Staff Applicant Packet - CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS
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Staff Applicant
Packet
CHELEY C OLOR AD O CAMPS
We build the lasting character and resiliency
of young people, creating unique life
Hello! experiences in a challenging and
nurturing natural environment.
More than 200 people from all over the United States and abroad comprise our staff.
We attract people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth and who share
a common goal with the Cheley family: to make the summer a fun, empowering, and
enriching experience for all our campers.
From September to May, we work diligently to create a strong summer team. We
interview people from around the country and hire international staff through staff
placement agencies. Cheley provides a special environment in which to meet remarkable
people. Staff members work together closely and form great and lasting friendships.
Our application process includes an online application, interview, three references, and a
background check. Once hired, each staff member is required to complete online abuse
prevention training as well as program specific certifications, like Wilderness First Aid
and CPR.
This job isn’t for everybody. We have high expectations for our team. Focusing on the
development of others requires personal sacrifices. Sacrifices like living in rustic, historic
buildings; limited personal time and a structured schedule. The demands are high, the
rewards are life-changing. There is nothing more satisfying than developing future
leaders.
Jeff & Brooke
Jeff Cheley & Brooke Cheley-Klebe
Fourth-generation camp directors
"Great things happen when youth and mountains meet."
– Frank H. Cheley
We Believe A Good Camp
that a Good Camp... Structure
It has anchors and celebrates tradition without
mistaking its consistency for complacency.
We provide a successful Cheley Experience by It provides well-balanced and delicious
following these ideals together along with our meals to suite the broadest possible tastes:
commitment to the Code of Living. substance for the body and the soul.
Values and Beliefs
We live by our Core Values and Beliefs,
a good camp fosters Leadership
It encourages empowerment and reinforces
which embrace harmony, honesty, responsible behaviors.
integrity, unselfish love, and concern for Connection
human dignity. We believe these values It provides an opportunity to develop It is considerate of its community: earning
transcend our personal and professional lasting friendships forged from memorable their valuable support in fulfilling its purpose.
lives. experiences and time spent together.
It acts as a model for environmental
We believe that everybody has the It provides an opportunity for close mentor preservation, excellence, and sustainability.
capacity to lead happy and productive relationships between youth full of promise
lives, and should have an equal and and exceptionally trained staff. It remains relevant for all generations – past,
equitable opportunity to do so. We must present, and future – and embraces change.
try to live in peace with ourselves and It provides the healing power of nature – its
those around us. freedom, poise, quiet, peace, natural order, Gratitude
and strength – just beyond the screen door. It promotes self-awakening, fostered by The Code of Living
We believe that everybody should have challenges that are not part of the school Frank H. Cheley had incredible
the ability to act spontaneously in the It has a spiritual component without curriculum or family culture. foresight. He realized that the values
right. Kindness flows from character distracting from established religious beliefs. he saw as relevant to society and young
reflecting the highest moral fiber. It instills appreciation for all identities and people in the 1920s may not necessarily
It lets families share in their camper’s growth differences: championing diversity and apply to our community decades, even
We believe that everybody should have and development through purposeful fostering a pervasive culture of inclusivity. a century, later. Instead, Frank built a
a deep and abiding respect and care communication and photos from staff. core system of values that evolves with
for the natural world. The joy of being It is dedicated to helping its staff succeed in society. He called it the Code of Living.
outside and in nature is one of the Independence life by supporting their career development. Every term and every summer, each
highest joys that humanity can possess. It provides opportunities for youth to unit, counseling staff, and support staff
make their own decisions and handle any Safety form their own Code of Living. While
Emotional well-being and exceptional consequences that may arise. It considers personal safety and risk each Code may differ in its physical
character require a foundation of high management issues in all programs. form, most often the Code
self-esteem, courage, and determination. It allows youth to think independently by of Living is a written – and
This inspires us to be real with one scheduling their own activities, setting their It is successful as a well-run, profitable signed – set of standards
another and accepting of our differences. personal goals, and striving towards them. business. Profits are not an end unto and values (e.g., traits like
themselves, but the means to assure the integrity, grit, perspective,
ability to provide the highest quality at every tenacity, and acceptance).
level of operation, and into the future.
1921
Our
s i n
Experience
ce
100+ Summers of Youth Development
"
Being on staff at Cheley was
one of the most meaningful
experiences I’ve had. I got to
meet and interact with so many
unique people who became
some of my closest friends. It also
allowed me to interact with and
have an impact on campers on a
daily basis.
– JEB K., STAFF 2018-2021 Counselors wear their Blue Kerchief on special occasions as a symbol of their commitment to the Code of Living.
All staff at Cheley are part of the camp community. At different times throughout the summer,
you may be asked to help the community in some way outside of your job description.
T
he Cheley Experience has withstood
the test of time. Frank Cheley believed Counselors (i.e., direct work with campers)
in the positive nurturing of young Counseling staff members are assigned to a specific job in one camp unit. Every counselor is first
people when he opened Cheley in 1921. A a counselor involved in the person-to-person relationships of guiding campers, helping them to
hundred years later, our commitment to the make the most of their camp opportunity.
development of youth remains steadfast. We Counselors live with and are responsible for a group of campers. The majority of our counselors
believe that every summer in a young person’s are at least 19 years old. They write weekly reports to parents, have meal supervision, maintain
life is a window of opportunity, giving campers discipline, and set a good example. Counselors also help campers with laundry sorting, making
formative experiences that nourish body, mind, beds, homesickness, and personal hygiene.
and spirit. We are an accredited summer camp Being a counselor is a very important position, and the choices they make affect the campers’
and are always working with these associations entire camp experience. The goal of the counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun, and
to help preserve, promote, and improve the memorable summer where they learn about themselves and learn to “act spontaneously in the
camp experience. We give young people time to right.”
slow down, to open up and explore.
Our challenge as leaders in youth Support Staff (i.e., indirect work with campers)
development is to protect and preserve the Support staff live together in designated cabins on camp property and are typically at least 18
rugged, rustic character of their experience years old. They play an integral part in role modeling. All support staff need to have the ability
while providing opportunities for growth, to communicate and work effectively with peers, have the visual and auditory ability to identify
personal responsibility, and self-reliance. This is and respond to environmental and other hazards at camp, and have the physical strength and
what makes Cheley a top-rated summer camp endurance necessary to complete assigned tasks. A positive attitude and sense of humor are
and we intend on improving every year. essential.
TE
AGES 12–17
Boys' Trail's End (BTE) & Girls' Trail's End (GTE)
Our Camper Our units are organized according
to age & gender and offer the same
Located 12 miles east of Estes Park, the Trail’s Ends are self-contained. GTE is an 85-acre ranch
bordered by wilderness land along Fox Creek while BTE is an almost 300-acre ranch which
Ages & Units renowned Cheley Experience staffed
by 15-17 enthusiastic counselors.
borders Rocky Mountain National Park along the impressive North Fork of the Big Thompson
River. The TEs have seventeen and sixteen respective Conestoga wagons, their own boathouses,
lodges, dining halls, and other facilities, including Barns, craft shop, and archery/riflery ranges.
QB4
The age range at the Trail’s Ends provides a strong sense of camp unity with a mature and
AGES 7–10 nurturing family feel. Our campers at BTE and GTE feel the added-strength of the friendships
that develop in a setting modeled after the pioneer days of the rugged West. Both TEs offer a
Quarter B-4 strong and loving support system that’s so important during a camper's teen years because
they're able to rely on their peers and counselors and gain a greater sense of independence.
The camp parents select for their child will hopefully be the camp they call a second home for Some campers apply to be a Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) seeking additional
many years to come, which is why we offer Quarter B-4, our five-night introduction program. For responsibilities and leadership experience in their final summer at camp.
children wanting a taste of The Cheley Experience, QB4 gives campers a window into Cheley and
allows them to play and build independence. QB4 takes place once a summer and is split up ACTIVITIES
into two age groups: the PIKAS for 7 & 8 year olds and the MARMOTS for 9 & 10 year olds. Backpacking, hiking, rafting, archery, riflery, technical climbing, via ferrata, mountain
biking, horseback riding, outcamping/solos, sports, crafts, high ropes, fly fishing, stand up
PIKA ACTIVITIES
paddleboarding, and more.
Fishing, climbing wall, archery, riflery, hiking, exploring nature, singing and dancing.
LOP LOP
MARMOT ACTIVITIES
All the above. Technical climbing, horseback riding, and outcamping. AGES 12–13 AGES 14–17
LOP
Ski Hi & Haiyaha &
AGES 9–11 Chipeta Senior Chipeta
SUMMER CAMP
Lower Ski Hi &
"Units" Our Middle units cater to both first-time No age is too old to start going to camp!
Lower Chipeta campers and campers returning from Campers in our Senior units test their grit,
a our Lower units. Campers have many create lifelong friendships, and develop
No matter how much or how little outdoor opportunities to test their wings while a strong set of values. Our goal for our
Each unit has their own well maintained experience a camper's had, our Lower units enjoying the pure fun of camp life and time eldest campers is to provide appropriate
lodge, boathouse, and living spaces. We are a time for our youngest campers to enjoy with one another. In order to nurture these challenges and leadership opportunities that
are a large camp, but this set-up ensures camp life and learn the fundamentals of a ideals and principles, campers in our Middle transform teens into young, happy adults.
individualized attention for each camper. wide range of activities. For many, it's their units are treated like young adults. They With the Code of Living as the cornerstone
Six of our eight units are located at Land first time at summer camp so we provide our develop a Code of Living and participate in of this endeavor, they're given a chance to
O'Peaks (LOP), while the other two are Lower campers with the special attention activities that offer adventure and a definite step out of their routine and learn what they
located at the Trail's End (TE). Campers at they need. It’s a chance for campers to set sense of accomplishment, which will make stand for. Their final summer at camp, some
Cheley participate in program and campfire goals, develop a Code of Living, live in a them more confident about who they are campers apply to be a Camper in Leadership
with their unit, although some cross-unit caring community, and become more self- and what they’re all about. Training (CILT) for additional responsibilities/
opportunities do occur, including Chapel, reliant. leadership experience.
All-Camp Campfire, and Play Day. ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES Horseback riding, hiking, rafting, crafts, ACTIVITIES
CAMPFIRES archery, riflery, climbing wall, technical
Climbing wall, hiking, horseback riding, Backpacking, hiking, rafting, riflery, via
Skit practice, square dance, vespers, archery, riflery, outcamping, sports, climbing, outcamping, backpacking, ferrata, mountain biking, horseback riding,
recognition campfire, scavenger hunt, skit crafts, challenge course, fishing, stand up sports, challenge course, fishing, stand up solos, sports, crafts, high ropes, fly fishing,
night, Mario Kart, and more. paddleboarding and more. paddleboarding, high ropes, and more. stand up paddleboarding, and more.
ESTES PARK, Our Positions
Our COLORADO
Setting Counselors
Unit Directors
Assistant Director(s)
M . any of the handsome lodges and
snug log cabins that give our facilities
their legendary personality were built in the
Backpacking
Hiking
HBO (Hiking/Backpacking/Out of Camp Activities)
1920s during our first decade of operation. The
heritage of these buildings helps to establish
Horseback Riding
a strong sense of place, which contributes to a Outcamping
camper’s burgeoning respect for their place in Mountain Biking
the world. Sports
We own more than 1400 acres in this majestic Crafts
mountain landscape. Cheley's facilities include Riflery
five horseback riding rings, a climbing wall, a
gymnasium, a fleet of 40 mountain bikes, a low
Campfire
and high ropes course, a grassy amphitheater
with a lighted stage, a soccer field beside an
aspen grove, a fishing pond, and facilities for Support Staff
working with leather, paints, ceramics, and
wood. Camp buildings, much like the Cheley
Barn Crew
Experience, are rich in tradition and steeped in Camp Store
memory. In addition to the Land O'Peaks Ranch, Childcare
Cheley’s expansive property includes five more Food Service
locations – the Trail's End Ranch for Boys and Laundry
1.5 Hours
Girls, the Outpost, Pierson, and the Grounds – Medical Team
totaling approximately 700 acres.
We operates our backcountry program on
Media Team
permits from the National Park Service and
the Forest Service. In Rocky Mountain National
FROM DENVER Office Team
Program Coordinators
Park alone, more than 600 miles of trails wind Cheley lies on the 750-acre Land Transportation Crew
through sunlit meadows of wildflowers, cool O'Peaks Ranch 4-miles south of Travel Coordinator
forests, brilliant snowfields, and vast boulder downtown Estes Park, surrounded
fields to high country lakes, ponds, glaciers, and by the snow-capped peaks and
rivers, and alpine peaks.
Our setting merges gracefully with the rocky
forests of Rocky Mountain National You can learn more about all of our positions in our
landscape, offering stunning views at every Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Detailed Positions Listings Packet.
turn. The facilities and grounds are constantly and the Arapaho and Roosevelt
improved and scrupulously maintained for the National Forests. It is a fantastic
safety, comfort, and enjoyment of campers and place to take in the fresh air with
staff. No matter how many summers you come cool crisp mornings and incredible
to camp, it's tough to see it all.
sunsets away from the hustle &
bustle of cities.
Limited positions are available with
Our Dates an August 7th end date. Please note
your availability on your application.
20
MAY JUNE
Working
22
5.28/5.29 WFA –
at Cheley
Subject to change.
JULY AUGUST Come work and play in the Rocky Mountains of Estes Park,
CO at an internationally renowned summer camp!
Being a staff member is a very important position: the choices they make
affect the campers’ entire camp experience. The goal of being a Cheley staff
member is to give each camper a safe, fun, and memorable summer where
they learn about themselves and learn to “act spontaneously in the right.
We are looking for staff members who are excited to work with youth, have
experience working with children or in a particular program area, who are
willing to work hard and impact children's lives.
Summer at a Glance A Day in the Life
As a Counselor
With the morning bell signaling rise and shine at 6:45, we start our mornings fairly early. You
and your fellow cabin counselors will lead a cabin/wagon clean up before breakfast, which is in
the dining hall at 7:30 (unless you're on an overnight or EB, of course). We start breakfast with
morning announcements in case there's something to share or a special happening. Typically,
Each day at Cheley is unique and wonderful, so it would be almost impossible to specify every Day- during breakfast or right after the meal, a director or assistant director will conduct a cabin/wagon
in-the-Life variation. You will notice, however, that the Cheley Experience follows routine: one that inspection and grade your overall cleaning performance so make sure you do well!
repeats both First Term and Second Term. Each term begins with Arrival Day and Orientation Day, The excitement really takes place once breakfast is over! Campers who need supplies are able
and ends with Final Weekend and Departure Day. Twenty-seven days might sound like a long time, to quickly stop by the camp store; however, once breakfast ends, program begins. Whether it's an
but it takes that long to unwind, get in shape, and makes this experience one to remember. all-day or half-day program, or an out-of-camp or in-camp program, you will spend the day with
a specific group of campers for their activity of choice. Although you are most often scheduled to
MONDAY – SATURDAY SUNDAY your specific program area, you will likely have opportunities throughout the summer to try another
6:45 AM Rise and shine, get ready for the day 7:15 AM Rise and shine program area. Some of our daily programs include archery, backpacking, ceramics, challenge
7:30 AM Breakfast in the dining hall 8:00 AM Breakfast in the dining hall course, climbing wall, colts, crafts, fishing, high ropes, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking,
Program groups meet for all-day, Free time in the unit and staff outcamping, rafting, riflery, sports, stand up paddleboarding, technical climbing, and woodworking.
multi-day, and half-day activities meetings/check-ins Obviously, not every unit will have every program on a given day nor necessarily over the course of
11:00 AM Chapel the term, but each unit will have an opportunity for almost everything.
NOON Lunch on the trail or in the dining Following morning program, we have lunch at noon, unless you're out of camp then you can
hall NOON Lunch in the dining hall decide when to make "bulk" or start your fire and make lunch. Rest hour proceeds lunch; this is a
1:00 PM Rest hour (for in-camp programs) Sign up for weekly program time for silent relaxation in cabins or wagons where campers can write, nap, read, and sometimes
2:00 PM Afternoon activities or continuation Activities (Play Day and All Camp) play cards or another game. This is a great time for you too to catch your breath, check in with
of all-day programs campers, and maybe write some of your reports. If you're on the trail or outcamping, we highly
4:15 PM Visit the store, shower, free time 5:30 PM Cookout recommend you still find time for a rest hour, you won't regret it!
Campfire Just as we do in the morning, we have a variety of afternoon programs, whether it be a
6:00 PM Dinner in the dining hall or around Vespers, songs and taps continuation of your morning one or another half-day program. Before concluding any out-of-
the campfire on overnights Check-ins, Sweet dreams camp activity, upon returning to camp you will visit Stuff-Inn to clean bulk, return your equipment,
Campfire, songs and taps and/or mountain bikes. With the end of program around 4:15, it's free time! Campers (and most
Check-ins, Sweet dreams " counselors) during this time will shower, pay a visit to the camp store for treats, and hang out
around the unit before dinner. It’s important for you to have some time for yourself too! Whatever
you would like to do to help you feel great, this is the time to set yourself up for success with your
director. Some units before dinner have mail call where letters, packages, and emails are handed
out (to you too!) while other units have mail call after dinner or before bedtime.
“Working at Cheley has impacted my life in more ways than I could have Dinner is served at 6:00 in the dining hall (unless it's a Thursday cookout) and hopefully around
imagined! As an international staff member, I have never felt more at home this time if you're out of camp! We eat family-style for every meal, which yields many benefits.
Family-style meals are when the components of a meal are put on the table in bowls or plates so
than I do here on Fish Creek Road. I have really challenged myself here at
everyone can serve themselves. The bowls and/or plates are passed around and put back in the
camp and grown as a person over the years. One of my favourite parts of middle of the table where more can be eaten if desired. Not only does family-style enhance the
camp is working with the other staff members who all come from different experience of mealtime by mimicking a large family meal, but it also promotes responsive feeding
backgrounds around the world. ” and encourages better self-regulation. We try our best to accommodate most dietary preferences
and restrictions, including allergies, vegetarian/vegan diets, dairy-free or lactose intolerant, and
– JACK MAUD, STAFF 2016-2021 gluten-free. Counselors eat with their campers at all of our meals, which is a great opportunity to
chat with your campers about their day and get some report writing material. Dinner ends with
A Day in the Life Continued. A Day in the Life Continued.
announcements and then it's off to campfire! content if you're part of the media team, facilitating a program with counselors to help if you're a
Campfire – our evening program – always promises a different sort of excitement! Some program coordinator, running the Camp Store if you're a camp store manager, gathering mail or
nights may be team-building exercises, like the Code of Living, Blue Kerchief Ceremony, Ball of answering the phones if you're in the office, saddling and grooming our horses if you're on barn
Yarn, or PMA, or maybe you'll play some "get to know you games." Other nights might include a crew, driving to the Outpost if you're on CheDOT, or another duty specific to your position. Support
Scavenger Hunt, Dutch Auction, Mario Kart, or a game of Capture the Flag. We also have a "Java staff most often work independently in their own area under the direction of their supervisor.
Night" in some units, when you might show off your talent and skit practice for All-Camp Campfire! As your morning winds down, we have lunch at noon and after, most of our support staff are able
Regardless of the campfire (and whether you're in camp or sleeping under the stars), we end each to take a rest hour. This is a time for relaxation in your cabin or around camp where you can write,
night with Friendship Circle. During this, each unit gets together and sings unit song and taps. nap, read, and play cards or another game. This is also a great time for you too to catch your breath!
Once Friendship Circle finishes up with taps, it’s time to call it a day and put the kids to bed, Following rest hour, you will likely jump right back into your duties for the day. If you're on program,
anywhere between 8:30PM and 10:00PM depending on the unit. Once you put the kids to bed, you however, you'll start around 2:00PM with your afternoon program group as units end rest hour
may hang out in your counselor cabin, Powwow, or Chip-Inn, assuming your cabin has coverage. around 1:45PM. Program then ends around 4:15PM. Many support staff afternoons begin to relax
Counselors are off twice a week – once being a day off from 8AM to Midnight and once being a around 5:00PM as camp and unit life moves into free time; nevertheless, some positions work later
night off from 5PM to Midnight – and often leave camp to decompress, do laundry, and finish than others depending on your job's responsibilities. Dinner for all is at 6:00PM again in the dining
reports. Then we get up and do it all again in the morning! hall unless we have a Thursday or Sunday night cookout.
Sundays at Cheley look a little different than the rest of the week. For starters, we sleep in until Due to the nature of being on support staff and not living with campers, most have free time
7:15ish because breakfast isn't until 8:00! Right after breakfast, each unit helps clean up camp in and are off in the evenings. Some nights do require different support staff positions to stay later.
what we call a "Trash Sweep!" Then depending on the unit, you'll either have your weekly staff Because support staff don't have an assigned unit, you are free to join a campfire – evening
meeting or have program sign-ups for the next week when campers choose which activities program – with any unit assuming you've received permission from the campfire counselor and/or
they want to do using our free-choice system. At Cheley, we love program sign-ups because our directing staff. And trust us, the campers love to see you at campfires! We also offer various support
counselors always come up with the most creative ways to "sell" their program. Often selling staff campfires (like a cookout at Rockstock, drive up Trail Ridge, or horseback ride) throughout
program involves a song, dance, skit, and more. At 11:00 (unless you go early for choir!), all of camp the summer for you to partake in. To end the night, we have Friendship Circle where we sing the
makes their way to Chapel for a time of reflection and inspiration. Lunch is once again at noon and Support Staff song and taps, and then it's off to bed.
is typically a little nicer of a meal. For Sunday lunch, campers must turn in a letter home as their
entrance ticket. After lunch, you'll do the opposite of what you did in the morning: either sign-
"
ups or have your staff meeting. And then it's fun time! Whether it's first Sunday (Play Day), second
Sunday (All-Camp Campfire), or third Sunday (Lazy Sunday), Sunday nights and afternoons are
full of cheer. Instead of having dinner in the dining hall, Sunday calls for cookout with brother/
sister units (after Play Day), all of camp (before All Camp), or as a unit. Most Sunday's end with an “I love working on support staff because
evening Vespers or other campfire before Friendship Circle. With light's out, a new week is upon us! I get to be with like-minded people in
a beautiful place where we all want to
As Support Staff be the best version of ourselves, while
More than half of our staff at Cheley are not counselors but are what we call supper staff, an
integral part of the operation of camp. Within our Support Staff, we have eleven teams: barn crew, working with kids and teaching them to
camp stores, childcare, food service, laundry, media, medical, office, stores, transportation crew, and be the best version of themselves. I also
program coordinators. Each team has a number of different positions and although some positions love it because it’s in a beautiful location
within a team don't directly work together, most do. where you can step back from reality
Rather than touring the day of each position or team, we'll give you an overview of camp life for and whatever is going on in your life and
support staff. Waking up when your position requires (which is often earlier for our food services
really focus on yourself and the kids.”
team, laundry, barn crew, and others), breakfast is at 7:30 in both our dining halls. Support Staff sits
separate from our units as they typically finish up faster, to get started with their day. That's not to
say, you can't sit somewhere else: you are more than welcome to join a unit's table! – NICOLE EBEL, STAFF 2017-2021
Put simply, both your morning and afternoon will be spent in your area, whether that's gathering
passionate about working with you, hard workers,
What Are Your
excited to work outdoors, and open to learning.
You can learn more about
oriented, self-starters, team-players, patient,
Cheley staff members are fun, community-
the responsibilities of each
Responsibilities? position in our Detailed
Positions Listings Packet.
Each counselor will be assigned several campers whom they are responsible for in terms of general
camp life. You are their mentor, advocate and “go-to” counselor throughout the term. This means
you are checking in with them daily to see how their experience is progressing. You are getting
to know them and what excites and scares them. You are watching them every day, and because
of your relationship with them, can tell when things are going well and when they need extra
attention. Below are five areas you are responsible for as a counselor:
1. Create family. Know each camper’s name, read the blue camper/parent form, encourage letter
writing home, write weekly reports, meet and greet family/friends on visiting day, say good
night to each camper individually.
2. Know their program. Advise, monitor, and advocate during sign ups to make sure they are
getting the programs they want and completing their goals during the camp experience. Assist
and advise in appropriate clothing and equipment for the day.
3. Encourage personal responsibility. Help them keep track of their belongings. Assist in packing
and unpacking, monitor borrowing and lending, create an honest environment, help with lost
Camp Staff Qualities
and found, and supervise laundry preparation.
4. Nurture physical and emotional health. Monitor and assist with personal cleanliness, encourage
physical conditioning and challenge, escort to the Health Center for medication or illness/injury,
encourage adequate sleep and rest, assist with special needs (bed-wetting, menstruation, etc.)
and nurture emotional needs. Encourage self-reliance and independence. Share yourself by
talking, listening, playing and reading. Be available.
5. Take care of yourself. You won’t be able to take great care of your campers if you don’t take care
of yourself too. Make sure you figure out the habits and routines that are going to work for you
at camp this summer. Camp is a fresh start. What is it that best recharges you? This should be
something that recharges rather than depletes you. Find your bliss and do that thing.
"
Working at Cheley has without a doubt been the most rewarding
experience of my youth. There were times where I would, for a moment,
think about how cool my job really is, leading hikes surrounded by good
people and the most beautiful natural environment. However, I’d posit
that there is something far more profound in the knowledge that your
time there means even more to the kids you’re with than it does to you.
Cheley has taught me skills I never thought it would, while leaving me with
relationships and memories that I will have for the rest of my life.
– ERIC HAHN, STAFF 2015-2017 & 2019Fast Facts Fast Facts for 2022
For 2022 Room and Board
We provide room and board to all staff; however, living quarters vary among position and age
groups. Generally, counselors live in a cabin with 6-14 campers and 1-2 fellow staff. At the TEs,
Time Off counselors live in cabins with only 1-3 fellow counselors. Leadership staff enjoy their own room or
a shared room with a fellow leadership staff member. Support staff live in shared support staff
Counselors have one day off per week and one
housing. All cabins are rustic in nature and are quite cozy once staff add their personal touches.
night off per week, and are on activities five
Linens (sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket) are provided as well.
days a week. On Sunday, all staff and campers
remain in camp. There is a counselor cabin in
It's a known fact that food tastes better at camp and elevation! We have an excellent kitchen team in
each unit with a refrigerator.
our four dining halls, keeping our campers and staff well fed over the course of the summer. Three
meals are provided per day. To-go lunches can also be prepared during time off.
Many staff go into town (four miles from LOP
and seven miles from TEs) during time off. We Salary
offer a daily shuttle to town in the morning
Transportation
Housing and meals are provided and staff
that returns in the afternoon. Chain Gate (at members are expected to live at camp. The Staff are responsible for their transportation to and from camp. To assist with this expense, we
LOP only) is locked at 10:00 pm for security. paycheck schedule varies, typically with paydays provide a travel stipend of a fixed rate determined by were you are traveling from (see map). Travel
Before that time, staff may drive into camp being after staff training, multiple times stipends are included in your final check, upon successful completion of your hire dates.
and park in their designated areas. After that throughout each term, and then weekly for
time, staff park their cars at the gate and walk post-camp: roughly every 2-3 weeks. Note: First year international staff do not receive travel stipends, and we will meet them at the
to their cabins. Cars parked at chain gate airport. Returning international staff receive a $220 travel stipend.
must be moved before breakfast. Time off Salary information for 2022 will be updated
for Support Staff varies by position, but will once finalized, likely by the end of the year.
include one day off and one night off at a In 2021, first year counseling staff salary was
minimum. $3300 for the 10 weeks (June 5–August 14).
The following positions started at $12.32/hour:
Certifications office, stores, media, laundry, kitchen assistant,
Staff members must obtain required transportation crew, cooks, and barn crew. Head
certifications. While we offer courses during cooks were paid $13.25/hour with the possibility
staff training, we highly encourage getting it of additional overtime. Our goal is to provide
done prior to then. around 40 hours of work per week.
These positions require Wilderness First Benefits & Bonuses
Aid and CPR: Hiking, Backpacking, HBO, We provide a travel stipend (see Transportation)
Outcamping, Horseback Riding, Mountain and bonuses for relevant certifications,
Biking, Rockstock including WEMT/EMT, WFR, Teaching, CDL,
ACCT, CWI, High Ropes Levels 1 & 2.
These positions require First Aid and CPR:
Sports, Riflery, Crafts, Campfire, Unit Directors/ While working, staff members also have access
Asst. Directors, All Ropes Facilitators, Childcare, to seasonal outdoor “pro-deal” discounts and
Nurse Aide a discount card, good at a variety of Estes Park
establishments. You will also save money during
These positions require CPR: Transportation the summer as a result of having few expenses!
Crew, Nurse, Barn CrewOur Policies It is our commitment that Cheley is
a great place to work. We believe
& Customs that each staff member contributes
directly to Cheley’s success.
Cell Phones
Staff members should never be seen actively on their phone. The use of cell phones must not
interfere with staff’s performance. Part of the camp experience is disconnecting from technology.
Cell phones may or may not work on the camp property. A passcode must be enabled to access
the phone and it must remain in "do not disturb," airplane mode, or turned off.
Substance-Free Workplace
Camp is a smoke-free, vape-free, and marijuana-free environment. The possession or use of
any illegal substance (including marijuana although legal in Colorado) is prohibited during the
course of a staff member’s contract. Applying
to Cheley
Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages may be brought onto camp property, nor can anyone return
to camp under the influence. We also have a zero tolerance policy with respect to underage
drinking and intoxication. We reserve the right to conduct drug or alcohol testing.
Personal Appearance
Staff members’ appearance should be consistent with good hygiene, safety, and what Cheley
considers appropriate attire. Your personal appearance should not impact your ability to be a
strong role model for youth. Staff members may not drastically alter their personal appearance Thank you for considering employment with Cheley!
while working at Cheley.
Since 1921, we have been offering outstanding summer camp experiences
for young people from all over the world. We have become successful
Religion Pets through the efforts of many fine people who have contributed their
enthusiasm and talents while on our summer staff. Our goal is to find staff
We are not a religious camp. Many faiths Pets are not allowed.
are represented at Cheley, and campers are members who are committed to those same high personal standards.
expected to go home with the religion that
they came with. Inter-faith spiritual values Guests Cheley provides an outstanding environment to meet remarkable people.
are stressed at camp. Campers are expected We work toward a common goal of making the summer a safe, fun, and
to go home with the religion they came with We cannot accommodate your friends or enriching experience for all of our campers and staff. Cheley attracts
and not be converted. relatives at camp for sleeping, showers, or people with similar objectives and ideals who come together for the
meals. Guests are welcome to visit on your
time off only.
summer to make a difference. You will have the opportunity to establish
many friendships as you work closely with other members of the staff.The Application Process
How to Apply
1. Complete the application online. We will review your application and contact you by email.
2. Send this reference link to three people. Applications are not complete until all references are
received.
FAQs
3. Interviews are scheduled on Zoom, typically from 8AM – 3PM mountain time.
4. We will be in touch within two weeks after your interview to let you know if we have a position
available.
If You're Offered a Position
You will be receive a “Welcome!” email from our Human Resources Manager detailing how to self
on-board through Paycom. After you have completed this self on-boarding, the Human Resources
Manager will approve your profile and notify you when your paperwork is ready for you. What does it take to work at Cheley? A sense of
adventure, a desire to be with amazing people, Meet our Staffing Coordinator,
and leadership skills. Tolerance and patience are Alyse Averdick.
Once notified, the following items must be completed within two weeks to move forward with
employment: necessary, and tons of energy. You spend your days
and evenings with 9-17 year-olds, doing all kinds of
activities. Some campers are homesick. Some are Alyse has been associated with Cheley
(A) Signed copy of the offer letter, noting your position, dates of employment, salary, and other since 1999 when she began working
hesitant to try anything new, others carefree and
important info. outgoing. At Cheley, we gently and lovingly push seasonally as a riflery and hiking
(B) A completed fingerprint card for the background check. If you are in Colorado, you will go to an everyone to challenge themselves. You're a role counselor and, later, as the director
“Identogo” facility to be fingerprinted. If you are out of Colorado, we mail you the card and you take model for campers, and a support for your peers. of Lower Chipeta. In 2006, Cheley was
it to your local police station to be fingerprinted and then mail to them. looking for an In-Camp Program Director
The cost is typically around $10. How old do I need to be to work at Cheley? and Off-Season Discovery Director. Out
(C) Completion of the online course on Sexual Abuse Prevention. Typically, counselors are at least 19 years old, of hundreds of applicants, Alyse stood
(D) Staff bio and photo for parents. whereas support staff are at least 18 years old.
out as someone who would be a great
For positions that require driving (hiking and
addition to the year-round team. Today,
If you are hired (not applicable for International staff), you will be responsible for the following fees: backpacking), you must be at least 21 years old.
Alyse lives on camp property year-round
Driving record (if 21+ years old) available through your state DMV; certifications necessary for your
position (Wilderness First Aid, First Aid, CPR); fee for your transcript (if applicable); travel to and from Do all of my references need to come from with her husband, Drew, daughter, Stella,
camp (travel stipends are received after successfully completing employment through the end date previous employers? Nope, the choice is yours! and son, Leroy. Camp life is a perfect fit
noted on your job offer). Choose people who have knowledge of your for Alyse’s fun and uplifting personality!
character and experience and of your ability to work
with children in a camp environment. You can use
Attention International Applicants! a variety of sources for your references: a teacher, Ultimately, we want all of our staff to be successful!
We are hopeful about the possibility of accepting professor, pastor, employer, or volunteer supervisor. Prior to your interview, please read the job
international applicants in 2022! Due to J-1 Visa References should not be submitted by your descriptions for your position choices and prepare
regulations, we are unable to hire internationals family members. One can be a character reference any questions.
directly without the use of a certified visa sponsor (friend, roommate, co-worker, etc.) and two should
agency. These agencies will help you through the be professional references (teachers, coaches, Do you have any interviewing tips? Be on time.
rigorous screening process in your home country employers, supervisors, etc.). Dress appropriately. Be careful not to overstate
before interviewing with us. Please contact one of your abilities. Don’t make disparaging remarks
the following visa sponsor agencies who may work in How can I prepare for the interview? The interview about yourself or anyone else. Plan ahead. Think of
isn’t just for us to get to know you better, but it’s questions to ask. Make sure you understand exactly
your home country: Camp Counselors USA, Camp
also for you to decide if camp is a good fit for you. what the job involves. Is the position you’re offered
Leaders, Camp America, and Wild Packs.
right for you? Is Cheley right for you?Meet our Human Resources Manager, Where do campers/staff come from? Each year,
campers and staff come from over 45 states and
Abbey Hickey.
at least 10 foreign countries. You will create friends
Let's Chat
from around the globe. Many staff form friendships
Abbey started working at Cheley in here that last for years. A lot of our campers and
2015, and nearly every summer since. staff return to Cheley year after year, which is why
She studied at Indiana University the place has the warm, familiar feeling of family at
and recently earned her MSW from
the University of Denver. In previous
summers at Cheley, Abbey has been
this gorgeous mountain summer camp.
What's Staff Training? Every staff member starts
About Camp!
an online editor, unit director, travel the summer with 8-12 days of staff training,
We're available to talk to prospective applicants!
coordinator, Lower Ski Hi “Camp Mom,” designed to help you get oriented with the Cheley
and first-year staff liaison. Community Experience. You’ll spend time with professionals
in the fields of child development, program areas, Summer
development and outdoor adventure
psychology, wilderness medicine, and more. cheley.com (early-May to mid-September) staff@cheley.com
are her greatest passions, she is always Our goal is for you to grow as employees, team
willing to go the extra mile for our staff. members, leaders, and as people. 3960 Fish Creek Road
Abbey lives at camp year-round with PO Box 1170 dylan@cheley.com
her cat, and spends her time-off hiking Will I have internet access and cell phone service? @CheleyCamps Estes Park, CO 80517
on the divide and learning how to We have a few desktop computers that staff can
backcountry ski. use; however, most bring their own laptop, iPad, T: (970) 586-4244
or other tablet. Wifi is available in certain areas,
including two computer labs. Limited cell service @cheleycoloradocamps
Winter
What are the benefits of working at Cheley? is available at Land O'Peaks, depending on your (mid-September to early-May)
You’ll learn skills throughout the summer that are provider. Cell service is not available at the TEs.
vital to success in any organization. A successful 601 Steele Street
Do I need a car? While many staff bring their cars /CheleyColoCamps
camp experience helps you develop flexibility, PO Box 6525
integrity, and empathy. You’ll gain experience in to camp, you do not need one. We provide a shuttle Denver, CO 80206
exercising judgment in many different situations, to and from town daily for days off. If you prefer
taking initiative, communicating effectively, and the freedom of controlling your own time-off, then T: (303) 377-3616
/Cheley
strengthening your work ethic. You will also have the bringing a car is probably a wise decision! FAX: (303) 377-3605
opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and
emotional intelligence. If you have further questions,
please contact us.You can also read
