At Cheley, the answer is simple: it’s a little bit of both! Our unique structure blends the benefits of single-unit spaces with intentional opportunities for co-ed interaction, creating an environment where every camper feels seen, supported, and connected.
How It Works
Cheley is home to eight distinct units: four for boys and four for girls. Campers are assigned to units based on age, where they live, eat, and participate in activities as a close-knit group. Each unit is its own vibrant community with its own well-maintained lodge, bathhouse, living spaces, and a dedicated team of 13 to 16 staff members. This setup gives every camper a smaller, family-like camp experience while still enjoying the camaraderie of being part of a larger camp.
Not sure what all the camp lingo means? Check out our glossary for quick explanations of the terms we throw around—it’s like your personal guide to all things Cheley!
At Land O’ Peaks (LOP), the boys’ and girls’ units are in different locations on camp property—albeit within walkable and close proximity to one another. This thoughtful placement allows for a sense of separation while still fostering the interconnectedness of the larger camp community. The Trail’s End (TE) units, however, are each on separate properties approximately 15 minutes apart by car and are not walkable between locations.
Co-Ed and Cross-Unit Opportunities
While much of camp life happens within these single-unit spaces, Cheley is intentionally designed to create moments of connection across units. Here are some examples:
- Brother-Sister Events: Pairings of camp units of the same age group but opposite genders—such as Lower Ski Hi and Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi and Chipeta, Haiyaha and Senior Chipeta, and the Trail’s End (TE) units—come together for fun traditions like Play Day, Square Dance, cookouts, or other shared evening programs.
- Big Sis/Lil Sis and Big Bro/Lil Bro: These special mentoring programs pair older campers with younger ones, fostering connections, guidance, and friendships across age groups. These relationships are often celebrated through activities and shared moments that strengthen the camp community.
- Chapel at Land O’ Peaks (LOP): Every Sunday morning, campers attend a non-religious Chapel designed to inspire reflection and character growth. The peaceful setting and shared experience bring the camp community closer together.
- All-Camp Campfire: On the second Sunday of each term, the entire camp gathers for a cookout, flag-raising ceremony, themed campfire performances, and a dance party that closes with a heartfelt Friendship Circle and taps. This is the only time all campers and staff are in the same place, and it’s a highlight of every term.
- CILT Program: Our Counselor in Leadership Training (CILT) program is co-ed, bringing together campers from different units for orientation and training days.
- Special Events: Campers may come together for special events, such as Fourth of July celebrations, lively sing-alongs, or beloved traditions like the disco.
- Activities: While most activities are organized within single units, we occasionally schedule cross-unit or co-ed activities, such as joint sports or scavenger hunt where units team up for friendly competitions. It’s also possible for any of our half-day or full-day programs—such as hikes, horseback riding ring rides, SUP, and rafting—to combine units, creating opportunities for campers to collaborate, bond, and share adventures together. Overnight activities, however, remain single unit.
The Best of Both Worlds
This structure allows campers to thrive in an environment that fosters individuality and growth while providing opportunities to make friends across units. By blending single-unit living and program spaces with purposeful co-ed activities, Cheley gives campers the chance to form deep friendships, celebrate traditions, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Why This Matters
Over the years, we’ve seen how this balance benefits campers. Single-unit spaces create a sense of security and foster connections that might feel more comfortable without the pressure of mixed company. Meanwhile, co-ed interactions help campers practice communication, build respect, and create a community that mirrors real-world collaboration.
Cheley isn’t purely co-ed or entirely split—it’s thoughtfully both. And this unique structure is part of what makes the Cheley Experience so special.
