Hiking Counselor
Cheley Colorado Camps
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
Since 1921, Cheley has provided summer camp experiences for children ages 9-17 in Estes Park, Colorado. In 2022, we were selected as one of Outside’s Best Places to Work – the only traditional overnight summer camp to make the list.
Nestled in Estes Park Valley, just 75 miles from Denver, Cheley offers breathtaking views of the Rockies. With 750 acres at Land O'Peaks Ranch and five additional sites like Trail's End Ranches, Blue Valley, and Pierson, each adds unique charm from covered wagons to stargazing at the Outpost.
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
Cheley Colorado Camps is a longstanding family-owned co-ed summer camp with a rich history dating back to 1921. Nestled in the picturesque Estes Park Valley, we offer a distinctive youth development experience. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, campers and staff can engage in a wide range of activities, from hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and mountain biking, creating lifelong memories.
Our Mission: We build the lasting character and resiliency of young people, creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural environment.
What truly distinguishes Cheley is our unwavering commitment to character development through the camper-inspired Code of Living. These values, encompassing responsibility, integrity, trust, and empathy, are woven into the fabric of the Cheley experience. We cherish our rich history and tradition while consistently striving to enhance our camp, ensuring that we remain a top-rated summer camp. Accredited by the American Camp Association, we emphasize personal growth, responsibility, and self-reliance, making Cheley an exceptional choice for both campers and staff.
We offer a wide range of programs, including two 4-week terms, a 4-night program for younger campers, family camp, and more. Each summer, we welcome over 1,200 campers and a dedicated team of 220 seasonal staff, supported by a small year-round team. Campers return year after year, with some staying as long as ten summers, forming nurturing relationships with our counselors who serve as positive role models and help uphold the Code of Living.
Our location is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with over 600 miles of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park alone, along with an array of amenities such as horseback riding rings, a climbing wall, a gymnasium, mountain bikes, and more. Our facilities, steeped in tradition and history, seamlessly blend with the surrounding natural beauty. We are committed to preserving our rugged, rustic character while offering opportunities for personal growth. At Cheley, we believe in creating not just an adventure but also future leaders, making our camp an extraordinary place for campers and staff alike. Join us in the heart of the Rockies for a transformative summer experience that transcends typical camp adventures, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit our website:
Our Staff Experience is a unique and enriching journey that extends beyond just a job. When you work at Cheley, you become a part of the close-knit camp community, where you'll not only work but also live in a picturesque natural landscape. We value the transformative power of the Cheley Experience for both campers and staff alike. Here's what you can expect during your season with us:
Community and Inclusivity: At Cheley, we create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to camp. Our staff comprises more than 200 individuals from the United States and abroad who share a common goal: making summer fun, empowering, and enriching for all, including campers and staff.
Recruitment and Screening: We take our staff recruitment seriously. We interview candidates from around the country and hire international staff through placement agencies. All applicants undergo a rigorous interview process, provide three references, and complete a background check to ensure we have dedicated and diverse staff who are excited to work with youth and positively impact children's lives.
Location and Natural Beauty: Cheley is nestled at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. You'll wake up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pine forests and fall asleep to stunning sunsets. Our location offers an unforgettable summer in the Colorado mountains, where the natural beauty is truly inspiring.
Lifelong Friendships: Working at Cheley means forming deep and lasting friendships with people from various backgrounds. These relationships extend beyond your time at camp and often lead to staff returning year after year to reconnect with this unique community.
Personal Growth and Development: The Cheley Experience isn't for everyone, as it requires personal sacrifices. Living in rustic accommodations, sharing living spaces, having limited personal time, and adhering to a structured schedule with long hours are part of the package. However, the rewards are life-changing. You'll develop countless skills and gain valuable experience that will benefit you in any future job or organization.
Unique Skill-Building: Throughout the summer, you'll have the opportunity to learn and develop skills that go beyond a typical job. These skills include flexibility, integrity, empathy, judgment, initiative, effective communication, work ethic, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Camp experiences will enhance your job marketability and offer you benefits beyond just a paycheck.
Perspective and Lifelong Memories: A summer at Cheley will provide you with perspective and help clarify your long-term goals. Most importantly, you'll leave with lifelong memories and strong bonds with remarkable people. This rare combination of experiences makes Cheley an extraordinary place to work.
At Cheley, we have been offering outstanding summer camp experiences since 1921. Our success is built on the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff, who uphold high personal standards. As a staff member, you will be an integral part of the camp community, with opportunities to support and engage with campers in various ways beyond your job description.
Whether you are a counselor, a member of the leadership staff, or part of the support staff, you'll play a crucial role in creating a safe, fun, and enriching environment for our campers. Your dedication to guiding campers, maintaining discipline, and leading activities will help them have a memorable summer. Moreover, your hard work and commitment will contribute to the Cheley Experience, where personal and professional growth is celebrated.
If you choose to join us for a season at Cheley, you'll embark on an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. Your journey will be marked by friendships, personal development, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of the youth we serve. We look forward to having you as a part of our community, and we guarantee that your Cheley Experience will be a remarkable chapter in your life.
Being a counselor is a very important position and the choices they make affect the campers’ entire camp experience. The goal of the counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun, and memorable summer where they learn about themselves and learn to “act spontaneously in the right. The ideal Cheley staff member embodies:
We are looking for staff members who are excited to work with youth, have experience working with children or in a particular program area, and are willing to work hard and impact children's lives.
We live by our core values and beliefs, which embrace harmony, honesty, integrity, unselfish love, and concern for human dignity. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive camp community that celebrates, supports, and thrives on diversity: in race, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability and mental health, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, national origin, family status, veteran and military status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. The Cheley Experience thrives on creating an environment where everyone is comfortable bringing their authentic selves to camp. All are welcome and encouraged to apply!
At Cheley, we provide room and board to all staff members. The specific living arrangements may vary depending on your position and age group:
Our accommodation offerings are designed to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable living experience during your time at Cheley. Most staff members, including all counseling staff, a few leadership staff, and some support staff, share bathhouses with campers, equipped with cubbies for storing toiletries, private stalls, and individual showers, ensuring privacy and comfort
Meals: Our kitchen staff is exceptional, and we take pride in providing delicious and nutritious meals for campers and staff throughout the summer. We offer three meals daily, ensuring you have the sustenance you need for your active days at camp. If you have time off or prefer a to-go option, you can grab a packed lunch from our out-of-camp kitchen to meet your needs.
We understand that finances are important – Housing and meals, valued at over $2,000 for the summer, are provided at no additional cost to you. This not only ensures you have a comfortable place to stay and nutritious meals to enjoy but also allows you to save on essential expenses, fully immersing yourself in the camp experience.
We understand that a comfortable living environment and satisfying meals are integral to your overall experience at Cheley, and we're dedicated to providing both. We look forward to having you on our team and making your time with us enjoyable and memorable.
Note that hourly staff have a weekly deduction of $200.
From exclusive discounts and convenient laundry services to unique recreational access and bonding opportunities, the Cheley Experience is enriched with various benefits. Explore the details below and prepare for an adventure beyond just a job.
We want to make your journey to camp as smooth as possible! Here are some transportation options to consider:
Please note that staff members are responsible for their transportation to and from camp. While we do not typically provide transportation from Denver International Airport, we may make exceptions in rare circumstances, primarily for international staff.
Additional Information:
As a staff member, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy during your time off Here are some of the exciting things you can do in and around Cheley and Estes Park, Colorado:
While we have a rolling hiring process, be sure to get your application in early, especially if you have specific position preferences. We prioritize applicants who can work the entire summer. Review our dates for 2024 and on your application, please note your availability.
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