Health & Wellness

We take pride in our operation and the professional way in which we have run our programs for over 100 summers. From climbing and horseback riding to rafting, camping, and hiking, participants can experience a rich variety of challenging and educational activities in diverse and spectacular settings. However, with these opportunities — offered in high altitude, mountainous and sometimes wilderness terrain — come certain risks. Camp in general involves inherent and other risks, hazards, and dangers that can provide challenge and excitement, as well as opportunities for learning and personal growth. Inherent risks include those we seek, such as whitewater rafting or challenging terrain, as well as risks we don’t necessarily seek, but which exist as parts of the environment, such as unpredictable weather or unexpected terrain. Other risks, not necessarily inherent, may also exist.

As a result, safety is a priority in our programming. As an accredited and licensed summer camp, we endeavor to manage risks, knowing we cannot eliminate risks or assure campers’ safety. We strive to provide campers with unique locations and appropriate equipment as they learn new skills and engage in a variety of activities. Our summer camp counselors are diverse and enthusiastic, and, depending on their position, have first-aid training. Importantly, campers and their parents must understand that campers share in the responsibility for their own well-being and the well-being of others here at camp.

Cheley has risk management, emergency, and crisis response plans in place to endeavor to prepare and respond in the event of incidents or events occurring on or off Cheley property. Parents and guardians will be notified within a reasonable length of time after an event, as our priority is the well-being of all campers and staff.

Please review the Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement or contact us for additional information about the risks associated with Cheley’s activities, and participants’ and parents’ responsibilities.

People love to talk about the weather! At Cheley, it’s no different. Most days we’re talking about how perfect it is – blue skies and plenty of sun. The sun shines most every day, and while rain varies, typically we have an afternoon rain shower. They don’t last long though, but a rain jacket is a must.

At an elevation of 8,200 feet, summer temperatures average high in the 70s with very little humidity and cool evenings, usually 50 to 55ºF. It is best to be prepared for all types of weather

Altitude, like elevation, is the distance above sea level. National Geographic describes “high-altitude” as being at least 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) into the atmosphere. And because Cheley Colorado Camps sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level, it can be described as a high-altitude summer camp. Although it just barely meets the criteria for high altitude, campers who have never experienced it before may be surprised to experience how it affects them—at least initially.

Most campers don’t experience any symptoms of altitude sickness at our elevation; however, it’s important to know that there’s a chance your camper will experience some mild symptoms during their first few hours at camp, during strenuous activity, or if traveling to very high altitude (above 12,00ft) on a hike, backpack, or other activity. The most common symptoms include headaches, fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and sleep problems. The best way to acclimate and combat altitude sickness is to drink enough water, eat regularly, and rest.

Head Lice: We check all campers for head lice upon their arrival at camp. Over the years, we have found that most cases of head lice are brought to camp from home; therefore, to prevent the chance of lice being brought to camp, begin checking your camper’s head for lice a month before your camper’s arrival at camp. If you find and treat any lice, you must inform us. If your camper has head lice, we will contact you.

Bed Bug Screening: We check our cabins/wagons for beds bugs. Should any issues arise, we have a plan in place to deal with bed bugs both prior to and during the summer.

Tick Protocol: At Cheley, we do the following to help minimize exposure to ticks:

• Train staff in our procedures including identification of ticks, encouraging regular application of bug spray, encouraging campers to wear appropriate clothing when hiking, backpacking, etc.
• When campers return from program, counselors help campers do their own tick checks.
• When necessary, checks done during the summer by members of our Health Center staff. Our nurses look for signs of bug bites, ticks, rashes, scabs, etc.

If your child arrives at camp with removable orthodontic appliances, such as retainers or Invisalign, please take a moment to discuss with them the importance of proper care, especially when these items need to be removed during meals. While our staff will strive to provide reminders, it’s essential for campers to actively take responsibility for the safekeeping of these products.

We also strongly advise campers to visit their dentist and orthodontist before coming to camp. It’s important to note that our local orthodontists are not equipped to undertake substantial work or major repairs. In the event of issues like a snapped wire during the summer, the orthodontist in Estes Park will do their best to ensure your camper’s comfort until they can return home to see their own orthodontist.

Parents of campers undergoing orthodontic treatment are encouraged to share any special instructions with us for the optimal care of their child’s orthodontic appliances during their time at camp.

Campers are not required to be vaccinated for Covid-19; however, we strongly recommend campers are up-to-date on their vaccinations as recommended by their pediatrician (including those for Covid-19 and flu).

Colorado law (Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2) requires all students attending Colorado schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an exemption is filed. The minimum number and spacing of doses is set forth in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules. Meeting the initial vaccine requirements does not excuse a student from meeting additional requirements. In addition to the vaccines required for school entry, there are several vaccines recommended by the ACIP that provide protection against other diseases. These include Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Human papillomavirus and Influenza.

Below are the vaccines required for students attending Colorado licensed child cares and schools.

Vaccines required to enter child care:

• Hepatitis B.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTap).
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib).
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV).
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) or polysaccharide (PPSV23).
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR).
• Varicella (chicken pox).

Vaccines required to enter school (K-12):

• Hepatitis B.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTap).*
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV).*
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR).*
• Varicella (chicken pox). *
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap).**

*Students 4 through 6 years of age are required to have their final doses of DTaP, IPV, MMR and Varicella prior to kindergarten entry.

**Students are required to have Tdap prior to entry into 6th grade. One dose of Tdap is required for 6th through 12th grades.

If your camper is not fully immunized, you will be asked to upload a copy of the Immunization Exemption Form.