Chanco Chatter
News from our diocesan camp and retreat center
December 2020
In This Issue:
Chanco for Christmas
Help us win grant money!
Giving Tuesday Success
Friendsgiving
Yes, it's been a very different year than ever before at Chanco on the James. While we had to postpone many beloved retreats and suspend Camp Chanco normal operations, we found ways to stay connected. Virtual campsite reunions, Chanco Pen Pals, taking the Chanco Challenge, and virtual induction into the Order of Chanco were just some of the ways we kept our campers connected to us and to each other. Chanco hosted many free events including an Advent Retreat led by Bishop Susan Haynes, a camp open house, and worship services on the bluff - all virtually. And be on the lookout for a worship service on the bluff with the Rev. Eileen Walsh to be released Christmas Eve! Food for the Soul, Fall Clergy Retreat, and Friendsgiving were able to be held in person with COVID safety protocols in place. We, like so many in this country, have found creative ways to stay connected with one another and nourish our spirits despite these difficult times.

Most importantly, we couldn't have done any of this without all of you. Our volunteers and donors proved their incredible support through their many gifts of time and treasure during this challenging year. The Campaign for Chanco has achieved 80% of its $4.4 million inspirational goal and our Annual Fund has received $123,423 in gifts helping to support our full-time staff and continued operations in a time of significantly reduced income. THANK YOU for making the difference!

We wish all our friends a safe and joyful Christmas with those you love and we extend wishes to each of you for a bright, happy and healthy new year! We look forward to seeing you back on the banks of the James in 2021.
Give Chanco for Christmas
Camp registration is now open
for our 2021 season!
Give Chanco for Christmas!
We know all of us are looking forward to brighter days ahead – and sunshine in the magical forests of Camp Chanco 2021! Our staff is working diligently to make camp fun and safe for all - we just need you! Give the gift of Camp Chanco and give a gift of adventures, memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Click here for a certificate you can fill out, wrap and place under the tree. Click here for a 2021 Camp Chanco flyer with our programs, dates and rates. Registration will be live tomorrow at www.chanco.org. We look forward to seeing your child/grandchild at Chanco this summer! Questions? Contact us at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or hospitality@chanco.org. For those who rolled your 2020 registration over to 2021, you do not need to register again.You will receive a confirmation email in January. Can't wait to have you back!
We need you!
Help us to win up to $5,000 in a printing grant!
Please take two minutes and click here to vote for us today! We can earn up to $5,000 in a printing grant for having the most votes. Don't wait - VOTING CLOSES DECEMBER 31. You can vote multiple times if you have multiple email addresses (one vote per email address). We earned 100% free printing from Conquest Graphics in 2020 thanks to your votes helping us to win! Please vote and share with your friends and family to also vote. THANK YOU!
Successful Giving Tuesday
You made the difference
WE DID IT THANKS TO YOU! With a matching anonymous donor and so many of our friends giving generously, we surpassed our $15,000 goal and received $16,815 in one day toward The Campaign for Chanco. Thank you, thank you for your incredible generosity. Even more importantly, thank you for your love, prayers and support all year long. CHANCO IS YOU!
Friendsgiving
Thank you to all our friends who joined us
for a fantastic family event
Friendsgiving at Chanco was a wild success! Our friends had a wonderful time painting pumpkins, enjoying hayrides, playing outdoor games, making Christmas ornaments and decorating our tree for the season. Friends also enjoyed traditional Thanksgiving fare, football on the big screen, bonfires and worship together. Thank you to the Rev. Charlie Bauer for leading part of our program and to Program Committee Chair Juli Edwards-McDaniel and Program Director Lexi Barnhill for organizing a fantastic event enjoyed by all. This first time event for Chanco may become an annual tradition! Thank you to all who led and participated in this fun fall event.
COVID Guidelines Update
Safety first: Your safety is our top priority. Chanco is committed to following all guidelines directed by our diocese and governor's office. Click here for full information and COVID safety protocol. 
Don't forget - you can register with confidence! If any reservation needs to be cancelled by Chanco leadership or by you because of the COVID-19 virus any registration payments, including the full, non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit will be refunded, credited toward a future program, or may be donated to Chanco as a gift in support of our mission, based on the individual’s preference.Click here for Chanco's COVID-19 safety information.