What an unforgettable summer we’ve experienced in Ski Hi! The days were packed with challenges, growth, and the forging of friendships that will last a lifetime. Whether scaling peaks, creating masterpieces in the crafts shop, or mastering the reins on horseback, our Ski Hi campers embraced each moment with enthusiasm and determination. The camaraderie and spirit that filled the Ski Hi Lodge will be remembered long after the final campfire’s embers have cooled.
Our hiking counselors, Andrew Ronza and Calvin Wilson, led expeditions deep into Rocky Mountain National Park, where campers pushed themselves to new heights—literally and figuratively. Those early mornings and long trails paid off, as campers reached summits and took in views that will stay with them forever. The following campers earned their Hiking Basics and Patch: Luke Brown, Niko Darrah, Tristan Dougher, Grant Gonzales, Marcelo Gonzalez Caturegli, and Owen Thorpe.
Our backpacking counselors, Josh Bellin and Jackson Deye, led campers on thrilling overnight expeditions ranging from one to three nights in the breathtaking terrains of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Campers embraced the challenges of the backcountry, setting up campsites under star-filled skies, cooking meals over portable stoves, and navigating rugged trails. These adventures not only tested their endurance but also fostered self-reliance and teamwork. The following campers earned their Backpacking Basics and Patch: Dixon Pickens, Henry Pickens, and Wyatt Steitz.
The call of the wild was strong this summer, and our outcamping counselors, Aidin Wilson and Andrew Sullivan, answered it with a series of unforgettable trips. Whether it was cooking over an open fire or sleeping under a blanket of stars, campers reveled in the freedom and beauty of the outdoors. The following campers earned their Outcamping Basics and Patch: Grady Bashara, Dwight Rockwood, and Charles Wetzel.
Creativity flowed through Ski Hi as campers expressed themselves through a variety of craft projects. Under the guidance of our skilled counselors, Theo Lisick and Logan Waites, the boys painted, sculpted, and crafted pieces that showcased their artistic talents. The woodworking shop was a particular favorite, where imagination met skill in creating unique projects.
The horseback riding program was another highlight, with our wranglers, Jared Corbitt, Sam Holder, and Hunter Triebel, leading the way. Campers honed their riding skills in the ring and on trails that wound through some of the most beautiful terrain Colorado has to offer. The following campers earned their Riding Basics and Patch: Adrian Bours, Desmond Leon, Lucas Marchesan, Crew Persch, Joseph Rechis, Chase Render, Earnest Seale, Hamza Smith, Erik Solander, and Liam Tremblay.
Sports were always front and center in Ski Hi, whether it was on the basketball court, in the gaga ball pit, or at the archery range. Counselors Will Ronza and Eli Shubatt ensured that every camper had the chance to compete, improve, and have a blast. The sound of victory shouts and friendly banter filled the air, creating memories of competition and camaraderie.
The following campers earned arrows in Archery:
White Arrow
Victor Allard, Nicholas Andrews, Grady Bashara, David Benzecry, Jason Blalock, Nicholas Bon, Jose Bours, Harrison Brown, Aldus Brownlee, Rocco Calandruccio, Oliver Cecere, Teddy Chang, Dawson Cobb, Michael Cook, Henry Downing, Luke Falconer, Matthew Gallardo, Theo Garate Muñoz, Theo Goldman, James Gonzalez, Lui Hamano, Quinn Hart, William Hart, Logan Hunt, Marvel Ingram, Sammy J Iverson, Harrison Keast, Jude Klosterman, Emerson Kutner, Desmond Leon, Ricardo Lopez Guiñazu, Kale Mahorski, Lucas Marchesan, Beckett Maron, Leo Marturano, Christian Meirink, Henry Morgan, Thomas Morrow, Kanu Nayak, Henry Nichols, Konner Nordgulen, Derin Ottolenghi, Ben Pearlstein, Chase Render, Coleman Rice, Dwight Rockwood, Nico Rose, Leo Saks, Tobias Schosser, Warren Stading, Ari Steffen-Scholl, Wyatt Steitz, Robert Sullivan, Chase Turner, Jack Wegner, Charles Wetzel, Gunnar Wiley Roosa, Jack Wold, and Declan Wroth.
Black Arrow
Victor Allard, Harrison Brown, Aldus Brownlee, Oliver Cecere, Anwar Chlaghmo, Dawson Cobb, William Dempsey, Henry Downing, Theo Garate Muñoz, Evan Gildea, Theo Goldman, James Gonzalez, Marcelo Gonzalez Caturegli, Logan Hunt, Marvel Ingram, Sammy J Iverson, Harrison Keast, Cole Kidd, Emerson Kutner, Kale Mahorski, Leo Marturano, Christian Meirink, Thomas Morrow, Kanu Nayak, Konner Nordgulen, Coleman Rice, Dwight Rockwood, Nico Rose, Warren Stading, Kasey Steed, Ari Steffen-Scholl, Wyatt Steitz, Chase Turner, and Joshua Yeager.
Blue Arrow
Harrison Brown, Aldus Brownlee, Patrick Bullard, Dawson Cobb, Niko Darrah, Henry Downing, Gavin Gardner, William Hart, Sammy J Iverson, Ricardo Lopez Guiñazu, Kale Mahorski, Kanu Nayak, Henry Nichols, Dixon Pickens, Dwight Rockwood, Nico Rose, Ari Steffen-Scholl, Wyatt Steitz, Robert Sullivan, Chase Turner, Colton Woolfolk, Declan Wroth, and Joshua Yeager.
Red Arrow
Harrison Brown, Theo Goldman, Kale Mahorski, Kanu Nayak, and Jacob Walljasper.
Gold Arrow
Harrison Brown.
Our riflery program, led by Ben Cason, was another source of excitement. Campers quickly filled up the range, eager to refine their marksmanship. Patience, focus, and steady hands were the name of the game, and many campers left with new skills and pins to show for their hard work.
Prone Specialist
Victor Allard, Jason Blalock, Maxwell Craver, Henry Downing, Gavin Gardner, Evan Gildea, Theo Goldman, Marvel Ingram, Harrison Keast, Emerson Kutner, Christian Meirink, Thomas Morrow, Henry Nichols, Derin Ottolenghi, Henry Pickens, Gabriel Rocha, Nico Rose, Robert Sullivan, Luke Webb, Charles Wetzel, Graham Wienke, Gunnar Wiley Roosa, Jack Wold, and Colton Woolfolk.
Level I, II, and III
The following campers earned their Level 1 pin: Victor Allard, Theo Goldman, Emerson Kutner, Henry Pickens, Kiran Sinha, and Gunnar Wiley Roosa.
Evenings in Ski Hi were always a time of connection and fun, led by campfire counselor Tate MacNicol, where stories were shared, songs were sung, and the spirit of brotherhood thrived. One of the most unforgettable nights was our Air Band competition, where campers and counselors alike took the stage to perform hilariously over-the-top lip-sync acts that had everyone laughing and cheering. Another highlight was the Bean Boozled challenge, where brave souls tested their luck with jelly beans that might be delicious—or decidedly disgusting. These moments of laughter and camaraderie truly captured the essence of our time together at camp.
The following campers earned their Pine Cone Patch: Hudson Altwies, Rye Custodio, Derin Ottolenghi, and Graham Wienke. To earn this, you had to be well-rounded and open-minded. These adventurous boys had to meet specific riding, hiking, outcamping, archery, riflery, crafts, and climbing requirements, as well as help out with campfire, Chapel, cookout, or choir.
The following campers earned their On the Trail Patch: Hudson Altwies, Grady Bashara, David Benzecry, Teddy Chang, Anwar Chlaghmo, Micah Cohen, Niko Darrah, Tristan Dougher, Harry Frampton, Grant Gonzales, Marcelo Gonzalez Caturegli, Elliot Huxford, Oliver Huxford, Sterling Knoch, Beckett Maron, Wyatt Morgan, Malcolm Oblak, Ben Pearlstein, Dixon Pickens, Vihaan Purushottam, Leo Saks, George Stoops, Landen Strauss, Owen Thorpe, Jacob Walljasper, and Colton Woolfolk.
The Code of Living served as the foundation of our Ski Hi community. At the start of each term, campers gathered to define the values they would strive to uphold throughout the summer. These ideals shaped our time together and inspired everyone to be their best selves. First Term, the traits were: Trustworthiness, Inclusivity, Growth, Accountability, and Perseverance. Second Term, the traits were Leadership, Compassion, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Presence. The term ended with the prestigious Silver Spurs being awarded to those who truly embodied the Code, as recognized by their peers and counselors. The following campers received their Silver Spurs: Micah Cohen, Niko Darrah, Tristan Dougher, Ignacio Gallegos, Marcelo Gonzalez Caturegli, Lui Hamano, Harrison Keast, Sterling Knoch, Desmond Leon, and Erik Solander.
As the summer comes to a close, we look back with gratitude and pride at all that was accomplished. Ski Hi was a place of growth, discovery, and deep connection, and these experiences will stay with our campers as they head back to their lives beyond Cheley. We eagerly await the day when they return, ready to write the next chapter in their Ski Hi story.
Until then, let’s carry the lessons, friendships, and spirit of Ski Hi with us wherever we go.
Thank you for a great summer!
Cherie Prystie, Director
Jake O’Connor, Asst. Director
Jefferson Ratliff, Asst. Director
