Nonprofit

A Thousand Summers (John Austin Cheley Foundation)


  • Mission

    Our mission is to change kids' lives through transformative summer camp experiences. We BELIEVE spending time in the wilderness can transform our character and soul - building on who we are and preparing us for who we will become. We BELIEVE the future is formed today by the experiences we provide to those who are still growing and exploring. That’s why we identify youth from every walk of life and help them navigate their own path. Our commitment is not for a week, a month, or a summer - but a lifetime. We BELIEVE the opportunity to go for a hike, jump in a boat, enjoy the warmth of a campfire, make lifelong friends and count stars in the sky should not be limited. So we strive to make it available to as many youth as possible because we recognize the impact we have isn’t on one person or one family but ripples out into society as a whole. For we KNOW summer camp is magical - it is challenging, breathtaking, fun and nurturing, all at once. And we want it to last forever.

    About Us

    We foster the development of youth across the United States through a variety of culturally responsive programs centered around a multi-year adventure summer camp experience. By providing multi-year scholarships (camperships) we remove the barriers to a high-impact summer camp experience, proven to advance low-income youth toward a successful future. We fund campers for the full lifespan of their summer camp experience, thus ensuring that the greatest youth development outcomes can be achieved. Since 1989, we have awarded more than 1,500 summer camp scholarships.

    We also provide virtual group learning experiences that foster meaningful relationships and guide campers to navigate their lives with a sense of belonging and purpose. It further prepares the campership recipient for the camp experience through extension activities and discussions around camp related themes.

    Cause Areas Include

    • Environment & Sustainability
    • Volunteering

    Location & Contact

    • 7209812532
    • 1420 N OGDEN ST STE 102, DENVER, Colorado, US

    Current listings

    Youth Service Project MentorUnited States(Remote)...
    Camp Coach Volunteer PositionUnited States(Remote)...
    Illustration

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