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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.
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See
a slideshow sent to us by one camper's family.
(You will need Powerpoint software in order to view
this slideshow.) |
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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
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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
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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!
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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