Four generations of the Cheley Family have dedicated their careers to Frank's dream. They are grateful for their part of 100 years of youth development.
Photography by Talia Kite, Cheley Staff Alumnus
Jeff Cheley
Jeff, son of Don, is the fourth generation Director of the camps. He is well equipped to run the camp into the 2000s. Jeff has a B.A. in Business from the University of Texas, Austin. He is also involved in the Denver and camping community. He currently serves on the board of the Estes Park Health Foundation, acts as treasurer of the Western Association of Independent Camps, and is a member of the board of the Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Jeff and his wife Erika live in Englewood during the winter months. Jeff stays busy coaching his sons in different sports or playing golf, riding his bike, or skiing with his family. Jeff started attending Cheley as a camper at age 9. He also worked on staff as a counselor and unit director. Jeff brings a good depth of Cheley experience and business acumen to camp.
Photography by Talia Kite, Cheley Staff Alumnus
Brooke Cheley-Klebe
As part of the fourth generation of camp leadership, Brooke, daughter of Don, is the Director of Camper and Parent Services for Cheley. She lives in Denver in the winter with her husband, Kurt, and their daughters, Ellie, Kate and Sam. Brooke graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Communications. As a former competitor in freestyle skiing, an Ironman triathlete and a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia, Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge to the backcountry program of Cheley. Brooke was a camper for nine summers and on staff as a counselor for three before joining the year-round team. She is a devoted, fun mom and treasures the camp experience.
Photography by Talia Kite, Cheley Staff Alumnus
Don Cheley
Don is the third generation Director of the camps. He is the son of Jack and Sis Cheley and grandson of Frank and Eva. Don attended Colorado College and Menlo College, graduating with a B.A. in Business. Don is an enthusiastic volunteer and past President of the American Camp Association. He currently serves on the International Camp Federation as the U.S. Representative, chairs the American Camping Foundation and serves on the American Camp Association board as the ACF Chair. He also serves on the Board of the First National Bank in Estes Park. Don brings wisdom and great experience to the world of youth camping and is well known and respected in the industry. Don has over 50 years’ experience attending or working at Cheley.
Carole Cheley
Carole is Don’s wife and worked with Cheley for the past 25 years. She is well-respected in the camp industry. She was a teacher and school counselor for 10 years before joining Cheley. As an ACA Standards Visitor, Carole visited camps for accreditation determination. She also served on the Children’s Garden Montessori School board in Denver and is a sustaining member of the Junior League. Carole has a B.A. in Fine Arts and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. She loves Cheley and believes wholeheartedly in the camp experience and what it offers youth today. She brings a warm heart and wealth of youth development expertise.
Austin Cheley
Austin, son of Don and Carole and a fourth-generation Cheley, graduated from Colorado College where he majored in English and Music. He also graduated from Vermont Law School with a degree in environmental law. Austin grew up at Cheley and was a camper for nine summers. He loves writing, snowboarding, hiking, and ultimate Frisbee. Austin has worked at Cheley as a wrangler and the assistant director of Ski Hi. Austin currently resides in Thornton with his wife Rian.
