Our Story
John Austin (Jack) Cheley believed in the words of his father that “great things happen when youth and mountains meet.” From 1941 until his passing in 1987, Jack dedicated his life to enhancing the summer camp experience, ensuring that children from all backgrounds could enjoy the magic of camp. In 1990, to honor Jack’s vision, the John Austin Cheley Foundation was established, now known as A Thousand Summers. This foundation began with a single camper and has since evolved into a nationwide network of partnerships with exceptional nature-based summer camps.
Through collaboration with youth mentoring organizations, the foundation identifies children who would thrive in these enriching environments. The combination of high-quality camps, community partnerships, and one-on-one mentorship has made the foundation’s program not only successful but also unique. Jack Cheley’s dream has sparked over a thousand summers of camp for the young people served, continuing to inspire the mission today.