Pack Rat Chat

Pack Rat Chat

From the Rocky Mountains of Colorful Estes Park, Colorado, Brooke Cheley-Klebe hosts the Pack Rat Chat by Cheley Colorado Camps! So stick around as Brooke dives into the long-lasting benefits of the camp experience, shares the nuggets of wisdom we’ve learned over the years, and unfolds feelgood stories of the Cheley community carrying the Code of Living beyond camp.

Episodes

May 27, 2021 19 mins

In this episode, Brooke shares some helpful advice about preparing for camp. From sending and writing mail to our weekly reports to packing and more, Brooke's perspective comes from both as a mom of three campers and, of course, as a camp director. She also touches on what you can do to prepare your camper so that they aren't homesick. To set your camper up for success this summer, you won't want to miss this brand-new episode!

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In this special episode, Brooke chats with co-director and brother, Jeff Cheley. Recorded prior to the Cameron Peak Fire, Jeff and Brooke reflect on how they have navigated – and managed – this unprecedented year, including the Covid-19 pandemic and what would have been Cheley’s 100th summer. Jeff shares his experience growing up at camp bearing the Cheley last name and what brought him back to work at camp in the fir...

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September 29, 2020 42 mins

In this episode, Brooke chats with Benji Harris: former camper, CILT, and staff member, and, now, performer, songwriter, public speaker, and educator. Navigating the music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benji shares how his unique job pivoted to virtual songwriting. Looking back at his time touring, he also shares the feeling he gets on stage and what it was like being on the road. Benji reminisces on why he s...

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In this episode, Brooke chats with Angela Boatright: former staff member (counselor, Senior Chipeta director, & Girls’ Camp Director) and, now, Asst. Principal at Arapahoe High School. Navigating a new system of education, Angela shares the commitment she’s made to her students and how her school is addressing and supporting the mental health of their students. She relates her time at camp – Read more

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In this episode, Brooke chats with Judson Laipply: YouTube sensation, known for his viral video "Evolution of Dance" and a former Ski Hi Campfire Counselor. Laipply's upload secured his place in history with record-breaking views and likes, posted only a year after YouTube launched. In a timely and humble conversation about virality, fame, finding inspiration, and what's next, Judson shares what brought him to be a counselor at Che...

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February 6, 2020 38 mins

In this episode, Brooke chats with Diana Kapp: alumni, camp parent, and author of “Girls Who Run the World: 31 CEOs Who Mean Business.” In a beautifully candid conversation about women in leadership, gender roles, and the experiences of young women today, Diana shares the stories heard and lessons learned while writing her book. Inspired by the creativity and moxie of the 31 featured women who define grit, determinati...

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In this episode, Brooke chats with her dad and Director Emeritus, Don Cheley. Named “the Preserver” in the Centennial Book, Don shares what it was like growing up at camp, with his mom, Sis, and more. He also looks back at his contributions to camp and some of the changes he’s seen over his years, which bring up many emotions.

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October 20, 2019 36 mins

In this episode, we chat with Tom Hornbein: mountaineer who pioneered the route up Everest’s West Ridge, acclaimed anesthesiologist, and former Cheley camper. Tom shares how a young boy from St. Louis ended up in the Rockies, how camp influenced him to then climb Everest, why he may have gotten in a little trouble as a camper, and more. For more from Tom, read his book “Everest: The West Ridge.”

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September 24, 2019 36 mins

In this episode, we chat to Barry Sweet: Wilderness Office Manager at Rocky Mountain National Park and a dear friend who has been monumental in our 100-Year Partnership with RMNP. Barry shares why he has new flowers on his desk every morning, how he turns everything into a party, what he’s most proud of, his secret, and more. For more from Barry, visit www.wisdompool.org.

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August 9, 2019 22 mins

In this episode, we chat to Jena Lee Nardella: author of "One Thousand Wells: How an Audacious Goal Taught Me To Love The World Instead of Save It", Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Blood:Water, and featured story in the Centennial book. Now a mentor to many, little did she know at eleven-years-old that when she first arrived at Cheley her time here would prepare her to deal with uncomfortable situations and push he...

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June 18, 2019 15 mins

In this episode, we listen to Brooke's inaugural Chapel talk. In it, she asks "what is your goal for this summer?" and shares a saying that's stuck with her for years: "sometimes the fear won't go away, so you'll have to do it afraid." 

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In this episode, Brooke discusses forms, forms, forms, and other tidbits for leading a successful summer.

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