As fall approaches, we are constantly reminded of what makes camp a truly special place during the summer. During the offseason, we talk with prospective campers and families about the essence of Cheley: the experiences, the friendships, and the memories that span generations. When we describe Cheley, we talk about our community, the opportunities for growth, our outdoor adventure programs, and the lasting impact of our traditions.
At Cheley, every day is designed to challenge, inspire, and enrich our campers. We focus on building character, confidence, and connections through experiences in the natural world, from backpacking in the Rockies to crafting in the art barn. Our progressive programming allows campers to choose their own adventures, helping them build skills that last a lifetime. The Cheley Experience isn’t just about having fun—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
One of our most meaningful traditions is Vespers. Held in the evenings on select Sundays, Vespers is a time for quiet reflection and personal growth. It’s a pause in the busy camp schedule where campers and staff alike can think about the lessons they’ve learned, the friendships they’ve built, and what their summer at Cheley truly means to them.
During the final week of camp, as part of our closure activities, every camper has the chance to reflect on their journey through our “What Camp Means to Me” tradition. This is a powerful moment when campers look back on their summer and share what Cheley has meant to them, in their own words. Whether it’s their first year or they’re a seasoned Cheley veteran, every camper’s story adds to the legacy of camp.
But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what a few of our campers had to say this summer about why they call Cheley their “home.”
What Camp Means to Me
First Summer
Camp is a place to expand my knowledge of life. To me, life is like a skyscraper; as you get older, you continue to climb higher and higher. On the way, you must learn skills and gain experience. Camp does one thing well; it teaches me skills and knowledge on climbing my skyscraper. Camp helps me grow into the person I want to be. If it weren’t for camp, I would be a different person.
Wyatt B.
Second Summer
What camp means to me is the good times, good memories and the very special experience to be here and create new long-lasting memories. Everyone is your friend here at camp Cheley. Even if you forget their name sometimes.
Camp is a home away from home, greeting new people or reuniting with friends from last year. Every year at camp is different. The campers, counselors, the cabin you’re in, and the program. This camp has made people life-long friends whose bond with them can never be undone. If you feel homesick, sometimes your friends will comfort you.
This camp is the mountain that you have been wanting to peak for so long. It’s the first time you can ride a horse. It’s also where you can earn patches to show your commitment and love for camp. The funny skits at All Camp and the amazing views from all of our Vespers spots. Camp is a place for playing the foosball games at the Ski Hi lodge. Camp is a place hidden from the Internet, where you can connect with nature.
Camp is for everybody. This camp has amazing people, campers, and counselors. Camp is a place with good, fun programs that you can do no matter what your skills at riflery, archery or any program are. You will never be made fun of at camp.
Ward H.
Third Summer
As I sit and think about what camp means to me, I think about what it meant to me at first. My first year was full of challenges and responsibilities, but left me with a warm glow in my heart. From that moment on, I was dreaming to come back to my second home. Camp doesn’t mean one thing, but many things I can’t even name.
I can’t describe what calls me to nature, or what being alone with my thoughts helps me achieve, but I can identify a sense of community, peace, love, and belonging every year. Camp means learning new things about myself, changing the way I see the same places, and finding the feeling of freedom. Camp means friends who understand every aspect of you and watch your determination always. Camp means the best kind of challenge, the challenge that makes you realize exactly who you want to be in the world. It’s hard to say what brings these feelings – the traditions, friends hardships or outdoors, but I find the best version of myself every year here spending time with people that I could never recreate in a million years.
To me, camp means I can find words that describe my ambitions through the Code of Living and be more authentic than I ever have while making memories that will last forever. Memories like deep conversations under the stars, laughing at dinners, and peaking mountains that mean more to me than anything. These memories help me find my life goals and help me grow each summer. All in all, camp means a home that I could never trade, a home that calls me every summer, and a home that will never leave me.
Nora W.
Fourth Summer
To me, camp means I made it. I made it through the 300-something days to the minute I could step off the airport bus. I made it to the short weeks, long shower lines, and stories from hard hikes. These are the things that get me through the year.
Camp, to me, is made up of the people who take advantage of it. Every morning, we wake up so incredibly lucky to have the chance to look at our surroundings here, let alone casually climb a mountain on a Tuesday. My way of saying thank you to everyone who makes camp, camp….is to say yes to every opportunity I’m offered, whether it’s a milestone or just a friendly hello. I can truly make the most of camp and look at my month and say, “I made it.” Camp is what you make of it.
Maggie S.
Fifth Summer
Camp has always been a place where I can be myself and not worry about others judging me. Camp has taught me to take everything as it comes and to bounce back one of our Code words: come what may. Cheley has truly inspired me to be resilient and focus on the good. Camp has changed me for the better. Camp is like a breath of fresh air teaching me lessons left and right, and I wish it would never end.
Becca O.
Sixth Summer
To me, camp is a place where I can stop thinking. My best thoughts, aspirations, and goals come to light when I’m not worrying about that test, that practice, comparing myself to those around me, and having the rest of the world cloud my mind. Here, it is clear. Everything is simple, and the challenges come from a single task, not from my list back home. I can contemplate who I am, what I want out of life, what I want to be, and what I value. These seem like simple things, but I’ve found that they are gifts that the majority of those around me haven’t had.
Cayden S.
Seventh Summer
Camp is my home. It is the place where I have made my closest friends in the world and found that being outside is where I meant to be. After 7 summers, I feel like I should know this place in and out, but I am always happily surprised when I learn new things each year. Camp has taught me a lot about myself and has given me an unforgettable community. Every girl here is amazing, and I think of them not only as friends but as sisters. I will never forget this place and all the things that it has done for me and the people it has brought me. Camp is my home.
Trilby S.
Eighth Summer
Camp has taught me that blood and chosen family slowly become one and the same and that my Cheley family is one I’ll choose for the rest of my life.
Charlie B.
