Spend a Summer with Adventurous People
More than 200 people from all over the United States and abroad comprise the Cheley summer camp counselor staff. Cheley attracts people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth and who share a common goal with the Cheley family: to make the summer a fun, empowering and enriching experience for all our campers.
From September to May, we work diligently to create a strong summer team. We interview people from around the country and hire international staff through staff placement agencies. Cheley provides a special environment in which to meet remarkable people. Cheley summer camp staff members work together closely and form great and lasting friendships.
Our application process includes an online application, two interviews, three references, and a background check. Once hired, each staff member is required to complete online abuse prevention training as well as program specific certifications like Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
This job isn’t for everybody. We have high expectations for our team. Focusing on the development of others requires personal sacrifices. Sacrifices like living in rustic, historic buildings; limited personal time and a structured schedule. The demands are high, the rewards are life-changing. There is nothing more satisfying than developing future leaders.
"After my third summer at Cheley, I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life: to live and work in the mountains. Now my life has focus—finally! It’s a great feeling."
Nick, Cheley counselor
Benefits of Being a Cheley Counselor
Every Cheley staff member starts the summer with 8-12 days of staff training. You’ll spend time with professionals in the fields of child development, parks, and forests, psychology, and wilderness medicine. Our goal is for you to grow as employees, team members, and leaders.
You’ll learn skills throughout the summer that are vital to success in any organization. A successful camp experience helps you develop flexibility, integrity, and empathy. You’ll gain experience in exercising judgment in many different situations, taking initiative, communicating effectively, and strengthening your work ethic. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
As a Colorado summer camp staff member at Cheley, you will be pushed to grow. The mountains will give you perspective and help you clarify long-term goals. Most importantly, you’ll have fun with great people. The combination is rare, the experience extraordinary.
