Camp Chief Ouray's CO Gives Day 2024 is kicking off with a match for the first $10,000 raised, thanks to the generosity of the Gyeszly family!
Summer camp at Camp Chief Ouray, where nature meets nurture. It's here where children are surrounded by positive role models who strengthen their self-esteem, encourage them to meet new challenges, and help to develop lifelong friendships. Camp Chief Ouray provides countless transformational experiences for children every summer.
"My daughter had a difficult first year of middle school - lonely and confusing - but she really came into herself during camp. She loved every minute - especially the counselors and the comradery of the other campers. It was our summer highlight!"
- Elizabeth (CCO Parent)
"Thank you for the scholarship. It means so much to me and my family. I will have so much fun this year and can't wait to meet new people and make new friends."
- Mariella (CCO Camper)
"I have been able to see the positive change in both of my girls each year they have gone to camp. Seeing how they have challenged themselves, accomplishing things they didn't think they could, and connecting with the world around them has been so rewarding as a parent. I've said it before and I'll say it again now, there really is no other place like Camp Chief Ouray!"
- Jason (CCO Parent)
"The campout night was amazing. I got to make friends who I will know after CCO! 5 stars!
- CCO Camper
YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our goal at CCO is to offer challenging experiences to build leaders through life-long skill development in a safe, imaginative, natural setting. We instill confidence through independence and interpersonal skills. We challenge our campers to discover their true selves.
The YMCA of the Rockies has a rich and colorful history spanning more than a century. The Rocky Mountain Region had been the site of YMCA summer encampments since the 1890s, but the resort locations were deemed unsuitable by many participants. At the 20th State Convention held at Canon City in 1906, it was decided to establish a permanent summer training center for YMCA professionals somewhere in the Rockies.
In July of 1907, 23 YMCA men met in Grand Lake, Colorado to discuss incorporations of the Western Conference of the YMCA. While there, they scouted for possible sites for a summer school to be held the next year, 1908.
Finding nothing appropriate, they decide to travel over the continental divide to Estes Park. A group of six men, led by William E. Sweet, hiked from Grand Lake, stopping overnight at the Wind River Lodge. The beautiful setting and views of Mt Ypsilon were just what the men were looking for.
Ninety-three men attended the 1908 summer school and it was considered to be a rousing success. That success prompted the purchase of the Wind River Lodge property to ensure a permanent home for YMCA summer school.
In response to increasing popularity over the next 20 years, family lodgings were built and family programs were started. The Depression nearly brought an end to the association, but the Directors persevered.
The increased tourism of the post-war years spurred massive building and renovation projects. There was also a shift in organizational focus, as our association was no longer a summer training school of YMCA workers but had become a year-round conference and family center.
The 1960s saw unparalleled growth with expanded accommodations and increased programming. In 1966 The Summit property was added, even as the Board of Directors searched for a suitable location for a second site.
In 1969, Snow Mountain Ranch opened in Grand County, with quiet solitude and excellent winter sports opportunities. In 1980 resident summer camp, Camp Chief Ouray was relocated to Snow Mountain Ranch.
The last three decades have seen expansion and renovation as we strive to maintain our experience for future generations. More than a century ago, the YMCA of the Rockies began as a place where a few YMCA men could spend a summer and receive professional training in a tranquil and inspirational setting. While the setting remains, the Y has evolved. Evolved into a year-round center where anyone of any age is welcome. Families come for reunion and recreation. Youth come for excitement and adventure. Professionals come for conference and rejuvenation.
But no matter the reason for their visit or the changes that we've made, our guests can still enjoy the foundation of the YMCA of the Rockies, the beauty and recreation of our Rocky Mountain sanctuary.
Organization name
Camp Chief Ouray
other names
YMCA of the Rockies
1908
Category
Youth Development
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
2515 Tunnel RoadMailing
PO Box 20800Larimer County, CO, US
Grand County, CO, US