Our Leadership Team
Our year-round, permanent staff of administrators and support personnel work tirelessly to enhance and improve our programs and facilities, recruit top-notch staff, ease the enrollment process, and provide mature guidance for our seasonal staff and camp families.
The Cheley family has been dedicated to Cheley Colorado Camps since its founding in 1921. Jeff Cheley and Brooke Cheley-Klebe, the two oldest members of the current generation in charge, take tremendous pride in running camp. This family commitment ensures continuity, integrity, and a deep understanding of the camp experience. As co-directors, this brother-sister team combines their talents and strengths to provide a wide range of skills and insights for camp guidance, while remaining true to their great-grandfather’s vision and values.
Meet Today’s Cheley Family Leaders
Jeff Cheley
OWNER & DIRECTOR
Jeff Cheley
As a pivotal figure in the fourth generation of camp leadership, Jeff collaborates closely with his sister, Brooke, overseeing the business’s operations and financial management and preserving the enduring traditions established by Frank Cheley. Drawing from eight years as a camper and six subsequent years as staff, which included roles as a horseback riding counselor, unit director, and Operations Director, Jeff transitioned into his current role in 2004.
A proud Longhorn and occasional Sunday afternoon napper, Jeff earned a degree in Business Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin. His dedication extends beyond camp; he is a graduate of Leadership Denver through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and actively contributes to the community by serving on the boards of the Estes Park Medical Center Foundation and the Denver Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He relishes the challenge of developing others, the strategic aspects of business, and a well-hit golf shot. During the summer, Jeff can be found biking up the Cheley Challenge, driving around camp in his Bronco, or engaging with campers and staff.
Alongside his wife, Erika, and their three sons—Jackson, Harrison, and Hayden—Jeff is passionately involved in family life and devoted to fostering his sons’ interests in sports. His engagement in the camping profession extends to being the President of the Colorado Camps Network, Treasurer of the Western Association of Independent Camps, and actively participating in multiple American Camp Association (ACA) committees.
Brooke Cheley Klebe
Owner & Director
Brooke Cheley Klebe
As a pivotal figure in the fourth generation of camp leadership, Brooke collaborates with her brother, Jeff, overseeing camper/parent engagement and preserving the enduring traditions established by Frank Cheley. Her immersive journey epitomizes a deep connection to the Cheley Experience, drawing from nine formative summers as a camper and four seasons as a backpacking and hiking counselor. Transitioning to Out of Camp Program Director in 1997, she assumed her current role in 2006.
Brooke, a former competitor in freestyle skiing, an Ironman triathlete, and a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia, earned a degree in Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her zest for dance has shone at the Muses Parade since 2012 and extends to leading Zumba sessions at camp for all units and genders. Each summer, she invests time learning campers’ and staff members’ names and stories, valuing their presence in the camp’s vibrant traditions.
Devoted to her daughters – Ellie, Kate, and Sammie – Brooke, alongside her husband Kurt, prioritizes their upbringing, actively seeking parenting insights from various mediums. Engaged in philanthropy, she’s been part of the National Charity League since 2018 and recently joined the Camp Owners and Directors Association (CODA) board. Brooke is committed to growth and actively engages with the Western Association of Independent Camps, the American Camp Association, and the Bailey Program for Family Enterprises at the University of Denver.
More Legendary Leaders
Our year-round leadership team is rich in experience: closely involved with the camp industry, dedicated to empowering youth, and actively engaged with our broader community. They embody an impressive array of expertise, boasting numerous certifications, memberships in various professional organizations, and holding key positions across multiple boards and associations. Many have longstanding tenures with Cheley, with several having treasured experiences as former campers, seasonal staff members, or parents of campers. Their collective commitment lies in creating a nurturing environment and ensuring a transformative experience for campers, staff, and families, making each summer an unforgettable and enriching adventure.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Shawn Ness
Shawn first found Cheley in the summer of 2003 and has been back every summer since. He has been a wrangler, assistant director, and unit director. He has a B.A. in Social Science Secondary Education and M.S. in Counseling, both from Eastern Illinois University. Shawn was a high school counselor in Northwest Suburban Chicago for 10 years before joining the year-round team in 2013. He lives in Denver in the winter and when he’s not eating, he can often be found running!
Enrollment Manager
Peggy Haynes
Peggy brings a wealth of experience and an enduring connection to Cheley. Her journey with us spans decades, beginning as a camper from 1965 to 1974, continuing as a Camper-in-Leadership-Training in 1975, and subsequently serving in various roles such as Assistant Director in Lower Chipeta in 1980. Peggy’s commitment extended beyond summers, working year-round in the office during 1980 and 1981, and later becoming a cherished camp parent. Her son, Devon, was a camper from 2000 to 2009, subsequently serving on staff in 2011 and 2012.
What sets Peggy apart is her exceptional ability to build profound connections. Her ability to recall extensive details about campers and their families fosters enduring relationships and a deep sense of belonging within the Cheley community. With a degree from Indiana University and over 25 years of office expertise coupled with exemplary customer service skills, Peggy ensures families’ enrollment experiences are seamless and enriching. Beyond her professional dedication, Peggy finds joy in photography, needlework, cooking, travel escapades, and treasured moments with her husband and their two beloved dogs.
HR Manager & Wedding Venue Coordinator
Kim Betts
Kim was our Human Resources Manager from 2013-2020 and then was a camp director in Virginia for two years before returning to Cheley in 2022. She grew up in northern Virginia and has been at camp every summer since she was 8 years old as a camper, CIT, junior counselor, counselor, trip leader, EMT, registrar, assistant director, HR manager, and director. Kim graduated from Mississippi State University, where she met her husband, Kenny. They live at camp year-round with their three children: Brayden, Brinley, and Bristol. She enjoys reading, running, crafting, and extra sharp white cheddar cheese.
Kim is active in the American Camp Association, where she is a Standards Visitor and the Chair of the Local Council of Leaders. She is also a certified Camp Safety Director through the Ezersky Safety College. Kim is a member of the Estes Park Wedding Association, a driver for Estes Park Schools, the women’s ministry coordinator at her church, and a middle school Girl Scout troop leader.
Program Director
Dylan Lederer
Dylan grew up near Chicago and has been part of Cheley since 2007, transitioning from a camper to staff member. His roles include working as a campfire counselor in Ski Hi and Haiyaha, and later as an assistant director in Haiyaha. After graduating with a degree in Communication from the University of California, Santa Barbara, he joined the year-round staff as Cheley’s inaugural Marketing Specialist, a position he held for three years before starting his current role. Off duty, you’ll often find Dylan on the trail chasing sunrises with his camera, lost in a good read on his Kindle, or at the gym lifting and attempting new betas. He savors an expertly crafted iced vanilla oat milk latte—the quintessential fuel for a proud Aquarius.
Dylan serves as a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, USA Archery Level 2 Instructor, and ACCT Level 2 Challenge Course Practitioner. Actively engaged in the American Camp Association, he assumes the role of Communications Leader for the Local Council of Leaders and contributes to EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping).
Food Service Manager
Clint Ouellette
Hailing from Northern Maine, Clint settled in Colorado in ’97 after graduating from the New England Culinary Institute. With a diverse culinary background in camps, restaurants, and private clubs, Clint’s passion for food is rivaled only by his love for outdoor pursuits like fly fishing and vintage bow shooting.
Certified by the National Restaurant Association and a ServSafe Food Safety Instructor/Proctor, Clint holds Food Management Professional (FMP) and Allergens certifications. His pre-camp endeavors include a Level One Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Actively involved in the American Culinary Federation, American Camp Association, and Food Allergy Research and Education, Clint passionately contributes to these organizations, reflecting his commitment and expertise in culinary arts and food safety.
Ranch Manager
Nicole Wilson
Nicole joined the Cheley team in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure at Tollgate Farm in Novi, Michigan. Hailing from Virginia and a graduate in Animal Science from Michigan State University, her passion for animals extends to managing a diverse farm on the ranch, tending to chickens, goats, pigs, cows, cats, ducks, and her beloved horses. Nicole, husband to Ryan, whom she married at Cheley in Sept. 2020, delights in parenting their spirited child, Reid. When not perfecting sourdough recipes or immersed in a good book, she cherishes moments on trails with her horses, finding solace and joy.
With a lifetime dedicated to equestrian pursuits, Nicole’s achievements are as diverse as her interests. She has competed in and received training across a wide spectrum, including hunt seat, western pleasure, team roping, barrel racing/pole bending, ranch horse versatility, competitive trail and pleasure trail riding, jumping, and dressage. From raising lambs and cattle through 4H to being crowned Miss Michigan State Rodeo Queen in 2011, her coaching prowess led teams to championship victories in MIHA State Championships and Reserve State Championships. Certified with the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association since 2008, she’s a student of the Masterson Method for horse bodywork.
Facility Director
Kenny Betts
Kenny joined our team in 2022 after spending 12 years working in facilities maintenance at two resident camps in Virginia, and six years in the apartment maintenance industry in Denver. He never went to camp as a kid, but he did have the unique opportunity to grow up in a state park in Kings Park, NY, where his dad was the golf course superintendent. Kenny graduated from Mississippi State University, where he met his wife, Kim. They live at camp year-round with their three children: Brayden, Brinley, and Bristol. Kenny enjoys home improvement projects, hiking with his family, and watching Denver sports: ice hockey, baseball, and football.
Facilities & Maintenance
Nick Ronza
Nick began his journey at Cheley in 2021, first, as a hiking counselor in Ski Hi, then as our Transportation Director in 2022, before officially joining our year-round team in 2023. Nick never attended camp as a camper, but his parents worked at Cheley in the early 90s. Originally from a Chicago suburb, he found every opportunity to visit Estes Park, Colorado before moving and living at camp full-time. He attended the University of lowa and majored in entrepreneurial business. In his free time, Nick enjoys listening to music, cooking, hiking, and watching movies. If he had one last meal, Nick would eat a Godzilla Roll from his favorite sushi restaurant.
Out of Camp Program Director
Rhonda Mickelson
Rhonda has been with Cheley more than 20+ summers, including seven summers as a backpacking counselor and prior role as the Program Director (Year-Round). In 2019, she retired from the American Camp Association as the Director of Accreditation, but remains active as the Government Relations/Partnerships Chair of the Local Council of Leaders. Rhonda also serves on the Colorado Camps Network Board of Directors. During her professional career, she has provided tireless work and dedication to ACA and the camp community. She lives in Estes Park and spends her free time hiking, biking, volunteering in Rocky Mountain National Park and walking her dogs. Ask Rhonda about her recent experiences hiking in England, Ireland, and Scotland!
Director Emeriti
Don and Carole Cheley
Imagine how different camp would be if it were tightly surrounded by houses and roads right up to its boundaries. Avoiding that fate may be the greatest legacy of Don and Carole’s years as camp directors. Don is a member of the third generation of Cheley family members to direct camp, which he did with his partner, Carole, for over 25 years. Don and Carole are retired now, having each earned the title Director Emeritus. They continue to offer their expertise, wisdom, and love to Cheley and the world of organized camping. Still living at Cheley in the summer, camp is forever a part of them.
Join Our Team
What does it take? A sense of adventure, a desire to be with people, and leadership skills.