This morning, while gathering links for a prospective parent, I found myself drawn back to one of my favorite camp videos of the last decade—Zach Street sharing What Camp Means to Me from 2017. Zach, a third-generation camper with two campers of his own, captures the essence of what makes camp so special.
I sat at my desk and watched the entire video… again. And once again, tears welled up in my eyes. It was a powerful reminder of the true impact of the camp experience–the gift we provide as an organization to so many young people and families. The same gift I give to my own children when they go to camp each summer.
Each year, they return home a little stronger, a little more grounded. They stand taller, radiating confidence that says, “I can do this.” Camp shapes them in ways that are hard to put into words but easy to see in their growth, their independence, and their resilience.
I encourage you to take just 10 minutes to watch this wonderful video. I promise, it’s worth your time.
As we prepare for another incredible summer, I couldn’t be more excited about the staff team we’re building. Our returning staff rate has grown, our leadership team is strong, and our year-round team is deeply committed to excellence. I know this summer will be something truly special.
So why am I sharing this with you? Because this video is a beautiful reminder of what camp truly offers:
- To remind you that you are giving your child an extraordinary gift. Camp isn’t always easy. There may be bumps along the way, but those moments of challenge lead to growth. Your child will learn to be resilient, to step into a new community, to contribute, and to focus on their values and character.
- To encourage you to share this experience with others. As parents, Brooke and I see firsthand the challenges and pressures kids face today. The Cheley Experience gives them space to slow down, open up, and recharge. If you know a family who would benefit from this experience, I encourage you to share Cheley with them. You never know how much a summer at camp could change a child’s life.
Thank you for being part of the Cheley community! We are honored to be part of your child’s journey.
With appreciation,
Jeff Cheley
