Reflecting on the summer in Haiyaha, it’s hard not to miss the breathtaking views from Totem Tepee, the crisp mountain air, and the enduring spirit of Cheley that filled every day. This summer was packed with moments of growth, adventure, and deepening friendships. Each camper faced new challenges, formed bonds that will last a lifetime, and walked away with experiences that shaped them into stronger, more resilient individuals.
Our hiking program, led by Connor Moffitt, Gabi Narvaez, and Jack Wright, was a journey of discovery and endurance. Campers tackled everything from steep alpine trails to rocky ridges, all while soaking in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Their determination and sense of wonder were evident as they summited peaks and ventured into the unknown. We are proud to recognize Desi Ach, William Dobson, Walker Miley, Benjamin Olshansky, Oscar OMeara, Bryant Pierce, Lawson Roesch, Nicholas Sailer, Quincy Sweet, and Ryan Toomey for their achievements on the trail, and receiving their Hiking Basics and Patch.
Backpacking this summer was an unforgettable adventure, thanks to Sean Annitto and Lyle Griggs. The campers embarked on multi-day treks, navigating the backcountry and learning the importance of teamwork and resilience. They built strong communities with their fellow backpackers, creating memories under the stars and overcoming the challenges of the wild. Hats off to Shaw Brown, Calvin Frost, Schuler Hurst, and Oscar O’Meara for earning their Backpacking Basics and Patch!
In mountain biking, Bryson Andregg and Gary Garcia took campers on thrilling rides through the rugged terrain of the Rockies. They conquered trails like Devil’s Backbone and Hermit Park, pushing through tough climbs and technical sections. The campers also enjoyed overnight rides, camping out after a day of intense biking and sharing stories around the campfire. We celebrate Zachary Cole, Rohan Gandhi, Alejandro Harris, and Jackson Remley for their hard-earned Mountain Biking Basics and Patch.
Our HBOs, Sean Annitto, Gabi Narvaez, and Connor Charpentier, guided campers into the heart of the wilderness, where they discovered the joys of outdoor living and community-building. Whether cooking meals over an open fire, playing games in their tents, or exploring the dense forests, these experiences brought the group closer together and fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world. Congratulations to Jackson Remley for earning their Outcamping Basics and Patch!
Our wranglers, Quinlan Kremer, Cassie Niemann, and Luke Watson, provided an incredible experience for our campers on horseback. The campers learned to ride and care for these majestic animals, from early morning stall duties to thrilling trail rides and overnight trips. The connection they built with their horses was something truly special, and we commend Joaquin Bours, Caleb Donnelly, Declan Donnelly, Charles Ehlert, Charlie Hughes, Joseph Koppman, Emmet Lynch, Axel Solander, and Ryan Toomey for their dedication in earning their Riding Basics and Patch.
Crafts in Haiyaha saw a creative burst this summer, with Will King leading the charge. Campers immersed themselves in intricate projects, from paracord bracelets to woodworking masterpieces, under the guidance of John Wilson. Each piece was a testament to their creativity and skill, proudly displayed around the unit.
The following campers earned arrows in Archery:
White Arrow
Anthoney Armstrong, Daniel Bell, Noah Brown, Asher Budway, William Cutshaw, Gavin Delisi, Leander Desai, Jude Frayer, Benjamin Gallon, Roberto Garcia, Desmond Horsley, Mack Hudson, Walker Jaudes, Sean Keyland, Ayden Kwiatkowski, David Lietz, Aiden Paul, Brody Pelusio, Jackson Remley, Cole Render, Grant Rollins, John Rybar, Nicholas Sailer, Mac Sellers, Dominic Sheehan, Robert Spilotro, Tyler Steed, Perry Sutta, Kian Tabandeh, and Henry Zamorano.
Black Arrow
Anthoney Armstrong, Noah Brown, Asher Budway, William Cutshaw, Gavin Delisi, Jude Frayer, Roberto Garcia, Desmond Horsley, Sean Keyland, David Lietz, Brody Pelusio, Jackson Remley, Cole Render, Andrew Roberts, Grant Rollins, John Rybar, Mac Sellers, Dominic Sheehan, Robert Spilotro, Tyler Steed, Perry Sutta, Kian Tabandeh, and Henry Zamorano.
Blue Arrow
Noah Brown, William Cutshaw, Gavin Delisi, Jude Frayer, Roberto Garcia, Desmond Horsley, David Lietz, Brody Pelusio, Jackson Remley, Cole Render, Andrew Roberts, John Rybar, Mac Sellers, Dominic Sheehan, Robert Spilotro, Tyler Steed, Kian Tabandeh, and Henry Zamorano.
Red Arrow
William Cutshaw, Gavin Delisi, Jude Frayer, Roberto Garcia, Desmond Horsley, David Lietz, Brody Pelusio, Jackson Remley, Cole Render, John Rybar, Dominic Sheehan, Tyler Steed, and Kian Tabandeh.
Gold Arrow
William Cutshaw, Jude Frayer, Roberto Garcia, Alexander Hampton, Desmond Horsley, David Lietz, Jackson Remley, Cole Render, and John Rybar.
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
Anthoney Armstrong, Clifford Bailey, Noah Brown, Braden Cramer, William Cutshaw, Leander Desai, Roberto Garcia, Christopher Haley, Jax Hill, Desmond Horsley, Luis Jara-Chacha II, Ayden Kwiatkowski, Mason Matakis, Mason Nichols, Isaac Rocha, Grant Rollins, Nicholas Sailer, Mac Sellers, and Tyler Steed.
Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Dustin Anderson, Braden Cramer, Roberto Garcia, Nashaun Golff, Jax Hill, Desmond Horsley, Charlie Hughes, Mason Matakis, Henry Reis, Cole Render, Grant Rollins, Nicholas Sailer, John Beck Seale, Mac Sellers, and Tyler Steed.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Andrew Bell, Roberto Garcia, Desmond Horsley, Sean Keyland, Cameron McShea, Jacob Pizzinini, Henry Reis, Nicholas Sailer, Mac Sellers, Robert Spilotro, and Joey Struse.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Roberto Garcia, Sean Keyland, Oscar Muir, Jacob Pizzinini, Henry Reis, and Robert Spilotro.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Alexander Christopher, Mack Hudson, Johnno Huss, Jack Lathrop, Oscar Muir, Ezra Old, Jacob Pizzinini, Jackson Remley, Robert Spilotro, and Ryan Toomey.
Kneeling Specialist and Level I, II, III, & IV
The following campers earned their Kneeling Specialist: Liam Huntzinger, Harrison Mira, Jacob Pizzinini, Henry Reis, and Robert Spilotro.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Mack Hudson, Johnno Huss, Ezra Old, and Henry Reis.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Mack Hudson, Johnno Huss, and Jacob Pizzinini.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Alexander Christopher, Johnno Huss, Ezra Old, and Jacob Pizzinini.
The following camper earned their Level 4 pin: Alexander Christopher, Ezra Old, and Jacob Pizzinini.
Sitting Specialist and Level I & II
The following campers earned their Sitting Specialist: Johnno Huss, Ezra Old, and Jacob Pizzinini.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Ezra Old and Jacob Pizzinini.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Ezra Old and Jacob Pizzinini.
Standing Specialist and Level I, II, & III
The following campers earned their Standing Specialist: Johnno Huss, Henry Reis, and Robert Spilotro.
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Alexander Christopher, Johnno Huss, Ezra Old, Jacob Pizzinini, and Henry Reis.
The following campers earned their Level 2 pin: Ezra Old and Jacob Pizzinini.
The following campers earned their Level 3 pin: Ezra Old and Jacob Pizzinini.
Masters in Riflery
Congratulations to Ezra Old and Jacob Pizzinini!
Evenings in Haiyaha were never dull, with Jonah Craine orchestrating lively campfires that brought the unit together in fun and fellowship. From the excitement of Shark Tank and Scavenger Hunts to the energetic dances and games, each campfire was a celebration of the brotherhood that defines Haiyaha.
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 and spent multiple nights out of camp. This camper truly immersed themselves in the Colorado outdoor experience: Hudson Jacobs.
Our CILTs (Campers in Leadership Training), William “Dobby” Dobson, Robert Dunlap, Alexander Gillikin, John Myers, Joey Struse, and Ryan Toomey during First Term and Zachary Cole, James Francoeur, Cameron McShea, Oscar O’Meara, and Lawson Roesch during Second Term, brought wisdom and leadership to the unit. They led by example, guiding the younger campers and contributing to the strong sense of community that makes Haiyaha so unique. They also did a phenomenal job leading everything from the Code of Living discussion to the All-Camp Campfire skit practice and thrived at having a positive impact day in and day out on everyone in the unit.
We had the privilege of presenting two rare recognitions this summer: the Gold Spurs and the Trail Hand. When Cheley began, Frank Cheley established the Gold Spurs to be given to campers who devoted themselves to earning nearly every recognition offered in the senior units. The Gold Spurs cannot be earned in one year, rather it’s a process that requires intense focus and a drive to achieve. In order to the Gold Spurs, campers must earn their Hiking, Riding, Backpacking, and Mountain Biking patch, demonstrate proficiency in riflery and archery, create two gift-worthy crafts projects, and write a letter to the Cheley family about their journey toward achieving the Spurs. We were happy to present Ryan Toomey with his Gold Spurs! 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 Alexander Gillikin on receiving his Trail Hand!
As the summer drew to a close, the campers in Haiyaha 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, the campers came together to honor those who best exemplified these traits, recognizing their outstanding character, leadership, and dedication to the Haiyaha community. Each term’s unique set of traits served as a guiding light for the unit, and the following campers were chosen by their peers for living these values to the fullest. With the traits Benevolent, Anchor, Beacon, Pioneer, and Tenacity on their Code, congratulations to our First Term Gold Key recipients: William Dobson, Charles Ehlert, and Noah Posin. And with the traits Passion, Curious, Adaptable, Aware, and Integrity on their Code, congratulations to our Second Term Gold Key recipients: William Cutshaw, Calvin Frost, Oscar O’Meara, Lawson Roesch, and Axel Solander. These young men have set a high standard for the rest of the unit, and their commitment to living the Code of Living has left a lasting impact on Haiyaha.
As the seasons change and the routines of daily life return, we wish our campers the very best on their upcoming journeys. We hope they carry the Code of Living with them, applying the lessons learned at camp in their lives at home and school. We look forward to seeing them back at Cheley next summer.
Thank you for a great summer!
Nathan Wilson (T1) & Iain Ramsey (T2), Directors
Tate Parker, Asst. Director
