e receive numerous notes and letters from boys and girls who have attended one of our Associate Camps as a result of a sponsored campership through the Cheley Foundation. Some of the campers continue to attend our camps for several years, and find that each year provides them with additional physical and social skills, as well as enhanced self-concept.
   
See a slideshow sent to us by one camper's family. (You will need Powerpoint software in order to view this slideshow.)
    

Thank You for the Experience of a Lifetime

The John Austin Cheley Foundation really is an amazing thing. This approaching summer I'll have finished my senior year of high school and will hopefully participate at Cheley as a CILT. However, this would've never been possible without the aid of the Foundation. You have helped provide me with 3 incredible summer experiences at Cheley with which I've learned a lot about myself and grown into a better person.

At camp I've developed into a more social person. I used keep to myself a lot. I just didn't get along with a lot of people. Cheley helped me open up, now I help others feel more at ease and open up. In addition, being at camp has helped me learn more about myself, how I felt about myself, how far could I push myself, and how satisfied I was with my life. The John Austin Cheley Foundation has done more for me than I can fully express.

All I can offer is this letter as a token of my appreciation but someday I hope that I will be able to provide another child the same opportunity the Foundation has provided me.

AlexTran
Minneapolis MN
1st generation of Vietnam immigrants
Gold Key Recipient, Cheley 2006

 

At camp last summer, I learned that I should not be afraid to try new activities, even ones I think I cannot accomplish. Cheley also taught me that I should get out and "do it!" -- whatever it may be.

I have had severe growing pains for two years, requiring chiropractic care and the assistance of "Cho-pat strap," or stuffed Velcro straps, around my knees. The treatment and the straps certainly helped me enjoy more rigorous activities at Cheley.

I was torn between longing to experience EVERYTHING and longing to stay out of pain as much as possible. I learned that I could do both! I started out slowly, participating in more conservative excursions, but by the third week of camp, I was on a three-day mountain biking trip, enjoying every moment (except the moments I felt I would die if I had to go up another hill ... just kidding!).

My Cheley experience was a turning point for my athletic life. I learned at camp that I can be active and safe. I have decided to stay fit at home by going to the gym as often as possible and biking around the neighborhood!

Cheley has helped me get out and experience new things, despite fear or uncertainty. Cheley encouraged me to persevere and do things to the best of my ability. I know wherever I go, whatever I do, I have a gang back at Cheley Colorado Camps that will cheer me on, hopefully for years to come!

Johanna Van Liew

 
I had the best summer of my life. Camp to me means a place to express myself and to be anybody I want. I love everything about Cheley. This summer I tried mountain biking for the first time. I have to say that I hated it at first. I thought I was going to die! But I couldn't believe how rewarding it was when I go to the top. The way back down was the best part. I never imagined going that fast on a bike. I even did the Cheley Challenge!

This past summer I learned that I can do anything if I really give it my all and set my mind to it. That will really come in handy my freshman year of high school. Thank you!

 
I would like to thank you in person, but I can't. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend Sanborn Western Camp this summer. I enjoyed horseback riding, hiking, rock scrambling, campfires, team sports and, most of all, overnight backpack camp outs. I received an award for the most improved horseback rider. I had an awesome month. You learn to live with people you've never met; you eat, sleep and learn new things with them.
 
When my mother asked me if I was interested in going to camp I was extremely hesitant. She wanted me to spend a month with strangers in a place I had never been to or even heard of before. However, from the first moment I knew the summer would be one I would remember forever. I never knew I could do so many amazing things.

The activities were amazing; hiking an early morning hike and peaking the mountains, looking down at the snow covered mountains, the green valley and the bluest of blue lakes. I can't describe the feeling of accomplishment. Another thing I did often was mountain biking. There were times in both of those trips where I did not believe I could pedal one more minute, but the girls and the counselors were right there with me cheering me on. The confidence that those girls gave to me is something I can't put into words.

I think one of the best things about camp, the people there love you for you. I think the summer changed me. My goal for the summer was to experience new things. I definitely accomplished my goal. I peaked my first mountain, received my mountain biking patch , rock climbed, rode horses, and went river rafting. The other thing I did that helped me accomplish my goal was letting me be me, not putting on an act so that the girls would like me.

I couldn't have done it without your help and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Because of you I had the best summer of my life.

 
Please allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful opportunities provided these past two summers, with my scholarships to Boys Trails End. You have indeed accomplished your motto's goal in providing me with Experiences of a Lifetime.

Having my first airplane ride, seeing the splendor of the Rocky Mountains, and all the new physical experiences such as learning to ride a horse, showed me there was so much to do and learn. I took the experiences and applied them to my school and personal life, raising my grades and level of participation in endeavors such as FFA (former Future Farmers of America), school choir and theater productions. I also returned here having lost much of my "baby fat" and was determined to stay active.

The receipt of a second scholarship amazed us all. Seeing distant friends, making new ones, bettering my camping and horsemanship skill, enjoying all that the beautiful countryside could provide, are just some things on a long list making for an Experience of a Lifetime. I have indeed had a taste of what is big and fine in American life and character. I am confident that these experiences cultivated my ability to act spontaneously in the right.

Once again, from my family and myself, Thank you.

 
Thank you for another wonderful year at camp! Like last summer, I challenged myself and achieved goals I didn't think were possible.

As the first couple of days quickly disappeared, I had already started to be challenged. Even though the hikes were hard but rewarding and a blast, I was more excited and nervous for my first backpack! Like everyone was telling me, I had the best time and ended up going on the five-day backpack!

I learned so much about how to survive, cook, what you do in emergency situations, encounters with different animals and lost of other useful information. Although the weather was not on our side, that didn't stop our group from having the best time.

Not only did I learn out of camp, but also every Sunday during Chapel. Every speaker had excellent motivating words to say. They helped me with leadership skills and the good qualities I want to portray.

I had a second exceedingly tremendous summer at camp.

 
I went to camp being so unsure of myself. I was scared to leave my family and afraid I wouldn't like the experience. When I got there, all the counselors welcomed me.

I fell in love with the riding program at camp. The horses, wranglers, and trails made the rides most excellent. I learned that the beauty at camp cannot be captured only through pictures, drawings, or videos, but through memories and friendships. Words cannot explain the smiles camp brings to a newcomer.

The only thing I can say is thank you. Thank you for the laughs, the friends, the sisterhood, the new experiences camp brought to me. I definitely brought camp home with me in many ways.

 

The BTE Code of Living that our group established the first few days in camp has carried over into my regular life and I try to live up to its principles every day. By doing so, I have become a more responsible and well-rounded young adult. The Code of Living has taught me to be kind to everyone and to treat everyone equally. As I grow and mature, I know that the code will continue to be part of my everyday life, and I will hopefully become an even friendlier and more well-rounded adult.

I also learned a few life lessons. For example, this year I learned that I could do anything I set my mind to, because of my own personal physical challenges and experiences. No challenges I have faced back at home could have taught me that, and I wouldn't have learned it without camp. Camp is not only a place of fun and games, but a place to actually challenge yourself and learn little lessons that will last a lifetime.

Each year at camp I learn more and become a more mature young adult. Thank you again for a wonderful summer!

Zachary Weinstock

 
   
 
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