Recognitions

At Cheley Colorado Camps, campers are empowered to choose activities that most inspire and challenge them through a free-choice program and weekly activity sign-ups. Surrounded by majestic peaks and hidden in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, campers discover ancient, untouched slabs of granite, rushing mountain streams, and sun-drenched valleys. In this summer home, campers learn new skills and how to exercise judgment while overcoming challenges.

Our recognition system provides campers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a specific activity area while developing advanced skills and knowledge. It is based on the belief that campers work harder at improving themselves when they have a set of incentives and guidelines by which to measure progress.

Patch Recognitions

Patch recognition is an optional curriculum for campers who want to work on in-depth activity skills. To earn a recognition, campers must fulfill the requirements listed in Recognition Guidelines, which campers receive on Orientation Day. Campers are not expected to know or be able to perform all the requirements listed in this book at the beginning of the summer. Rather, if one decides to work for a patch, the knowledge and skills needed are learned through counselor instruction and participation in the activity.

Earning a recognition depends upon a camper’s ability to fulfill all requirements. To become a Patch recipient, campers must first satisfy the requirements for the Basics. Each set of requirements is split into things campers must KNOW (i.e., describe orally or in writing to a counselor) and things campers must DO (i.e., demonstrate the ability to a counselor). Counselors guide and encourage, however, the camper is expected to show initiative, and demonstrate a strong interest and desire.

There are three editions of Recognition Guidelines: one for Lower Chipeta/Lower Ski Hi, one for Chipeta/Ski Hi/Trail’s End Junior, and one for Senior Chipeta/Haiyaha/Trail’s End Senior. As such, patch requirements are specific to each unit’s edition. As campers get older, the number of requirements increases, as does the difficulty of those requirements. Campers at Girls’ Trail’s End and Boys’ Trail’s End utilize the “Junior” and “Senior” editions, depending on their age.

When all of the requirements for a recognition are completed, the camper will be presented with an embroidered patch or pin, which can be attached to the camper’s Blue Kerchief. The patch signifies that a camper achieved a level of skill and mastered a body of knowledge that is highly commendable. Patch holders are expected to continue their leadership in these skill areas if they are on the specific activity.

Program Patches

Specialty Patches

Unlike Program Patches, Specialty Patches show a camper’s desire to participate, learn, and grow in many different activities rather than concentrating in one area. The Circle of Stars and Pinecone Patch recognize campers who participate in a variety of activities at camp. The On the Trail Patch recognizes campers who spend most of their time out of camp, maximizing their time spent in the Rocky Mountains. These are granted to campers who within a single term meet the requirements outlined in Recognition Guidelines and can be earned more than once. Campers should keep the requirements for these patches in mind throughout the term.

Target Sport Recognitions

Archery Arrows

Cheley follows the Camp Archery Association standards which stress safety, proper form, and technique. Recognitions must be earned in the order listed below, and campers can continue progress each summer they return to camp. The recognitions for archery consist of pins that can be attached to Blue Kerchiefs and are typically given out at the end of each term.

Riflery Patches and Pins

Cheley follows the Camp Rifle Association standards which stress safety, proper form, and technique. Recognitions must be earned in the order listed below, and campers can continue progress each summer they return to camp. The recognitions for riflery consist of patches and pins that can be attached to Blue Kerchiefs and are typically given out at the end of each term. Campers can earn the following patches: Young Specialist (Lower Ski Hi and Lower Chipeta only), Prone Specialist, Sitting Specialist, Standing Specialist, and Kneeling Specialist.

FAQs

Cheley Colorado Camps is not a competitive or award-conscious camp. Campers and parents are encouraged not to measure the camp experience by the number of recognitions received. Cheley expects that campers will improve themselves and their outdoor living skills, seeking to better their own performance, whether they seek recognitions or not.