November 2025 

Every summer, more than 2,700 kids arrive at Camp Chief Ouray ready for the kind of week they'll still be talking about decades from now. Thanks to two significant Climbing Higher milestones, more kids than ever will have that opportunity. 

A generous $800,000 gift from an anonymous supporter has completed funding for Camp Chief Ouray's Day Camp relocation and expansion at Snow Mountain Ranch. Once completed, the project will relocate the day camp to the current Arts and Crafts Building, placing it closer to Camp Chief Ouray's facilities. The expanded space adds a sensory room, ADA-accessible restrooms, and more outdoor programming space — increasing capacity for 200 additional campers each summer. 

Alongside the Day Camp expansion, a new Flagpole Gathering Area now welcomes overnight campers each morning and closes each day with flag raising and lowering ceremonies — preserving one of camp's longest-standing traditions in a purpose-built location at the new center of camp. 

Together, these philanthropic projects strengthen Camp Chief Ouray's ability to inspire and develop tomorrow's leaders — and ensure that more young people can have the formative mountain experience that defines what the YMCA is for. 

Both projects are part of the Climbing Higher campaign at YMCA of the Rockies.