Family Dashboard
Whether this is your camper’s first, fourth, or ninth summer, we’re so excited to partner with you for an unforgettable Cheley Experience. We’ve pulled together everything you need to feel confident and prepared before, during, and after your camper’s summer at Cheley. Jump to:
Welcome, Cheley Families! In a world filled with extraordinary opportunities for young people, the Cheley Experience stands out. Campers often tell us they feel more alive, more connected, and more like the best version of themselves while they’re here. Whether they’re summiting Longs Peak, cantering around the ring, or cheering a fellow mountain biker up the Cheley Challenge, they’re building confidence, relationships, and skills that will last a lifetime.
Camp is a place to unplug, to explore, and to grow—and your support helps make that possible! As parents ourselves, we know there are a lot of moving parts, and it’s our goal to make things as easy and clear as possible. This hub is here to help you stay organized and excited. We’re always just a call or email away if you have questions. We’re grateful for your partnership and can’t wait to see your camper this summer!
Warmly,
Jeff Cheley & Brooke Cheley-Klebe
Get Ready for Camp
Whether you’re a seasoned Cheley family or gearing up for your first summer, we know there’s a lot to do in preparation for your camper’s summer! That’s why we’ve gathered everything you need to feel confident and prepared. Think of this as your go-to guide for a smooth and exciting start to camp.
| Drop-off | Pick-up | |
|---|---|---|
| First Term | June 10 | July 6 |
| Second Term | July 8 | August 3 |
| Quarter B-4 | August 5 | August 9 |
Still deciding if you’ll drop off or pick up your camper? Check out our blog post for what we recommend.
Forms, Payments & More
Log into your CampBrain account to access, complete, and upload all required forms. Download our Forms Checklist. You can also use CampBrain to pay tuition, view your balance, or set up a payment plan. Here’s a quick look at what’s due and when:
| March 1 | Forms Live |
| April 1 | Forms Due for Summer Camp |
| May 1 | Payments Due |
| June 1 | Forms Due for Quarter B-4 |
Submitting your forms on time is one of the most important ways you can partner with us to help your camper have a successful summer. These forms often take longer than expected, so we recommend starting early once they’re available. If you run into any challenges or need extra time, just reach out—we’re here to help.
Note: The only exceptions are the Healthcare Provider Form and the Colorado Immunization Form, which must be uploaded at least one day before your camper arrives (ideally by May 1st).
Getting to Camp
Once your camper is enrolled, it’s time to start planning how they’ll get to Cheley. Whether you’re driving up to Estes Park, flying into Denver, or meeting us at the airport for the camp bus, we’ve laid out all your options. Start with our Travel Information page, including arrival and departure details, then explore the travel option that works best for your family:
- By Car – Driving to camp? Get directions, arrival and pickup times, and what to expect.
- By Plane – Flying into Denver International Airport? We’ve got tips for booking flights, luggage, unaccompanied minors, cell phone policy, and more.
- By Bus – Meeting us at the airport? Drop your camper at the airport and we’ll take them to camp on the bus.
Packing for Camp
Packing can feel like a last-minute scramble or an exciting early countdown. Either way, having a list makes all the difference! We’ve created detailed packing list for Summer Camp and Quarter B-4 to guide you, plus tips on what to bring, what to skip, and how to help your camper take ownership of their gear. Don’t forget to label everything!
Medication & Health Care Info
Your camper’s well-being is a big part of the Cheley Experience! From minor bumps to daily medications, our on-site healthcare team is here around the clock to support your camper. Before camp begins, you’ll complete a few required forms. We also encourage you to take a moment to review how we handle medications and other important health-related topics. From altitude and climate to lice checks, dental care, and mental health, we cover everything so you can feel confident and prepared.
Letters of Introduction
New to Cheley? We ask that each new camper provide two Letters of Introduction from adults outside the family—think teachers, coaches, or neighbors. These letters help us get to know your camper and are due within two weeks of enrollment.
Talking About Camp With Your Camper
Getting ready for camp isn’t just about forms and packing lists, it’s about setting your camper up for a successful experience. In the weeks leading up to camp, carve out time for a few intentional conversations. Talk through what a typical day might look like, how meals and sign-ups work, and what to do if they feel nervous or miss home. Help them practice self-care, think through conflict resolution, and reflect on how they can contribute to life in a close-knit community. Since one of the biggest shifts is going unplugged, start weaning off screens early and talk about how freeing it can be to disconnect and really connect.
Still have questions or want to talk it through?
Visiting Camp & Final Saturday
While much of the Cheley Experience is intentionally unplugged and immersive, there is one special day each term when families are invited to step into the magic: Final Saturday. This is your opportunity to visit camp, meet your camper’s counselors and friends, and experience the community your camper has been part of. Nearly 90% of families join us on Final Saturday and depart with their camper the following morning. We’ll share the full schedule closer to summer, but in the meantime, save the date:
- First Term: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
- Second Term: Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Check out our blog post “How Do I Make the Most of Final Saturday?“
Planning ahead? Estes Park is a popular summer destination, so we recommend booking accommodations early. Download our Hotel List for recommendations. Please note: Final Saturday is the only day friends and family can visit during the summer.
While They’re at Camp
Your camper has arrived, unplugged, and settled into the rhythm of camp life. While they’re immersed in adventure, growth, and friendship, we know you still want to feel connected. Here’s how you can stay in touch and follow along without disrupting the magic.
We’ll keep you updated with photos, personalized weekly reports, and important communication as needed. You won’t hear from your camper directly, but rest assured, if anything comes up, we’ll reach out. And if you ever need to connect, we’re just a phone call or email away.
Reach Out From home
Sending Camp Mail
One of the biggest highlights of a camper’s day is Mail Call. Whether it’s a postcard from grandparents or a printed email from home, these messages help your camper feel supported and loved—without pulling them out of the immersive experience of camp.
We encourage families to send handwritten letters and postcards a few times a week, and to use one-way emails sparingly. While we don’t allow calls or incoming packages, our no-package policy and mail system are designed to help maintain the unplugged, connected, and community-centered spirit of Cheley.
INSIGHTS FROM CAMP
Photos & Weekly Reports
While your camper is busy unplugging, we know it’s comforting to catch a glimpse of the fun. Photos are uploaded each morning by 11:00 AM MT. You can view and download all available images directly from the Cheley mobile app. We do our best to capture a variety of campers each day, but not every camper will appear in every upload. Campers may be out on overnights, away from photographers, or at Trail’s End, where coverage can be more limited. That said, we hope your focus isn’t just on spotting your camper, but on knowing they’re having a meaningful experience. Our first priority will always be giving them the best possible summer, not photographing every moment of it.
Weekly Reports are emailed every Tuesday by 10:00 AM MT. These personalized updates from your camper’s Go-To Counselor include weekly highlights, goals, challenges, activity participation, general well-being, and more. There is not a report sent after camp ends.
Have a concern or just want to check in on your camper during the summer? Here’s who to contact and when.
Looking Ahead: Life After Camp
As your camper leaves the mountains behind, they bring home more than dirty socks and friendship bracelets. They return with growth, resilience, and stories that will slowly unfold over time. Reentry can be an adjustment, so don’t be surprised if your camper is quieter than expected, naps for days, or misses camp at unexpected moments. Give them space, be patient, and celebrate their growth! You’ll hear about camp in little moments, not all at once.
But don’t let their return to “real life” fool you: even if the excitement fades behind school, sports, and busy schedules, camp has likely left a lasting mark. Now is the perfect time to reflect on the experience and start dreaming about next summer. Re-enrollment opens on Final Saturday, and many units fill fast. Don’t be the parent who has to break the news that camp is full. Plan ahead and save their spot while it’s top of mind!
Want to better understand the transition home or what keeps campers coming back year after year? Read our blog on Navigating Life After Camp or explore Why Some Campers Don’t Return.
