At Cheley, campers have the chance to explore two distinct but equally rewarding camp experiences as they grow. For ages 9 to 11, all campers start at Land O’ Peaks (LOP) in Lower Ski Hi for boys or Lower Chipeta for girls. At age 12, they have their first choice: they can continue at LOP, moving up to Ski Hi or Chipeta, or they can join one of the Trail’s End (TE) units—Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE) or Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE). This choice between the lively, community-centered atmosphere of LOP and the close-knit, self-contained setting of Trail’s End allows them to experience camp in a way that suits them best.
At age 14, campers at LOP usually advance to Senior Chipeta (for girls) or Haiyaha (for boys), though they can still choose to move to GTE or BTE if that feels like the right fit. Many campers find a preference for one path (LOP or the TEs) and return each summer, but they can always switch between these options during registration each year. This flexibility allows campers to explore new settings and build independence within the Cheley community that’s right for them.
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!
Choosing between the lively Land O’ Peaks (LOP) and the more remote, pioneer-style Trail’s Ends (TEs) can feel like a leap of faith. Each setting has its unique flavor, and both are integral parts of the Cheley Experience. Here’s a closer look at how they differ—and what makes each one special.
Picture LOP as a small, vibrant “city” bustling with activity. Home to three boys’ units—Lower Ski Hi, Ski Hi, and Haiyaha—and three girls’ units—Lower Chipeta, Chipeta, and Senior Chipeta—LOP is where campers find unique traditions alongside Cheley’s administrative offices and essential facilities. Acting as the main center for operations, LOP houses resources for equipment, food, and supplies that support daily activities and needs across all camp units, including the TEs.
Boys’ and girls’ units at LOP each share a dining hall, camp store, and health center, giving campers ample opportunities to connect across units during meals, activities, and free time. Each unit has its own distinct area of camp, complete with a lodge, cabins, a “boathouse” bathhouse, and a courtyard or grounds area, giving campers a sense of home within LOP. Campers and staff at LOP sleep in cabins that typically hold ten to sixteen campers and two to three counselors, with bunk beds where each camper has a choice between a top or bottom bunk. Cabins are equipped with dresser drawers, limited hanging space, and personal storage near or beneath each bunk. Each unit’s boathouse features flushing toilets, individual showers, and cubbies for toiletries—except Ski Hi, where each cabin has its own bathroom.
As campers explore LOP’s 750 acres, they often cross paths with friends from other units. They might see other groups at the barns as they saddle up for horseback riding or even share the riding ring with another unit. They may pass each other while cleaning gear at Stuff Inn, grabbing bikes or fishing poles, or picking up food at Munch Inn. Occasionally, shared sports areas or craft shops bring units together, as do Big Bro/Lil Bro or Big Sis/Lil Sis campfires. Fridays at LOP offer optional choir practice, where campers can gather to rehearse for Sunday Chapel, which then brings all units together in one place. These moments create a lively, interconnected environment that encourages friendships across units while preserving each unit’s close-knit community.
The Trail’s Ends, on the other hand, offer a serene, secluded “small town” experience surrounded by nature. Located 12 miles east of Estes Park, Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE) and Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE) each form self-contained communities with their own dining halls, health centers, and shared spaces, allowing campers to feel fully immersed in their surroundings. Campers sleep in rustic Conestoga wagons, each holding four campers, with nearby staff cabins. These wagons, with thick canvas tops and flap doors, do not have electricity, enhancing the simplicity and pioneer-style atmosphere of TE life. Common areas have limited access to electricity for essential needs, keeping the experience grounded and rustic. Each camper has a bunk to make their own, with dresser drawers and limited hanging space for personal items.
GTE and BTE each have their own boathouse featuring electric lights, flushing toilets, individual showers, and cubbies for toiletries. The setup within each TE unit’s grounds—including a lodge, dining hall, activity spaces, and barn—gives campers a true sense of community. While crafts, archery, riflery, and horseback riding are offered right on-site, many specialty activities, such as ceramics, woodworking, mountain biking, climbing, and ropes courses, are located at Land O’ Peaks (LOP) and require a scenic 30- to 40-minute drive. This mix of on-site intimacy and regular journeys to LOP’s central hub lets TE campers enjoy a balance of self-contained adventure and access to Cheley’s full range of activities.
The TEs also foster a unique, age-mixed environment, with campers ages 12 through 17 together in the same unit. This wider age range allows younger campers to learn from older campers’ life experiences, creating a unique layer of maturity and camaraderie that isn’t as present when campers are grouped primarily by age, as at LOP. This dynamic encourages mentoring and meaningful connections that broaden perspectives through shared time and conversation. And because activities at the TEs are designed to suit this broader age range, younger campers may experience more challenging activities than they might with their age group at LOP.
Trail’s End also offers campers a unique level of responsibility through its independent barns at both GTE and BTE, where there is no centralized barn crew to manage the horses. This setup gives TE campers the opportunity to take on ownership of their riding programs and horse care, contributing to their sense of independence. In contrast, LOP has a central barn with a dedicated crew supporting the horses, allowing campers to focus fully on riding while benefiting from the community aspect of shared activities.
With minimal visits from other units, TE campers build close-knit bonds, immersing themselves fully in the quiet, self-contained environment. This peaceful, natural setting, with each TE holding its own Chapel, encourages strong friendships within each unit and provides a unique backdrop for campers to grow, explore, and connect with nature.
While each unit and location offers a unique experience, all Cheley campers share in core values and traditions that unite the community. Every camper participates in Cheley’s Code of Living, proudly wears a Blue Kerchief, and works toward the same activity patches across units of the same age. Play Days and Square Dances with brother-sister units build lasting friendships. And on the Second Sunday of each term, the entire camp gathers for the All-Camp Campfire—a cherished evening of reflection and celebration that brings everyone together, honoring the spirit and unity of Cheley.
LOP and the TEs each have their own distinctive qualities, but both are rooted in Cheley’s core values of independence, friendship, and adventure. If your camper seeks a community-rich environment with a broad range of nearby activities, LOP’s “city” vibe might be the perfect fit. If they’re drawn to a smaller, secluded setting where they’ll rely on and grow alongside their peers, the “small town” atmosphere of Trail’s End will provide an unforgettable experience. Both nurture resilience, foster friendships, and offer life-changing adventures—whatever path they choose, they’re sure to find a home at Cheley.
