April Chanco Chatter
In This Issue:
Farewell Shonda
EYC Spring Weekend
Alumni Weekend
Big Day of Giving
Cursillo #174
Summer Camp Registration
Now Hiring
Meet the Staff
| |
Farewell, Shonda!
Everyone please join us in wishing our Administrative Coordinator, Shonda, a warm farewell as she moves on to the next chapter of her journey. She has been a wonderful part of our Chanco family throughout her time with us and we will miss her!
With Shonda's departure from Chanco, we are now looking to fill the role of Administrative Coordinator. Any interested parties should email a resume and cover letter to director@chanco.org.
Don't worry—you can still email hospitality@chanco.org and call 888-7CHANCO (724-2626) throughout this transition with any registration or reservation needs and our staff will be more than happy to assist you.
| |
EYC Spring Weekend
May 2–May 4
The Annual Spring Weekend at Chanco on the James is coming up the
weekend of Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4. The Episcopal Youth Committee (EYC) Board, made up of high school youth leaders in our diocese, plans and leads this weekend for 6th-12th graders.
Don’t miss this opportunity to send your middle or high school-aged
student for a weekend centered on going deeper in their faith and forging
bonds within the community of youth leaders in our churches.
The EYC Board is inspired by the theme, “Follow Me,” and will be exploring what it means to follow Jesus and live a transformed life with Christ every day. Participants will stay in the campsites and enjoy access to activities like archery, ropes course, zip lining, and more.
For questions, contact Don Carlson, Missioner for Youth and College Ministries, at (757) 213-3377 or dcarlson@diosova.org.
Registration is now open until April 21! Youth and Adults need to register separately.
For more information, including Packing List and Scholarship Application,
visit: https://diosova.org/youth-ministry/
|
Alumni Weekend
Come back for an exciting getaway at your home on the river!
Calling one, calling all! Alumni Weekend is coming up on May 9 and this get together is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, form new friendships, and share memories of the good ole' days at Camp Chanco.
Who's invited?
Former camp staff, former campers, camp parents, Cursillistas...anyone and everyone who has been a part of Chanco!
What's planned for the weekend?
All of your favorite Chanco activities! From cannonballing into the pool and kayaking in the James River to trying your hand on the archery course or zip lining through the forest, adventure is ready. And after you've worked up an appetite from all the excitement, we'll be serving up all the delicious camp style food Chanco is known and loved for.
But that's not all—we'll be hosting the first ever Chanco 5K race this weekend as well! Pull out your running shoes, because you won't want to miss out on this fun, competitive race along our nature trail. Stay tuned for further details!
Come for the whole weekend or join us for the day, stay in private room or in a chalet—there is something for everyone!
| |
Big Day of Giving
Wednesday, May 7
Only 30 days left until Big Day!
The countdown is ON! Mark your calendars (if you haven't already) to join us on Wednesday, May 7 in support and celebration of our Chanco Campers—past, present and future. We are excited to announce a total goal of $30K for this campaign, and we are asking for anyone who is capable of supporting us to please do so.
Your contribution—whether it's sharing your story or making a donation—ensures that Chanco continues to be a place where lives are changed and spirits are lifted.
Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram so you can stay up to date with all of the videos and articles shared leading up to the Big Day of Giving, like the loving message below from Reverend Virginia “Gini” DiStanislao herself!
| |
Experience a Closer Relationship with Christ
at Cursillo #174 Weekend
May 15–May 18
Are you yearning for a deeper connection with Christ? Discover the path to a more profound faith journey through Cursillo, a short course in Christian life.
What is Cursillo?
Cursillo is an enriching experience that allows you to strengthen your faith and love for Christ in a welcoming and supportive community. It's a chance to deepen your spirituality and explore your relationship with God.
Don't Let the Fee Deter You
We believe that this spiritual journey should be accessible to all. If the fee poses a challenge, please know that scholarship funds are available. Don't hesitate to apply; your faith is worth it!
How to Apply
Talk to fellow church members who have attended Cursillo or consult with your priest to obtain an application form. This is your opportunity to enrich your faith journey, so seize it!
For additional information please fill out our Google form and someone will be in contact!
Live into Bishop Susan's Diocesan Initiatives
If you are looking to align with Bishop Susan's diocesan initiatives and strengthen your faith, Cursillo Weekend is tailor-made for you!
For more information or to request an application, please contact us at laydirector@cursillodiosovamail.com or visit chanco.org.
| |
Create Lifelong Memories: Sign Up For
Summer Camp Now!
At Chanco on the James, we remind every camper that they are loved, valued, and created for adventure.
Our summer camp welcomes children aged 8-16 to explore and grow in their faith, forge new friendships, and create lifelong memories. From paddleboarding on the James River and sharing bonfire stories to practicing archery and testing their balance on the ropes course, every moment at Camp Chanco is an opportunity to experience God’s love, the adventure of nature, and the joy of creating new memories.
In need of financial assistance?
Don't let that stand in the way of offering your kid the opportunity of a lifetime. Scholarship assistance is available upon request because we believe everyone deserves to experience the love and joy of camp.
Ready for more exciting news?
Refer a friend that registers for camp this summer and you will receive $100 in Chanco Bucks to use towards your own registration or in the camp store—because sharing the love makes camp even better.
Registration is OPEN for all camp sessions! Don’t wait—sign up today and give your child a summer filled with faith, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.
| |
Join Our Summer Staff!
We are currently hiring for our 2025 Summer Staff!
Anyone ages 18 and up who loves working with kids and being outdoors are encouraged to apply for a position on our Camp Chanco 2025 Summer Staff. (If you are 17, you may apply as an intern.)
As a Chanco staff member, you will develop skills in collaboration and communication, resilience and grit, and grow as a servant leader. In addition to participating in and leading fun activities like sailing, zip lining, and hiking on our new nature trails, our counselors have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of our campers.
Staff positions start at $300/week and include housing, meals, and training. Must be 18 or older to apply (17 for interns).
Available Positions Include:
Walk-Around Counselor
Ropes Facilitator
Lifeguard
Nature Instructor
Arts and Crafts Instructor
We look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to the Chanco family.
*For additional information, email Jacob at programs@chanco.org.
| |
Meet Our Amazing Summer Staff!
We're excited to introduce you to our dedicated and passionate summer staff who bring the magic to life! From experienced camp leaders and counselors to adventurous sailing instructors, our team is here to ensure your child has a safe, fun, and memorable experience. Whether they're guiding campers through outdoor adventures, leading arts and crafts, or creating lifelong friendships, each member of our staff is committed to making every moment the best there is at Camp Chanco.
Get to know the people who will be making this summer the best one yet!
| | |
2025
May 2–4 Spring EYC Weekend
May 7 2nd Annual Big Day of Giving
May 9–11 Alumni Weekend
May 15–18 Cursillo #174
May 31 Cursillo 4th Day
September 26–28 Fall Work Weekend
Weekends in October Wilderness Warriors Weekends
October 2–5 Cursillo #175
November 1 Cursillo 4th Day
November 3–5 Diocesan College Retreat
November 7–9 Fall EYC Weekend
November 9 Fall Open House
December 12–13 Advent Retreat
Learn more & register at:
chanco.org/events
| |
2025 Camp Dates & Rates
Help us grow our Chanco family with our new tiered pricing option!
Choose Tier 1 to give back to our beloved Chanco, or choose Tier 2 for a subsidized cost—no matter your choice, your camper will receive the same incredible experience!
| | |
Chanco on the James
The Camp & Retreat Center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881
Phone: 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626)
Fax: 757-294-0727
Email: director@chanco.org
| | | | |
