A Day in the Life
Adventure awaits at every turn. At Cheley, each day is a chance to explore the outdoors, build lifelong friendships, and discover the best version of yourself.
At Cheley, no two days are exactly the same; rather, every day is an opportunity for growth, adventure, and connection. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, our days are filled with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and experiences that challenge campers to discover their strengths, build lasting friendships, and create memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Campers dive into a wide range of activities: hiking through alpine meadows, horseback riding across rugged trails, crafting in creative workshops, and so much more. Whether they’re summiting a peak, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, or sharing laughs with cabin and wagon mates, every moment is designed to inspire personal growth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
While the spirit of adventure guides us, Cheley operates with a thoughtfully structured routine that anchors the camp experience. This framework repeats during First Term and Second Term and is mirrored in our Quarter B-4 and Family Camp programs. It’s this intentional balance of structure and spontaneity that keeps campers engaged, energized, and eager to return summer after summer.
The Cheley Experience
Summer at Cheley isn’t just a season—it’s an experience that unfolds over 27 transformative days. Each term kicks off with Arrival Day and Orientation Day, setting the stage for the adventures ahead, and concludes with Final Saturday and Departure Day, where lifelong memories and friendships are packed alongside sleeping bags and gear.
Twenty-seven days might sound like a long time, but it’s just the right amount to unplug from the everyday, settle into the rhythm of camp life, build confidence, and form deep, meaningful connections. From the moment campers arrive to the bittersweet goodbyes, every day is thoughtfully crafted to help them grow, explore, and thrive.
Tuesday
Arrival Day
No matter if you’re flying in from Denver International Airport and taking the shuttle, or driving to camp, Arrival Day is Day 1 for everyone! That afternoon, upon arriving at camp, campers have time to move into their cabin or wagon, unpack, meet their cabinmates, wagon-mates, and counselors, and hang in their unit – their new home for 27-days. Throughout the afternoon and evening, they will learn some of the ways that Cheley operates, like at dinner when they receive the meal talk! After dinner, the unit will gather in the lodge for the first time altogether for introductions, icebreakers, and get-to-know-you-games before their first night’s rest in Colorful Colorado.
Wednesday
Orientation Day
The first full day of camp is spent in orientation! This day gives campers a brief overview of all the activities Cheley offers within their unit, helping them discover what they’re most excited to try. During orientation, campers might visit the riding ring to learn about the horseback riding program, snow seal their boots while discovering the hiking program, or spend time at the archery or riflery range to explore our target sports. It’s also a great opportunity for campers to get acquainted with camp, their unit, and each other, while adjusting to the elevation. After orientation, campers will sign up for their first three days of activities!
A Day Full of Adventure
At Cheley, adventure isn’t just an activity: it’s part of the daily routine. During our 27-day summer program, campers spend 19 days immersed in activities designed to challenge, inspire, and connect them with the natural world. From hiking and backpacking through the Rockies to horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, and creative arts, each day brings new opportunities to grow, explore, and make memories. These activity-filled days are what we casually call “Program Days,” filled with hands-on experiences, skill-building, and plenty of fun.
Following Orientation, campers jump right into three dynamic days of activities. Sundays offer a change of pace with rest, reflection, and camp traditions that bring everyone together. The camp rhythm then settles into a pattern of six activity-packed days followed by a restful Sunday, repeated through the second and third weeks. In the final week, campers enjoy four more days of adventure, with the last big activity happening on the final Thursday. Below, we’ve outlined a typical Program Day so you can get a feel for what to expect during your summer at Cheley.
Morning
6:45 am: Rise and shine!
Waking up is easy for a day filled with fun and excitement! Make your bed, clean your cabin/wagon (campers and staff clean every day in preparation for inspection), and get ready for the day.
7:00 am: Rafters breakfast!
On a hike, going paddleboarding, or rafting down the Poudre River? You’ll have breakfast a little earlier than the rest of camp so that you can get to your trailhead or on the water early.
7:30 am: Morning fuel up! Whether it be in the dining hall, around the campfire on an overnight, or in the backcountry on a backpack, breakfast fills campers up with nutritious and delicious foods to fuel their adventure-packed day.
9:00 am: Activities!
After breakfast (which for most is well before 9:00 am), campers disperse, and program groups meet for half-day, full-day, or overnight activities.
Afternooon
12:00 pm: Lunch time!
It’s time to head back to the dining hall for lunch or stop on the trail for bulk. Lunch is most often served family-style and is sure to leave your belly full.
12:45 pm: Rest hour!
After lunch (if you’re in camp), you’ll head back to your cabin or wagon to relax and recharge. During this downtime, campers nap, read, write a letter home, and play cards: anything mellow and calming before afternoon activities.
2:00 pm: Activities!
With campers rested and ready to go, program groups meet for afternoon activities or continue their morning jolt.
4:15 pm: Treats!
Time flies when you’re having fun! And your day of program must end. Campers have free time in the afternoon to shower, visit the store for treats, work on patches, and hang out in their unit with new and old friends.
Evening
6:00 pm: Dinner time!
Another delicious family-style meal in the dining hall or around the campfire/backpacking stove on an overnight. Except on Thursdays when the entire unit enjoys a cookout!
7:00 pm: Campfire!
Units gather for evening program, which may include a scavenger hunt, Dutch auction, skit night, Mario Kart, s’mores, songs, games, and more. Throughout the term, we also have combined unit campfires, like for Square Dance, Disco, or Zumba with Brooke. Campfires end with friendship circle when you sing unit songs and taps.
8:30 pm: Cabin & wagon time!
Before bed, campers reflect on the day they had, share their Rose-Bud-Thorn, get ready for bed and prepare for the day ahead. It’s a chance to unwind and connect with your “go-to” counselor one last time before bed.
9:00 pm: Sweat dreams!
Lights out means it’s time for bed! A good night’s sleep in your own bed or under the stars is the perfect remedy for another fun-filled day.
Curious what a week of activities looks like?
Keep in mind that schedules vary by unit, term, and summer, so the specific activities may differ from what’s shown.
Slowing Down on Sundays
Sundays at Cheley are a refreshing pause—a chance to slow down, reflect, and recharge after a week full of adventure.
We start with a well-deserved sleep-in until around 7:15, with breakfast at 8:00. Depending on your unit, the morning might include program sign-ups for the upcoming week—choosing your next set of activities—or some free time to relax. At 11:00 am (earlier if you’re in choir!), everyone gathers for Chapel, a time for reflection and inspiration in a beautiful outdoor setting.
After a special Sunday lunch—with a letter home as your “entrance ticket”—you’ll switch between sign-ups or free time, depending on what you did earlier. Sunday afternoons are packed with fun, from Play Day on the first Sunday to the All-Camp Campfire on the second, or unique unit activities on the third. Instead of eating in the Dining Hall, we enjoy cookouts with brother/sister units, the whole camp, or just within our unit. Sundays wind down with Vespers or a cozy campfire before Friendship Circle, setting the tone for another incredible week ahead.
Weekly
Chapel
Chapel represents a non-religious gathering led by campers and staff. Emphasizing the Code of Living and foundational principles of character development, Chapel is designed to inspire without reflecting any religious themes. At Cheley, we embrace and respect all faiths, ensuring that Chapel remains inclusive and welcoming to individuals of diverse beliefs. This dedicated time encourages campers and counselors to engage in introspection, allowing for moments of contemplation and rejuvenation. There are also many musical performances at Chapel, including Choir, which all campers and staff are invited to join. Our setting provides unsurpassed beauty. Chapel begins at 11:00am. All campers and staff are expected to attend, wearing their kerchief and appropriate clothing (Chapel attire).
First Sunday
Play Day
The first Sunday of each term marks Play Day where campers and staff from corresponding brother/sister units come together for a non-competitive, fun-filled event! Think of it as a lowkey Olympics with colors instead of countries. It is designed to promote camaraderie among campers. Play Day emphasizes the values of teamwork, FunPlus©, and safety. Campers and counselors alike are randomly grouped into teams, each dressed up head-to-toe in their designated color. Sports counselors meticulously plan the event, but everyone gets involved in the action. Whether you’re on the red team battling against purple in sponge dodgeball or on tie-dye perfecting your team cheer, expect an afternoon of excitement, friendly competition, vibrant attire, and an array of thrilling games. But just remember, everyone’s a winner at Cheley!
Second Sunday
All-Camp Campfire
The second Sunday of each term is set aside for All-Camp Campfire, including a cookout at Woods Kitchen, horse retreat (a flag raising ceremony) in the Western Riding Ring, and dance party. The campfire counselors of all eight units host this themed night. Each unit and often support staff prepare a song/skit and gather in the John Austin Cheley Pavilion to perform it. This is the only camp event with every camper and staff member! The dance party at the end of the night closes with “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Then we gather for friendship circle with all of camp, followed by taps played by multiple trumpeters, and a final goodnight. Check out some past performances on our YouTube channel!
Wrapping Up the Journey
As the term comes to a close, the final weekend at Cheley is filled with meaningful traditions, heartfelt reflections, and celebrations of growth. It’s a time for campers to look back on their adventures, honor friendships, and savor the last moments of their camp experience.
Friday
Banquet Day
Final Friday is all about reflection, celebration, and savoring the final moments of camp. The day begins with a restful morning, giving campers a chance to sleep in after weeks of adventure, followed by a special PJ breakfast with music, donuts, and plenty of camp cheer. Campers then focus on packing and cleaning their cabins or wagons, making sure everything is in order before departure. There’s also time for campers to write “warm fuzzies” or plane notes, and one final big unit activity, filled with fun and laughter, creating lasting memories with lifelong friends.
The highlight of the day is the Final Banquet, a cherished tradition and an important part of the camp closure process, complete with special food that adds to the festive atmosphere. It’s a heartfelt evening of gratitude, celebration, and connection. It’s also a time to reflect on personal growth, with moments set aside to appreciate how far each camper has come during their time at Cheley.
Final Saturday
Visiting Day
Final Saturday is a meaningful day filled with reflection, celebration, and connection. The morning begins with Final Chapel, a special gathering where the entire camp comes together to reflect on the summer, share lessons learned, and celebrate personal growth. Following Chapel, units hold Recognition Ceremonies to honor campers for their achievements, growth, and contributions to the community.
As the day continues, campers participate in Touch of Warmth, a heartfelt tradition that provides space for gratitude, reflection, and saying goodbye to friends and counselors. Families have the opportunity to explore camp, meet staff, and hear stories that highlight their camper’s journey. While departures are bittersweet, they’re filled with pride, memories, and the excitement of returning next summer. Campers being picked up on Sunday morning will have additional time to say their goodbyes and soak in their final moments at camp.
