will meet them at the airport. Returning international staff receive a $230 travel allowance. Staff only working Quarter B-4 or Family Camp receive a $50 travel allowance.
Salary Information
Base salaries are specific to each position and are either a weekly rate or hourly rate. Housing and meals are provided, and staff members are expected to live at camp. We provide bonuses for each additional summer that staff return.
Hourly Staff: Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
Being Paid: The pay schedule varies and staff are paid via direct deposit. Typically, paydays are at the end of designated camp periods for those specific staff. For 2023, the paydays are:
- May 25th (Discovery)
- June 5th (Discovery, Pre-camp, Pre-Staff Training)
- June 16th (Staff Training)
- July 10th (First Term)
- August 7th (Second Term)
- August 21st (Quarter B-4/Family Camp/Teen Summit/Burn Camp)
International Staff
Due to J-1 Visa regulations, we are unable to hire internationals directly without the use of a certified visa sponsor agency. These agencies will help you through the rigorous screening process in your home country before interviewing with us. Please contact one of the following visa sponsor agencies who may work in your home country: Camp Counselors USA, Camp Leaders, Camp America, International Exchange of North America, and Wild Packs. Staff should have the ability to communicate conversationally in English.
Additional Opportunities for Income and Fun!
In August at the end of the summer, most of our staff return to university/college, study abroad, work, or pursue another opportunity; however, some stay later! Our programs extend through the fall with exciting opportunities for staff.
| Additional Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Teen Summit #1 | August 8 – August 13 |
| Burn Camp | August 12 – August 20 |
| Teen Summit #2 | August 14 – August 19 |
| Post-camp Work Crew | August 13 – August 24 |
| Discovery | August 20 – Mid-October (exact date TBD) |
Internship Opportunities
Due to the demands placed on you as a Cheley staff member, you will not be able to complete online classes, extra work, or any additional responsibilities outside of the Cheley Experience.
We are happy to provide an internship within the framework of our typical available summer positions. If you are interested in earning internship credits while at camp, please let us know. Internships at camp can provide meaningful work and life skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, work ethic, flexibility, and more, as well as professional tools. We can work with your university/college as needed to coordinate this arrangement and fulfill your internship requirements.
Join Our Team
What does it take? A sense of adventure, a desire to be with people, and leadership skills.