Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

The kids in our Campership Program missed out on going to camp in 2020. For the past 12 months schools have focused largely on remote learning and many face-to-face interactions and activities have been canceled.  Kids need time outside and in person at camp to regroup, refocus, and restore balance in their lives. And so, with spring around the corner and optimism about camp being high, our campers’ excitement for the summer is growing! After a long wait, they will be able to reunite with friends and experience amazing and challenging outdoor adventures. Bright sunshine, time outdoors, and lots of support and care from counselors and other camp staff will positively impact the lives of our campers, strengthening connections and encouraging growth—just like a burst of spring!

Click on the video below to hear from a few of our campers about what they are most excited about this summer.

First Summer Camper, Nia Shares Her Impressions of Camp

During a recent visit to Clearwater Camp for Girls, Executive Director, Tim Lucas spoke with Nia about her experiences of camp after only her first couple of weeks of her first summer. What stood out most for Nia was the sense of community which she felt allowed her to truly be herself.

“I Can’t Wait” – Help Send 4 More Kids To Camp

We asked for help and you answered the call! We are excited to announce that we surpassed our goal, which means that we will be sending Jack, Kimball, Dylan, and Ryland to camp this summer. They were on our Campership Program waiting list and, thanks to your support, they are now preparing for an exciting and transformative summer at camp!

We want to thank Cheley Colorado Camps as well as one of our very generous, long-time donors for providing the challenge matches that helped to make this campaign a success. With these generous matching offers and the support of our donors, the dream of camp is now a reality for these four awesome kids.

CAMPAIGN RESULT: We have reached our goal! A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported this campaign.

Jack, 15, lives in Duluth, GA, and is a sophomore in high school. He plays lacrosse and runs cross-country. He is one of seven children and, if he is able to attend Cheley this summer, he will be a fourth generation Cheley camper! He is excited to disconnect from electronics, meet new people, and have a “grand adventure” in the wilderness.

 I love being outdoors and in nature. Spending four weeks in the wilderness is like a dream for me.”


Kimball ‘Kimmy’, 13, lives in Centennial, CO, and is in 8th grade. She is hoping to follow in her sister’s footsteps and attend Cheley Camps GTE this summer.

I feel excited about exploring new places! I love to be outdoors and experience new things. I love meeting new people and doing different the activities.”


Dylan, 14, lives in Garrison, NY and is currently in 8th grade. He plays several sports and likes to spend time in the outdoors. He is excited about rafting, hiking, riflery, and especially fishing at camp this summer. Other family members attended Cheley and he hopes he is able to experience it too!

I’m curious and always into adding to the list of things that interest me. I know I will learn how to be prepared during my time at camp. That’s part of the camp experience.”

“Please know that by donating, you have positively impacted the life of a child, not just for one summer, but for their whole lives. We are very grateful for the opportunity and support.”—Beth, Dylan’s mom


Ryland ‘Ry’, 11, lives in Durango, CO, and is in the 5th grade. He is hoping to attend Colvig Silver Camps this summer.

“I like to explore. The possibility of going to camp is exciting because hopefully I get to swim and meet new people.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to all who have created the opportunity for my son, Ryland, to attend summer camp. He was over-the-moon excited about the possibility of attending camp! Ryland has had some personal struggles this year and I believe the camp experience will go a long way to establish confidence and increased self-esteem for this kindhearted kid. I hope you all know how your generosity can change the lives of children and I thank you for all you do in helping kids succeed.”—Caitlyn, Ryland’s mom


We are so thankful to Cheley Colorado Camps and our anonymous donor for these amazing opportunities and know that if we all work together we can raise the $10,000 needed to send these four great kids to camp this summer, setting them on a path of incredible growth, and making their dreams come true!