Are you eagerly counting down the days until your camper heads off to Cheley for an unforgettable summer adventure? We bet you’re already starting to think about how you’ll stay connected while they’re away, and we’re here to help make that process as smooth as possible.
First things first, let’s address the big question: Who do you contact if you have any concerns or just want to check in on your camper’s summer experience? The short answer: start with our office, and we’ll take it from there. Whether you’re hoping to hear about their latest outdoor adventure or simply want to send a word of encouragement, we’re here to help you feel connected and informed throughout the summer.
Start with the Office
The best place to start is always our office. Whether you have a quick question, want an update, or need to pass along a message, our office staff can connect directly with your camper’s unit and get you the information you need.
You don’t need to figure out exactly who to contact! We’ll take care of that for you. You can call or email during office hours (every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM MT), and we’ll make sure your question gets to the right person.
Who We May Connect You With
Behind the scenes, your camper is supported by a full team. Depending on your question, we may connect with or loop in:
- Your camper’s Unit Director
- Their Go-To Counselor
- Our Health Center team (nurses)
- Girls’ Camp or Boys’ Camp Directors
These are the people who know your camper best day-to-day and can provide the most meaningful updates.
For more serious or escalated matters, Jeff and Brooke are always available. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to every camper, they’re here to support you whenever needed.
Ways We Share Updates with You
Weekly Reports
Parents can look forward to receiving a weekly report from their camper’s “go-to” counselor three times per term. These are sent on Tuesdays and include highlights, goals, and updates on your camper’s experience. Reports may arrive throughout the day, but if you haven’t received yours by 5:00 PM MT, feel free to reach out.
First-Year Camper Updates
We know the first few days apart can feel like the biggest adjustment. For first-year campers, unit directors will connect with families by the end of the first week to share an update and help provide some peace of mind.
Photos
While your camper is busy unplugging, we know it’s meaningful to catch a glimpse of their experience. Photos are uploaded daily at 11:00 AM MT and are available through the Cheley mobile app. We do our best to capture a wide range of campers and moments, but not every camper will appear every day. Campers may be on overnights, away from photographers, or at Trail’s End, where coverage can be more limited.
If you haven’t seen your camper in a while, you’re always welcome to reach out to the office. We’re happy to follow up with our photographers and directors and pass that along. That said, we hope the focus isn’t just on spotting your camper, but on knowing they’re having a meaningful, engaged experience. Our priority will always be giving them the best possible summer, not documenting every moment of it.
Cheley Mobile App & Social Media
In addition to photos, the Cheley mobile app is where we share updates, videos, and messages from camp, providing small glimpses into daily life. We also share moments throughout the summer on Instagram and TikTok as another window into the Cheley Experience.
Communication Policies and Expectations
At Cheley, we prioritize fostering independence and creating a supportive camp environment for all our campers. As part of this, campers do not call home or receive calls (except in the case of an emergency). This allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the experience, build confidence, and develop strong connections with their peers and counselors.
We understand that seeing our office number pop up on your phone can feel surprising, but rest assured, we’ll always leave a voicemail if we don’t reach you. In some cases, we may also send a text to ensure timely communication. Our goal is to keep you informed and supported every step of the way.
We do ask that families refrain from contacting staff via personal cell phone numbers unless it’s been specifically arranged. Our focus is on creating the best possible experience for campers, and minimizing distractions helps us do just that.
Your Feedback Matters
We’re always looking to improve how we communicate and support families throughout the summer. If you ever have feedback—whether it’s something that’s working well, something that felt unclear, or something we could do better—we want to hear it. Your perspective helps us continue to evolve and better support both campers and families. You can share feedback at any point by reaching out to our office or camp directors.
At Cheley, we value the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and fully experience the outdoors. While we’re not a technology-focused environment, we’re intentional about keeping families informed in meaningful ways. Send those letters, check in through the app, and trust that your camper is in good hands. We’re here for you every step of the way!
