Cheley Colorado Camps

Frank Cheley realized that the values he saw as relevant to society and young people in the 1920s may not necessarily apply to the community decades, even a century, later. Instead, Frank built a core system of values that evolves with society. The Code of Living is a compilation of traits, suggested by the campers in each unit, that the campers strive to uphold throughout the term. These ideals are interwoven into the camp experience.[9] Every term every summer, each unit, unit staff, and support staff form their own Code of Living. While each Code may differ in its physical form, most often the Code of Living is a written – and signed – set of standards and values (e.g., traits like respect, integrity, grit).[8]

The Blue Kerchief (or BK) is the physical manifestation of the Code of Living and a symbol of commitment to the Cheley Experience. All campers and staff receive a BK during the Blue Kerchief Ceremony.[8] Campers wear light blue, Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) wear yellow, counselors wear dark blue, and Quarter B-4 campers wear light green. Quiet, reflective times such as Vespers and evenings out under the vast sky vibrantly lit with billions of stars, also help Cheley campers and staff develop spiritually.[10]

Citizenship awards are the final recognitions in any unit, voted on at the end of the camp session by counselors and other campers. They recognize campers for living by the Code of Living, helping others, assisting counselors, and conducting themselves at a high standard in all aspects of camp life. At Land O’ Peaks, they include the Silver Coup (9 to 11 year olds), Silver Spurs (12 and 13 year olds), and Gold Key (14 to 17 year olds). At Trail’s End, they include the Driver of the Covered Wagon (12 and 13 year olds) and Top Hand (14 to 17 year olds).[10]

Members of the Cheley community are offered the chance to strive for recognition in the form of a patch on their BK. Program patches, awards, and other recognitions of achievement are important anchors at Cheley. They are earned not by competing with others but by individual campers challenging themselves and excelling. The early camp patches in the 1920s were colored patches representing special sets of tests and were sewn in a semicircle underneath the camp insignia on the kerchief. They were awarded for Citizenship, Horsemanship, Science, Guide, Physical Development, Mountaineer, Naturalist, First Aid, and Camp Improvement. Over the years, various patches and awards have evolved.[10]

Program patches include hiking, outcamping, horsemanship, climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, and sleuthing. The "On the Trail" Patch is awarded for spending fifteen program days on the trail and not in camp. The Circle of Stars (for 9, 10, and 11 year olds) and the Pinecone Patch (12 and 13 year olds) indicate that a camper has participated in every camp activity.[10]

More difficult to achieve, and requiring more than one summer, are the Trail Hand, for horseback riding achievement, and 4th Degree Tyrolean, for hiking, backpacking, and outdoor expertise. A camper who attains the height of achievement with strong proficiency in all camping skills and programs can earn the Gold Spurs recognition. It honors excellence in all areas including hiking, riding, backpacking, mountain biking, riflery, archery, and crafts over at least three terms.[10]

In 2017, Cheley Colorado Camps began offering Quarter B-4, their five-night intro to the Cheley Experience as "a wonderful way for 7 to 10-year-olds to dip their toes into camp before jumping into 27-days."[14] Campers are divided into two units: the Pikas for 7/8-year-olds and the Marmots for 9/10-year-olds.

In 1985, Cheley started Family Camp so that families could capture the magic of camp together. Family Camp at Cheley Colorado Camps invites families with children age 6 and older for five days of quality family time at their Trail's End Ranch for Boys property.[15]