The Best Way to Bring Yourself Up? Surround Yourself with Awesome People at Cheley!
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At Cheley Colorado Camps, we know that the best way to invest in the youth we serve is to invest in our counselors. We want to introduce you to a few of our counselors, so you can see how awesome they are!
Ali Brown | GTE Horseback Riding Counselor
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
I can't begin to put into words how much impact the Cheley Experience has had on my life. I’m a completely different person than I was when I went to camp nine years ago. My parents sent me to Cheley when I was 12 to be a better person. They legitimately called it "Be a Better Person Camp," and I've referred to Cheley as such ever since.
I don't know what kind of magic formula Cheley employs, whether it's the mountains, the wagons and the cabins, or the daily campfires that truly changes these campers. I just know that, at the end of each term, when our campers describe what camp means to them, almost every speech will say something along the same lines: “At Cheley, I am my best self.” I know that every person who has been lucky enough to live the Cheley Experience doesn't stop being a better person when they leave the sanctity of those mountains. We carry our codes, and we strive to be our best selves with the knowledge that all of our friends are doing the same. And the next summer, when so many wonderful people, both new and old, come to camp, we all build on our bests and become better, just as I have become a better person with each passing summer spent at Cheley.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope that every camper can walk away with newfound reverence for natural beauty and respect for their fellow humans. I hope that by living life outdoors, by constantly being surrounded by nature and all her creatures, each camper can recognize how lucky they are that the wilderness still exists, and that they can access it so easily. To be able to appreciate the sound of rippling rivers and the feeling of the wind on a mountaintop is a gift that no one should take for granted. I also hope that by sharing experiences with people from around the globe, each camper can learn what it's like to walk in another's shoes, and to see life from another person's point of view. I hope they can recognize that the struggles that others may be facing, and learn to empathize and understand. I hope that they can spread happiness and compassion, and in turn, have it shared with them.
Dylan Lederer | Ski Hi Campfire Counselor
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
From my first time driving the dirt of Fish Creek Road 11 years ago, and every time thereafter, my experience at Cheley has taught me to not give up on myself or others. As a first year counselor last summer in Ski Hi, I watched camaraderie flourish between campers from all over the world with all sorts of unique stories to tell. Having campers embrace who they really were, while remaining present in every moment left me awestruck because I knew those 11 to 14 year-olds will someday lead the world. In fact, they were already strong leaders – helping their brothers complete strenuous hikes or mount a horse for the first time.
The Cheley Experience has helped me redefine my limits as a friend, leader, and adventurer, and strive to discover my greater potential. And I’ve watched it do the same for countless other campers and counselors who take one small risk over the summer that forever makes them a more incredible being. Cheley is my home and I can’t wait for another summer in the Rockies!
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope my campers walk away from their time in the Rockies with a sense of freedom and more exuberant sense of vitality. No one at Cheley has to worry about what’s going on at home, at school, with sports practice or music rehearsal. Campers at Cheley simply live in the moment, and I want each camper to take away an endless amount of moments – stories, memories, and anecdotes – that they can share with their peers. I know campers may be nervous at first, because who isn’t, right?! But after four weeks in the Rockies, each camper is going to be even more unique and special because they will take home a lasting character and resiliency, engraved in their identity, that was formed through the challenging and nurturing natural environment that Cheley provides. And not to mention, they are going to have a blast! Whatever it is a camper wants to accomplish this summer, I will be there for complete support so that they can thrive and reach the expectations they have for themselves. I can’t wait to see the smile on each campers’ face after the end of each day!
Rachel Moore | Lower Chipeta Assistant Director
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
The Cheley Experience has impacted in very special ways. One is realizing that I am my own person and I can choose what type of person I want to be in the world. With the pressures of everything around us, the support and openess of Cheley has brought to light that life isn't about materialistic things, but more about experiences and building relationships. The Cheley Experience has also allowed my appreciation for the earth and nature to blossom even more, and to really respect what we have on this planet.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope they take away what I have learned, especially in the girls' units. They don't have to give in to the social pressure of what's shown on tv or in the media. They can be their own person and should never feel ashamed for that.
Alex Nino | Ski Hi Kitchen
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
Cheley changed me into a new person! When I came back to Mexico and started talking about my summer experience, I realized how important is to be part of a great family, which I found at Cheley, and to take care of the environment around us. I'm grateful to be part of this amazing camp, that teaches me something new all the time.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope campers leave camp as more responsible, independent, kind, strong, full of amazing and unique experiences, and they enjoy the incredible food we are waiting to prepare!
Tristan Morris | Chipeta Horseback Riding Counselor
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
Cheley is something that will always stick with me. At camp, you are forced to get outside your comfort zone and try new and amazing things. I think that goes with you when you leave Cheley. I push myself to find the adventure in life, and not stay stagnate, just like we do at camp. The Cheley Experience has given me the tools and confidence, even as a counselor, to explore all that life has to offer. Cheley is a place where you can do anything, because the people around support you to do everything. I've been impacted most by the genuine people that you find at camp.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope each camper leaves feeling strong and courageous. I want them to know that they can do anything they set their minds to. They have more power than they will ever know, and they should never base their value in what other people think of them. And I hope that most of them leave knowing how to ride a horse pretty darn well.
Dan Penoyer | Ski Hi Backpacking Counselor
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
Cheley has given me a deep love for the outdoors and nature. I've also come away with lifelong friendships and a desire to know people on a deep level.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope campers leave with confidence in themselves and their own unique identity. Camp allows us all to be our more perfect selves, and I hope campers are able to take this piece of the Cheley Experience out into the world.
Abby Page | Barn Crew
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
The Cheley experience has gifted me with the chance to meet people from all over the world and grow with them over the summer as we step out of our comfort zones and challenge each other to reach new heights. With Cheley I have found a place of peace to explore my capabilities and my home away from home.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope to give campers the precious gift that is time to be themselves and explore who they want to be in an environment where they can connect, explore, play, build, and have a blast away from the pressures of our fast-paced society. I hope they will walk away with the confidence to try new things, to see and be seen, and make lasting memories with friendships forged on the adventures I help them experience.
Morgan McGonagle | GTE Hiking Counselor
How has the Cheley Experience impacted you?
Cheley has had an enormous impact on me, beginning 11 years ago when I started my first summer at camp at age nine. The Cheley Experience wouldn’t be anything without the people that are a part of it. I’ve learned so much about myself because of who I have been surrounded by at camp. There is endless support, humor, encouragement, courage and admiration at Cheley. The people are honest and willing to go far out of their comfort zones in order to challenge themselves and improve the experience of others. I’ve been able to implement the selflessness and fearlessness that I see in the eyes of the staff and campers at Cheley in my own life at home and school, and because of this, I’m more caring, genuine, and open in my own life than I ever have been.
What gifts do you hope your campers walk away with this summer?
I hope that I’m able to share my appreciation and love for Cheley with my campers so that they can have an experience as fulfilling and meaningful as I did. I want campers to leave feeling they were able to challenge themselves, and for them to want to continue challenging themselves outside of camp. I want them to feel an appreciation for the mountains, sunshine, and the freedom of being disconnected. Most importantly, I want them to feel genuinely loved.
