As we reflect on the summer of 2024 in Senior Chipeta, the memories of our serene courtyard, the laughter shared among friends, and the profound sense of sisterhood remain fresh in our minds. This summer was an incredible journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection. Each camper embraced challenges, forged deep friendships, and emerged stronger, ready to carry the lessons learned at Cheley into their everyday lives.
Our hiking program, led by McKenna Bomengen, Elizabeth Lorch, and Georgia Pollitt, took the girls on breathtaking treks through Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. They conquered steep trails, navigated boulder fields, and practiced Leave No Trace principles. The campers’ determination was evident as they summited peaks and explored off-the-beaten-path destinations. We are proud to recognize Isabella Cunningham, Makena Hone, Parrish Kearney, Elizabeth Masraff, Maddie Neece, and Catherine Strom for earning their Hiking Basics and Patch.
Backpacking this summer was an adventure of resilience and teamwork, guided by MK Greiner and Coco Thomas. Campers embarked on multi-day trips, traversing the backcountry and building strong communities around campfires and shared stories. They faced the challenges of the wild head-on, developing their skills and deepening their appreciation for nature. Hats off to Eleanor Codr, Eleanor Duff, Samantha Egaas, Charlotte Gardiner, Margaux Hunt, Sasha Stopek, Carrie Sullivan, and Lily Warren for earning their Backpacking Basics and Patch!
In mountain biking, Bailes Malone and Sofia Vivanco led campers on thrilling rides through rugged terrain, tackling trails like Hermit Park and Devil’s Backbone. They tested their limits on challenging climbs and technical sections, and celebrated their successes with overnight rides that ended around a campfire. Congratulations to Emily Clarke, Emily De Vore, Eleanor Duff, Rylee Martin, Arabella Mordy, and Talbot Van Ness for their Mountain Biking Basics and Patch.
Our outcamping program, spearheaded by Cadence Peters, offered campers the chance to connect deeply with the wilderness. Whether they were cooking meals over an open fire, building shelters, or sharing laughter under the stars, these experiences fostered a sense of community and a love for the outdoors. A big round of applause to Caroline Gatta and Charlotte Swenson for earning their Outcamping Basics!
The riding program, led by Isabelle Gingold, Gabby Maxwell-Kirkmeyer, and Sallie Meece, was a journey of growth and connection. Campers learned horsemanship, from grooming and stall duties to exhilarating trail rides and overnight horse pack trips. They developed a special bond with their horses, mastering riding skills while building confidence and compassion. We commend Alexi Baeza, Abigail Del Haya, Noelle Dougher, Sabrina Dunton, Laurel Grynwald, Ruby Kalkbrenner, Lily Krattenmaker, Violet Sparks, Nadia Stigereda Angelo, Stella Wallach, and Bridget Zimmermann for earning their Riding Basics and Patch.
Crafts in Senior Chipeta saw a creative explosion this summer, with Drew Foresta and Madi Doletzky guiding campers through a variety of projects, and from woodworking to ceramics. Each creation was a testament to the campers’ creativity, proudly displayed throughout the unit.
The following campers earned arrows in Archery:
White Arrow
Leila Alwin, Dorina Bayat, Adelaide Brown, Sarah Coleman, Janie Gravette, Shiloh Hendrickse, Mackenzie Hughes, Milly Isgrig, Lexi Jacobs, Ruby Kalkbrenner, Parrish Kearney, Karen Lamson, Hannah Makk, Zora Pryor, Catherine Strom, and Charlotte Swenson.
Black Arrow
Leila Alwin, Catherine Breed, Adelaide Brown, Sarah Coleman, Janie Gravette, Lexi Jacobs, Ruby Kalkbrenner, Karen Lamson, Cora Price, Zora Pryor, Catherine Strom, and Charlotte Swenson.
Blue Arrow
Catherine Breed, Adelaide Brown, Lexi Jacobs, and Zora Pryor.
Red Arrow
Adelaide Brown and Zora Pryor.
Gold Arrow
Congratulations to Adelaide Brown!
Over in riflery, William Schnieders shared his expertise, teaching campers the art of precision shooting in various positions. Campers honed their skills, striving for that perfect bullseye while learning the importance of focus and discipline.
Prone Specialist
Elise Allard, Dorina Bayat, Jordyn Bezoza, Adelaide Brown, Julia Caturegli Reims, Emma Chave, Isabel Cisneros Jenkins, Eleanor Duff, Gea Garate Munoz, Maelys Gibson, Winnie Harbold, Sequoia Holzmann, Lexi Jacobs, Parrish Kearney, Zephyr Li, Valentina Lopez Guiñazu, Hannah Makk, Arabella Mordy, Ava Muns, Megan Myers, Raleigh Nadler, Zora Pryor, Elisabeth Roe, Cannan Shiflet, Bailey Shulenberger, Violet Sparks, Charlotte Swenson, Winsome Vaughan, Miranda Whibley, and Zoe Wroth.
Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Alexi Baeza, Sydney Bonfield, Catherine Breed, Emma Chave, Eleanor Duff, Sequoia Holzmann, Valentina Lopez Guiñazu, Molly Maiocco, Ava Muns, Zora Pryor, Lily Schwartzreich, Cannan Shiflet, Rosie Sullivan, Micyla Talafuse, and Zoe Wroth.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Margaret Codr, Eleanor Duff, Valentina Lopez Guiñazu, Anna-Kate Mauffray, Zora Pryor, Lily Schwartzreich, Sasha Stopek, Rosie Sullivan, and Zoe Wroth.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Anna-Kate Mauffray, Zora Pryor, and Sasha Stopek.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Mackenzie Hughes and Eloise Lishka.
Kneeling Specialist and Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Kneeling Specialist: Isabel Cisneros Jenkins, Sequoia Holzmann, Valentina Lopez Guiñazu, Anna-Kate Mauffray, Lily Schwartzreich, and Rosie Sullivan.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Sequoia Holzmann, Mackenzie Hughes, Anna-Kate Mauffray, Rebecca O’Brien, Alana Persons, and Lily Schwartzreich.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Sabrina Dunton.
Standing Specialist and Level I, II, & III
The following campers earned their Standing Specialist: Mackenzie Hughes, Valentina Lopez Guiñazu, Anna-Kate Mauffray, Rebecca O’Brien, and Lily Schwartzreich.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Mackenzie Hughes and Anna-Kate Mauffray.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Alana Persons.
Evenings in Senior Chipeta were full of warmth and laughter, thanks to Eily MacRitchie, who organized lively campfires. Whether it was Bikers vs. Beachers, Spy Wars, or Spa Night, each event strengthened the bonds among the girls and created unforgettable memories.
Campers who spent at least fifteen days out of camp earned the On the Trail Patch. These campers participated in hiking, backpacking, and trail rides, fully immersing themselves in the Colorado outdoors: Kathryn Pilz and Clara Zamorano.
Our CILTs (Campers in Leadership Training), Olivia Boncelet, Elizabeth Byrd, Alice Dean, Carolyn Dunlap, Kate Haney, Kendall Holmes, El Lishka, Megan Myers, Becca O’Brien, Alana Persons, Cora Price, Julia Rangel Herrera, Maggie Scarborough, Micyla Sharp, Abby Silberman, Avery Thorpe, and Tessa Wilson brought wisdom and leadership to Senior Chipeta. They led by example, guiding younger campers, and contributing to the strong sense of community that defines our unit. Their dedication to the Code of Living and their impact throughout the summer were truly commendable.
As the summer came to a close, the campers in Senior Chipeta reflected on the Code of Living they had crafted together. This code represented the values and principles they chose to embody throughout their time at camp. At the end of the term, they came together to honor those who best exemplified these traits, recognizing their outstanding character, leadership, and dedication to the Senior Chipeta community. With the traits Uplift, Love, Family, Adaptability, and Integrity on their Code First Term, and All In, Come What May, Aspen, Humility, Benevolent, and Authenticity on their Code Second Term, congratulations to our Gold Key recipients: Georgia Arnett, Charlotte Ballenger, Sunny Christensen, Charlotte Gardiner, Kate Haney, Kendall Holmes, Molly Maiocco, Rebecca O’Brien, Annie OMeara, Maggie Scarborough, Trilby Schmidt, Sasha Stopek, and Tessa Wilson. These young women set a high standard for the rest of the unit, leaving a lasting impact on Senior Chipeta.
We had the privilege of presenting a rare recognition this summer: the Trail Hand. The Trail Hand is a recognition for exceptional riders with character who go above and beyond what is asked of them to improve the riding program and themselves. Those who receive their Trail Hand exhibit model behavior when riding and caring for horses and are indispensable to the success of the riding program as they can be counted on to lead and model good behavior and good riding. Congratulations to Hazel Bertron on receiving her Trail Hand!
As the seasons change and daily routines resume, we wish our campers the very best on their journeys ahead. May they carry the Code of Living with them, applying the lessons learned at Cheley in their lives at home and beyond. We look forward to welcoming them back next summer.
Thank you for a great summer!
Kate Frankmore, Director
Nicole Brooks, Asst. Director
Estie Seligman, Asst. Director
