AAt Cheley, where you sleep is more than just a place to rest—it’s a space where friendships are formed, laughter echoes through the walls (or canvas cover), and memories are made. Unlike some camps where your cabin-mates and wagon-mates are your activity group, at Cheley, your cabin or wagon is primarily where you sleep, rest, and reflect, but your activities are done with different groups! This creates even more opportunities to make friends and experience camp in diverse ways.
Each camper has cabin counselors or a Wagon Mama/Papa, who serve as guides, mentors, and friendly faces throughout the term. At night, we come together as a cabin or wagon group for closure activities like Rose, Bud, Thorn: a reflection of the day’s highlights, challenges, and excitement for tomorrow. In the mornings, we contribute to keeping camp clean by tidying up our cabins/wagons and unit areas, such as the boathouse, lodge, or campgrounds. This daily routine not only keeps our spaces tidy but also teaches responsibility and teamwork.
Every camper also has their own personal space in their cabin or wagon, whether it’s their bunk, dresser, or designated storage area. Keeping things organized makes camp life smoother and allows everyone to have room for their gear.
Many campers arrive not knowing anyone, and that’s completely normal! Our intentional placements and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to connect with cabin or wagon mates. Whether it’s late-night whispers, inside jokes, or team cleaning sessions, the bonds you build with those you live with can last a lifetime.
If any challenges arise in your living space, counselors, unit directors, and assistant directors are here to help. Whether it’s a small concern or something bigger, there’s always someone available to support campers and make sure everyone feels comfortable and included.
How Are Cabins and Wagons Assigned?
Each summer, we carefully group campers into cabins and wagons to create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. We aim for each cabin or wagon to have a mix of ages within the unit’s range, diverse backgrounds, and a blend of new and returning campers. This encourages mentorship, camaraderie, and the opportunity to meet people from all over the country—and even the world! To better foster a supportive and inclusive environment, wagon groups are thoughtfully curated to align with age groups.
What Are the Sleeping Arrangements Like?
Cabins and wagons are designed for comfort, connection, and fun:
- Land O’Peaks Cabins: Each cabin sleeps 10-16 campers, with two or three counselors. Every camper has dresser drawers, limited hanging space, and a bunk to make their own. Cabins have electricity, but limited outlets.
- Trail’s End Wagons: Each wagon sleeps four campers, with staff cabins nearby. Wagons do not have electricity, so campers should bring a flashlight or headlamp. Many campers also bring string lights or a camp light.
- Bathrooms: Each LOP unit has a communal bathhouse (called a “boathouse”) with electric lights, flushing toilets, individual showers, and cubbies for toiletries. Only Ski Hi has bathrooms inside cabins. At BTE and GTE, bathhouses are near the wagon yards.
- No Heat: Nights can get chilly, so we strongly recommend packing extra blankets!
Can I Request a Cabin-mate?
Absolutely! Campers can make one mutual cabin or wagon request per summer. This means both campers must request each other, be in the same unit, and attend the same session. While we try our best to honor these requests, our priority is to create a balanced, dynamic, and welcoming group where every camper feels at home. If you want to bunk with a friend, talk to them first to make sure your requests match! Communication is key.
What If My Camper Shouldn’t Be Placed with Someone?
Sometimes, families prefer that their campers are not placed together, and that’s completely okay! Maybe they’re friends from home and want the chance to branch out, or perhaps they’re cousins with different last names and would prefer separate experiences. Sometimes, if there are three friends, parents request they all be placed in separate cabins rather than risk two being together and one feeling left out. If that’s the case, we encourage you to reach out and let us know so we can consider this in our placements.
In rare situations where a more confidential request is needed, we handle these with care and discretion. If there’s a reason why two campers should not be in the same cabin or wagon, we recommend having an open conversation with the other family before camp starts. These discussions are much easier to navigate ahead of time rather than on Arrival Day. While we don’t freely share placement details, there may be times when it’s necessary to discuss certain circumstances, so everyone’s camp experience is positive and comfortable.
What If I Don’t Get My Request?
We work hard to balance cabins and wagons to make sure every camper has an amazing experience. Even if you aren’t placed with your requested friend, don’t worry! You’ll still see each other all the time at meals, free time, and activities.
A big part of camp is meeting new people, and we encourage campers to embrace the opportunity to build friendships beyond their comfort zones!
Final Thoughts
Your cabin or wagon is more than just a sleeping space—it’s your home away from home at camp! Whether you’re bunking in a cozy cabin or a rustic wagon under the stars, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. If you have any questions, reach out to us. We’re always happy to help!
Complete List of Cabins and Wagons
Note: Cabin capacities reflect the total number of beds, not the exact number of campers. At Trail’s End, each wagon has space for four campers.
Land O’Peaks (LOP) Cabins
Lower Ski Hi (Ages 9-11)
- Apache – 12
- Comanche – 16
- Navajo – 18
- Omaha – 12
- Winnebago – 14
Ski Hi (Ages 12-13)
- Arapahoe – 20
- Cheyenne – 20
- Pawnee – 20
- Ute – 22
Haiyaha (Ages 14-17)
- KC – 20
- Powder River – 18
- Front Range – 16
- Teddy Roosevelt – 18
- KC Annex – 6
Lower Chipeta (Ages 9-11)
- Quarter B-4 – 18
- Rising Sun – 12
- Rocking Horse – 20
- Stew Pan – 14
- Swinging W – 12
Chipeta (Ages 12-13)
- 2-4-6 – 14
- Broken Circle – 16
- Diamond K – 14
- O-O – 14
- H-9 – 14
- Quarter Circle 5 – 14
Senior Chipeta (Ages 14-17)
- Fiddle Back – 16
- Snailers 1 – 4
- Snailers 2 – 4
- Snailers 3 (Landslide) – 4
- Triple C – 20
- Ox-Bow – 16
- Double Diamond – 16
Trail’s End (BTE & GTE) Wagons
Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE)
- Lower Wagon Yard: Triangle Lightning, Triple X, Circle Slash, Double Diamond, Cloud 9, Circle S, Barbell, Lazy 3+1, Box TE, Lazy 4, Rocking Wheel, Flying 4, Horseshoe–4
- Upper Wagon Yard: Standing H, Rocking C+1, Top Hat TE
Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE)
- Lower Wagon Yard: Wagons 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 1/2, 6, 7, 8, and 9
- Upper Wagon Yard: Wagons 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16
