Why Cheley?

Choosing the right summer camp is about more than just adventure; it’s about finding a place that shapes character, builds resilience, and creates lifelong connections. For over 100 summers, Cheley (pronounced CHEE-lee) has been a home away from home for campers seeking meaningful experiences in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a place where campers embrace challenges, celebrate personal growth, and return year after year to reconnect with friends and the traditions that make Cheley unforgettable.

The Experience of a Lifetime—
Every Summer.

Here, campers don’t just participate in activities, they immerse themselves in an environment designed to foster independence, confidence, and personal growth. Living in the great outdoors, surrounded by mountain peaks, ancient rocks, and towering ponderosa pines, campers feel more connected, more alive, and more in touch with their best selves.

Over time, Cheley becomes more than just a place, it becomes a second home. Friendships deepen, traditions take root, and the mountains become a backdrop to the memories that last a lifetime. For so many, returning to Cheley each summer feels like stepping back into something familiar, something that will always be a part of them. Whether summiting a peak, riding through mountain meadows, or reflecting around a campfire, every moment at Cheley is an opportunity to discover what they’re capable of and who they want to become.

At a glance

the Cheley Spirit

Tradition

Since 1921, Cheley has been shaped by tradition. Some, like the Blue Kerchief Ceremony and Friendship Circle, have remained unchanged for generations. Others, like Bird Machine, have emerged in recent years. And then there are traditions held fondly in the minds and hearts of alumni, like Horseshow. Traditions at Cheley connect us to the past, unite us in the present, and inspire us for the future. They are part of the magic of camp and help the Cheley Spirit remain strong!

FunPlus®

Adventure

At Cheley, adventure means pushing past your comfort zone, trying something new, and discovering what you’re capable of. Stand on the summit of a 13,000ft snow-capped peak. Hike to a pristine alpine lake deep in the backcountry. Saddle a horse and ride the wilderness trails. Sleep under the stars with new friends. Raft class 3 rapids through the stunning canyon. Create a wood masterpiece or ceramic vase in the craft shop. Every FunPlus® challenge builds confidence and resilience!

The Code of Living

Community

At Cheley, community is more than just a word—it’s a feeling. It’s the shared laughter at mealtime, the encouragement on a tough hike, and the friendships that last long after summer ends. Rooted in the Code of Living, our community is built on trust, respect, and support, creating an environment where everyone belongs. Whether you’re forming lifelong bonds in your unit or pushing yourself to grow, Cheley is a place where connection and character go hand in hand!

What Makes Cheley Unique?

Cheley isn’t just another summer camp. It’s a place where campers form lasting connections, take on real challenges, and grow into confident, independent young adults. Our program is designed to create meaningful experiences that stay with campers long after they leave the mountains. Here’s what sets Cheley apart:

Four-week experience allowing for deeper friendships and personal growth.
The Code of Living reinforces values like respect, integrity, and kindness.
Unparalleled adventure opportunities in the Rocky Mountains.
A vibrant, diverse community with campers from over 45 states and 15 countries.
Generations of campers returning, proving the lasting impact of the Cheley Experience.

Find Your People Here

At Cheley, community isn’t just about making friends. It’s about belonging. Campers from across the country and around the world come together to share unforgettable experiences, learn from one another, and support each other through every adventure. From the moment they arrive, they’re welcomed into a culture of kindness, respect, and encouragement, forming bonds that last a lifetime.

At the heart of Cheley is the people. Cheley’s impact extends beyond campers; it’s a community that includes staff, alumni, and families. Many campers are second- , third-, and fourth-generation, continuing the tradition of growth, adventure, and friendship. As one camper put it, “Camp is where I found the mountains. Found community. And found myself. There’s no place or thing I owe my best self to more than I do this camp.”

A Community for Life

Cheley is more than just a summer adventure. It’s a lifelong community. Campers return year after year, often progressing from campers to Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) to staff members. Many form friendships that extend far beyond camp, staying connected through high school, college, and beyond. Parents consistently share that the confidence, resilience, and independence their children develop at Cheley continue to shape them into adulthood.

We hear it over and over: the investment in Cheley isn’t just in a summer, it’s in the person your child becomes. As one parent shared, “The investment we made in Cheley was the most important non-family contribution to shaping our children’s character. They simply would not have become the young adults they are today without the experience of spending summers at Cheley.”

For over a century, Cheley has helped young people discover who they are, challenge themselves, and build lifelong friendships. If you’re looking for a summer that changes you, for friendships that last, and for a place that feels like home, you’ve found it in Cheley.