As the sun dipped behind the peaks and the crisp mountain air turned cooler, it’s time to reflect on another unforgettable summer at Girls’ Trail’s End. The summer of 2024 at GTE was a season to remember, filled with laughter, challenges, and moments that will be cherished for years to come. From the exhilarating first steps on the trails to the last echoes of campfire songs, the bonds formed and the experiences shared have woven a tapestry of memories that connect this generation of campers with those who came before.
Girls’ Trail’s End has always embraced the Cheley mission of building character, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world. This summer was no exception. Our campers tackled rugged trails, soared on horseback, and explored the wilds of the Rockies, each day pushing their boundaries and discovering new strengths within themselves.
Under the leadership of Kate Gillikin and Annie O’Neill, our hiking program took campers to stunning destinations like Pagoda, Desolation, and Navajo, where they faced both physical and mental challenges with determination and teamwork. We are thrilled to recognize Catherine Cashen, Elenice Condon, Isabel Dennis, Louisa Engelbrink, and Amna Walter for earning their Junior Hiking Basics and Patch, Samantha Schoolman for receiving their Senior Hiking Basics, and Alexandria Bashara and Chloe Jagodik for achieving their Senior Hiking Basics and Patch.
In our backpacking program, guided by Ava DiAngelo and Margaret Lipton, campers ventured deep into the wilderness, setting up camp under the stars and learning the true meaning of perseverance. We applaud Chloe Jagodik for achieving their Senior Backpacking Basics and Patch.
Our mountain biking program, led by Jenny Chamberlain and Marina Griffin, offered campers thrilling rides and scenic views as they navigated the trails around Estes Park. The grit and enthusiasm shown by our bikers were truly inspiring.
The horseback riding program, under the guidance of Yasmeen Jojo-Cunningham, Marin Tomlinson, and Lily Wyatt, provided campers with the chance to bond with their horses and hone their riding skills. From trail rides to riding lessons, our campers grew as riders and as individuals. We celebrate Charlotte Colella, Molly Jordan, Reagan Nanney, and Harper Reidy for earning their Junior Riding Basics and Maddie Couch, Madeline Fenner, Wynn Gilbert, and Abigail Greene for earning both their Basics and Patch. We also recognize Addison Bachrach, Melanie Bliss, Morgan Jones, and Emma Schumacher for their Senior Riding Basics and Lila Creasy, Rowan Doyle, and Molly Maynard for their Basics Patch.
The outcamping program, skillfully led by Eleni Armatas and Bunny Rutledge, allowed campers to connect with nature in a more intimate setting. Whether they were cooking over a campfire or sharing stories under the stars, these experiences created lasting memories. We recognize Sarah Nguyen for receiving their Junior Outcamping Basics and Patch, and Grey Perkins for earning their Senior Outcamping Basics.
Our crafts program, guided by Sloane Dunker, was a hub of creativity and joy. Campers immersed themselves in artistic projects, from tie-dye to leatherwork, making crafts a beloved part of their camp experience.
While campers preferred to go out of camp, archery remained a popular activity. Campers of all levels took aim, improving their skills and achieving new personal bests. The following campers earned arrows in Archery:
White Arrow
Ella Andersen, Isobel Brewer, Lindsay Campbell, Molly Carl, Emme Clore, Charlotte Colella, Wynn Gilbert, Soraya Hassan, Molly Jordan, Aiden Kaplan, June Keyland, Lila Laton, Eva Lavallee, Alessandra Luna, Margaret Martens, Lily McGeehan, Fiona Rusak, Charlotte Wadsworth, Laila Weinstein, and Emmie Williamson.
Black Arrow
Molly Carl, Wynn Gilbert, Molly Jordan, June Keyland, Lily McGeehan, Charlotte Wadsworth, Laila Weinstein, and Emmie Williamson.
Blue Arrow
Lily McGeehan.
Riflery, led by Amy Jayne Morrissett, saw many campers honing their marksmanship skills and achieving personal milestones. The camaraderie and focus at the range made it a standout part of the summer. Whether they were first-time shooters or seasoned veterans, each camper embraced the challenges and triumphs of riflery, making it a staple experience of their summer at Girls’ Trail’s End.
Prone Specialist
Addison Bachrach, Molly Carl, Emme Clore, Camren Collins, Anusha Dearth, Isabel Dennis, Tess Doebele, Cadence Dorr, Nola Gross, Soraya Hassan, Lila Hess, Chloe Jagodik, Lily Claire Kaufman, June Keyland, Claire Manhart, Margaret Martens, Lily McGeehan, Adylee Morris, Molly Mounce, Reagan Nanney, Riley Neering, Sarah Nguyen, Pilar Penick, Grey Perkins, Louise Preston, Samantha Schoolman, Laila Weinstein, and Emmie Williamson.
Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Julia Anderson, Addison Bachrach, Elizabeth Barnhart, Isobel Brewer, Lindsay Campbell, Molly Carl, Anusha Dearth, Tess Doebele, Soraya Hassan, Lila Hess, Lila Laton, Claire Manhart, Margaret Martens, Mayla Montgomery, Riley Neering, Sarah Nguyen, Emma Schumacher, and Laila Weinstein.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Isobel Brewer, Tess Doebele, Soraya Hassan, Lila Hess, Hannah Jordan, Alessandra Luna, Violet Macdonald, Claire Manhart, Margaret Martens, and Laila Weinstein.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Tess Doebele, Maggie Gravette, Soraya Hassan, Morgan Jones, and Margaret Martens.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Madeleine Carney, Wynn Gilbert, Molly Jordan, and Violet Macdonald.
Kneeling Specialist and Level I, II, & III
The following camper earned their Kneeling Specialist: Tess Doebele, Wynn Gilbert, Soraya Hassan, Molly Jordan, Margaret Martens, Emma Schumacher, and Laila Weinstein.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Soraya Hassan, Maite Irigoyen, Molly Jordan, Alessandra Luna, Margaret Martens, and Laila Weinstein.
The following camper earned their Level 2 pin: Maite Irigoyen, Molly Jordan, Alessandra Luna, Violet Macdonald, and Laila Weinstein.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Maite Irigoyen and Violet Macdonald.
Sitting Specialist and Level I
Alessandra Luna.
Standing Specialist and Level I & II
The following campers earned their Standing Specialist:Wynn Gilbert, Maite Irigoyen, Molly Jordan, Alessandra Luna, Violet Macdonald, Margaret Martens, and Emma Schumacher.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Madeleine Carney, Molly Jordan, and Violet Macdonald.
The following camper earned their Level 2 pin: Madeleine Carney.
The following campers earned their Pine Cone Patch: Tess Doebele, Lila Ellis-Tau, Nola Gross, Sarah Nguyen, and Pilar Penick. To earn this, you had to be well-rounded and open-minded. These adventurous campers had to meet specific riding, hiking, outcamping, archery, riflery, crafts, and climbing requirements, as well as help out with campfire, Chapel, cookout, or choir.
The following campers earned their On the Trail Patch: Julia Anderson, Isobel Brewer, Catherine Cashen, Charlotte Colella, Elenice Condon, Maddie Couch, Isabel Dennis, Eliza Grossman, Elodie Kemp, Kate Miller, Eliana Parrella, Amna Walter, Matilda Carlarne, Lila Creasy, Chloe Jagodik, and Helen Rinehart.
The campfires, guided by Alli Williams, were the heart of our evenings, bringing the camp community together in laughter and reflection. Highlights included Casino Night and Counselor Impersonation Night, where campers showcased their talents and created unforgettable memories.
Our CILTs (Campers in Leadership Training), including Lila Creasy, Morgan Jones, Isolde Junge, Sophia Lathrop, Hannah Millkey, Ruby Montoya, Heidi Reller, Malena Riefe, Georgia Triplett, Charlotte Vogen, and Willa Vogen, played a crucial role in fostering community and leadership. They led by example, guided younger campers, and helped maintain the strong spirit of Girls’ Trail’s End. They consistently went above and beyond, from facilitating the Code of Living discussions to leading all-camp activities.
As the summer concluded, our campers reflected on the Code of Living they had crafted together. This code represented the values they aspired to live by throughout their camp experience. First Term had the traits Authentic, Drive, Empowerment, Balance, and Compassionate on their Code, while Second Term’s included Supportive, Intentionality, Wonder, Present, and Vivacious. We proudly recognize our Drivers of the Covered Wagon: Clare Buckley, Madeleine Carney, Emme Clore, Maite Irigoyen, Alessandra Luna, and Kate Miller and our Top Hands: Brinley Betts, Ruth Flacke, Lila Laton, Mayla Montgomery, Riley Phillips, and Willa Vogen. These campers exemplified the Code of Living and set a high standard for their peers. These campers set a high standard for the unit, and their commitment to living the Code of Living will be remembered.
In the fourth week of Second Term, Girls’ Trail’s End faced the challenge of evacuating due to the Alexander Mountain Fire. Our campers and staff demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, making the most of their time at Van Gogh. They maintained the Cheley Spirit and beauty of GTE despite the circumstances with a special Final Banquet at Woods Kitchen. The camaraderie and positivity displayed during this time were truly inspiring.
As we say goodbye to another incredible summer, we hope the lessons and friendships from Girls’ Trail’s End will remain with our campers, enriching their lives as they return to their daily routines. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them back next summer.
Thank you for a summer filled with adventure, growth, and unforgettable moments!
Kara Meechan, Director
Lindsey Pellock, Asst. Director
Kendall Smith-Williams, Asst. Director
