If you ask a camper what makes Cheley feel different, they might talk about the mountains, the activities, or the friendships. But if you stay a little longer in that conversation, you’ll likely hear about something else: the Code of Living and the Blue Kerchief.
These aren’t just traditions. They’re part of how the Cheley community takes shape each summer, and one of the longest-standing traditions at Cheley. For many families, this becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their child’s summer.
The Code of Living
At the start of each term, every unit creates its own Code of Living. This isn’t something handed down by staff or written in advance. It’s built together—camper by camper—through conversation, reflection, and shared expectations.
Each Code is made up of a handful of traits. They might include things like respect, kindness, courage, or inclusivity, but the exact words are chosen by the group. Because when campers help define what their community stands for, they’re more likely to live it.
One of the most meaningful parts of the Code of Living is the words themselves. Each unit chooses something different—words like Integrity, Grit, Compassion, Authenticity, Sisterhood, or even Pizzazz—reflecting what matters most to that group in that moment.
More than just a set of rules, the Code of Living is a shared commitment to how campers treat one another. It becomes a quiet guide for the rest of the summer, showing up in big moments and small ones. Whether it’s how campers include someone new, how they handle a challenge, how they support each other through the ups and downs of being away from home.
This tradition dates back to our founder, Frank H. Cheley, who believed that character isn’t something you’re given, it’s something you build. Throughout the summer, the Code serves as a reminder to live with intention, support one another, and grow into the best version of yourself.
And it doesn’t always stay at camp. Many campers take their Code of Living home, displaying it as a reminder of the lessons learned and the community they helped create.
The Blue Kerchief (BK)
Each camper and staff member receives a Blue Kerchief during the ceremony on the first Saturday night of the term. From that point on, it becomes a shared symbol across camp—something that connects campers and staff through a common experience and set of values.
Wearing a Blue Kerchief isn’t just about tradition. It’s a symbol of commitment, growth, and belonging. It represents the values campers uphold, the friendships they form, and the experiences they embrace throughout the summer. Each color carries meaning:
- Light blue for Summer Camp campers
- Yellow for Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs)
- Dark blue for staff
- Light green for Quarter B-4 campers
While campers don’t wear their kerchief every day, there are a few meaningful moments when it becomes part of the experience, such as during Chapel, Banquet, and Recognition Ceremonies. Outside of those times, it often hangs proudly on a bedpost or dresser.
Over the course of the summer, the Blue Kerchief becomes more than just a piece of fabric; it becomes a canvas for memories. Campers personalize their kerchiefs with patches, pins, name tags, and small mementos earned through their experiences. By the end of the term, it tells a story. Not just of what they did, but of who they became!
It’s also important to note: the Blue Kerchief is a privilege. It represents a commitment to the Code of Living, and like any commitment, it can be taken seriously and, if needed, revoked.
The Blue Kerchief Ceremony
The Blue Kerchief Ceremony takes place on the first Saturday night of each term, and it’s one of the first moments when a unit really begins to feel like a community.
Campers gather with their unit, often around a fire, as the sun sets and the evening settles in. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air. This is the moment that marks the beginning of their journey at Cheley.
A glimpse into the Blue Kerchief Ceremony
Without giving too much away (we like to preserve a bit of the experience for campers), the ceremony is a time to pause, reflect, and step into the summer ahead.
Campers receive their Blue Kerchief in a setting that’s intentional and meaningful. It’s often one of the first times they feel the weight—not in a heavy way, but in a real way—of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
For many campers, it becomes a moment they remember long after the summer ends.
Why It Matters
The Code of Living and the Blue Kerchief Ceremony aren’t about a single night or a single symbol. They’re about creating a shared understanding of how to live together. They give campers a language for values. They create a sense of belonging. And they help shape a community where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
By the time the summer ends, the Blue Kerchief often carries more meaning than anyone expected on that first Saturday night. It’s not just something they were given. It’s something they lived.
Past Code of Living Words
A glimpse into the values campers have chosen across past units and summers. This is just a snapshot, not a complete list.
- Acceptance
- Accountability
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Beacon
- Bright
- Brotherhood
- Camaraderie
- Commitment
- Compassion
- Contribution
- Courage
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Determination
- Discipline
- Embrace
- Empathy
- Energy
- Equity
- Ethics
- Fellowship
- Flexibility
- Forgiveness
- Genuine
- Grit
- Grounded
- Growth
- Harmony
- Honesty
- Honor
- Humility
- Inclusivity
- Individuality
- Integrity
- Kindness
- Loyalty
- Maturity
- Organization
- Outward Love
- Passion
- Perseverance
- Pizzazz
- Pure-Hearted
- Positivity
- Responsibility
- Sisterhood
- Sportsmanship
- Spirit
- Sunshine
- Tenacity
- Thoughtfulness
- Unity
- Unique
- Uplifting
