Application Info & Key Dates

Staff members must obtain required certifications depending on their position prior to the start of Staff Training. While we offer courses (CPR, First Aid, WFA) during Staff Training for a cost, we highly encourage getting it done prior to then. If hired, you will receive a list of ACA-approved certification providers.

Staff members are also eligible to receive bonuses for relevant certifications based on current, nationally recognized certifications and organizations. Certifications earned at Cheley Colorado Camps during Staff Training in 2025 are not eligible for the additional bonus. If you do not complete the work dates as specified in your offer letter, you will not receive any certification bonuses.

• Teaching (Counseling/Leadership Staff only): $200 (1-3 years) or $400 (4-10 years)
• WFA: $100
• CHA Riding Instructor: $150
• IMBA (MTB) Instructor: $150
• WFR: $200
• OEC Ski Patrol: $200
• WEMT/EMT: $250
• CDL (CheDOT drivers only): $350
• CWA CWI or ACCT Level 1 (Ropes Course Staff only): $200
• ACCT Level 2 (Ropes Course Staff only): $250
• Media Equipment (Media Team only)*: $300

*We strongly recommend that you consider using this bonus to secure insurance for your equipment.

If you have other certifications you feel will be valuable to the Cheley Experience, we would be happy to discuss those with you during the interview process.

From exclusive discounts and convenient laundry services to unique recreational access and bonding opportunities, the Cheley Experience is enriched with a variety of benefits. Explore the details below and get ready for an adventure that goes beyond just a job.

• Competitive Salary: As one of the highest-paying summer camps in Colorado and in the country, we value your contributions and invest in your experience.
• Financial Savings: Working at Cheley offers significant financial savings. Housing and meals, valued at over $2,000 for the summer, are provided at no additional cost. This allows you to save on essential expenses and fully immerse yourself in the camp experience. Note that for hourly staff, there is a weekly deduction of $200.
• Laundry Services: We offer complimentary on-site laundry services for all staff members. Counseling staff can conveniently send their laundry to be washed alongside camper laundry on their unit’s assigned laundry day. Support staff can utilize on-site laundry facilities, ensuring their laundry needs are effortlessly met.
• Employee Discounts: We partner with local businesses for staff discounts on goods and services, ensuring additional cost savings. Additionally, staff members enjoy exclusive access to Outdoor Prolink, securing professional deals on outdoor gear, and receive discounts from reputable vendors like Chaco.
• Camp Merchandise: Staff members receive a 30% discount on merchandise and a 50% discount on treats at our Camp Store.
• Recreational Facilities Access: Staff enjoy exclusive access to a fully-equipped gym (featuring free weights, a bench/squat rack, and a cable machine), a climbing gym with seven top-rope walls and a bouldering wall, on-site trails, and convenient access to Rocky Mountain National Park for scenic hikes. For more active pursuits, running trails and mountain bikes are available. The proximity to the Estes Park Community Center provides additional recreational options, including an aquatics center, golf course, and marina for staff to enjoy during their time off.
• Travel Opportunities: Our staff from 45 states and 10 countries creates a vibrant cultural tapestry, offering exciting travel possibilities. Beyond the rewarding camp experience, staff can explore Estes Park’s picturesque landscapes, delve into Boulder’s vibrant culture, and immerse themselves in Denver’s dynamic urban scene.
• Experience for Resume/Career: Working at a summer camp stands as a commendable asset on resumes, showcasing practical experience in fostering teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, we provide the Cheley Advantage, a dedicated resource for ongoing professional development, ensuring our staff members have access to continuous learning opportunities to further enrich their careers.
• Staff Events and Bonding Activities: We actively organize events and activities exclusively for our dedicated staff, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
• Positive Work Environment: We take pride in fostering a positive and supportive work environment that resonates with our team members. Our commitment to creating an outstanding workplace has been recognized by Outside, with Cheley being selected as one of Outside’s Best Places to Work in 2024 — a testament to our dedication to providing a fulfilling and satisfying experience for our staff.

Staff are responsible for their transportation to and from camp. If you have a car, we recommend you drive to camp. If you are flying to camp, we do not provide transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN) except in rare circumstances and for international staff. We recommend utilizing the Estes Park Shuttle, which offers a reliable, daily scheduled shuttle service between Denver International Airport and the Estes Valley area (including drop off directly at Cheley).

If you work the entirety of the days in your offer letter, and are in good standing, you will receive a travel stipend to assist with travel expenses. The amount varies by location and is based on your home address. This is intended to help with some travel expenses and may not cover the full cost. If you do not complete the work dates as specified in your offer letter, you will not receive any travel stipend.

Note: First-year international staff do not receive travel stipend, and we will meet them at the airport. Returning international staff receive a $230 travel stipend. Staff only working Quarter B-4, Family Camp, or Teen Summit receive a $100 travel stipend.

Please note that the travel stipend is designed to offset a portion of your travel costs and may not cover the entire expense.

Base salaries are specific to each position and are either a weekly rate or hourly rate. Housing and meals are provided, and staff members are expected to live at camp. We provide bonuses for each additional summer that staff return. All staff members receive a daily rate until 5/31 (the start of Staff Training), except for D/ADs, whose daily rate is effective until 5/27. Staff who work Quarter B-4, Family Camp, or Teen Summit #1 will receive their weekly salary rate plus a $150 bonus.

Hourly Staff: Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.

Being Paid: The pay schedule varies and staff are paid via direct deposit. Typically, paydays are at the end of designated camp periods for those specific staff. For 2025, the paydays are*:

• May 30th (Discovery, Pre-camp)
• June 9th (Staff Training)
• July 7th (First Term)
• August 4th (Second Term)
• August 18th (Quarter B-4/Family Camp/Teen Summit/Burn Camp)
• September 1st (Post-camp)

*Schedule is subject to change, but will be confirmed before the start of the season.

Curious about your potential earnings? Check out our Summer Pay Estimator to see how much you could make with us this summer!

Due to J-1 Visa regulations, we are unable to hire internationals directly without the use of a certified visa sponsor agency. These agencies will help you through the rigorous screening process in your home country before interviewing with us. Please contact one of the following visa sponsor agencies who may work in your home country: Camp Counselors USA, Camp Leaders, Camp America, International Exchange of North America, and Wild Packs. Staff should have the ability to communicate conversationally in English.

On October 1st, the reapplication for returning staff will open. The priority deadline is November 3rd for all returning staff to submit their reapplications. We will begin placing returning staff on or before November 15th, then we can assess which positions are available for returners wanting to move into a new role. We aim to complete offers to returners by December 15th.

In most cases, returning staff are guaranteed their previous position. If you are interested in a new position, we may contact you for a brief interview or simply facilitate the change without a conversation.

When you submit your reapplication, you will be asked to list your top three position choices. However, ONLY list three if you are genuinely interested in all of them. If you don’t have three choices or would be unhappy with your third option, only list the ones you truly want.

Our base salaries increase annually. In addition to this raise, we offer an increase in salary for each additional year worked at Cheley.

Leadership Staff receive an enhanced salary increase reflecting both their cumulative years as a counselor/support staff and/or their tenure as a D/AD.