February Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Spring Work Weekend

Lenten Retreat

Spring Open House

Wilderness Warriors

Big Day of Giving

Now Hiring for Summer Staff

Calling for Chanco Ambassadors

Spring Work Weekend

February 28 — March 2

Summer Camp is rapidly approaching and that means it’s time to spruce things up a bit. Join us on February 28th for our Spring Work Weekend!

We will work on projects from 9am to 5pm with a lunch break. You can register for the day or the weekend (meals provided). Come ready to work on our new trail and at the waterfront.

Weekend priorities include:

Building rafts

Installing new window for the boathouse

Marking the trail

Setting trail posts

Adding signs where needed

Building walk boards for stormwater areas

Overnight guests can arrive any time after dinner on Friday night. Day only guests should plan to arrive at 9am on Saturday morning. Come on your own or come as a family — all are welcome.

Download the Spring Work Weekend Flyer Here!

Lenten Retreat

March 14 — 15

Join us for a transformative retreat led by The Rev. Canon Mary Brennan Thorpe, where we will delve into the rich world of Orthodox icons.

Discover the history, hidden meanings, and theological perspectives of these sacred artworks. Explore the legends, colors, and stylistic differences that make each icon unique. This retreat is not about creating icons, but about learning to read and encounter the divine through them.

The Rev. Canon Mary Brennan Thorpe, the Diocese’s Interim Canon to the Ordinary, has studied iconography for 27 years. She began with Master Iconographer Irina Beliakova and later studied with Teresa Harrison. Canon Mary has visited monasteries and sites of iconography in Greece and Bulgaria. She accepts commissions, and her icons are in churches across the U.S., Ireland, England, and Africa. Her icon depicting the encounter on the road to Emmaus serves as cover art for her book “On the Emmaus Road: A Guide to Transitions in Lay Leadership” (Church Publishing, 2021).

Whether you're seeking a new spiritual practice, curious about the beauty of icons, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this experience is for you. Come and see what the Spirit reveals to you in the serene setting of Chanco. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with others on the same path.

You're Invited to Spring Open House!

March 16, 1pm – 5pm

Summer Camp Registration is Open!

Spring Open House is the perfect opportunity to see what makes Chanco the ultimate summer camp destination. Come explore for yourself where memories are made, lifelong friendships are cultivated, and thrilling adventures are realized.

During your Open House enjoy a guided tour through the campsites, zip lining through the trees, and activities at the open-air Perry Family Pavilion, while enjoying a taste of what Chanco has to offer. Come hungry, because lunch is provided.

But that’s not all, this is also a chance to meet our amazing counselors and receive registration assistance to ensure your kids don’t miss a minute of fun this summer.

Activities will include:

Hayride

Zip Line

Face Painting

Campsite Tours

Lunch provided - cookout (brats and dogs, chips, drinks)

Archery

Feel free to check out the waterfront or nature trail on your own in addition to the exciting activities we have planned!

*Please contact programs@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) for more details.

Wilderness Warriors

Weekends in March

Come every spring and fall, Chanco excitedly hosts several Wilderness Warrior weekends. The Wilderness Warriors mission is to provide youth with impactful experiences that are shared with male role models in their life, resulting in strengthened bonds and lifelong memories. Campers will experience this mission here at Chanco through outdoor activities such as canoeing, archery, zip lining, obstacles courses and more.

And as a special offer, Camp Chanco campers who register for the Wilderness Warriors program may attend their first weekend totally free of charge!

So, if you are looking for another opportunity to enjoy your favorite camp activities and spend a bit more time at Chanco, contact the Wilderness Warriors today to learn more.

You can read more about the Wilderness Warriors and their mission at www.wildernesswarriors.org or, to get information about upcoming weekends this March, email info@wildernesswarriors.org.

To take advantage of this special offer, don't forget to mention that you are a Camp Chanco camper when you register.

Big Day of Giving

Wednesday, May 7

At Chanco, stories aren't just told—they're lived. But don't just take it from us—click on the video to the right to watch Rev. Dave Davenport share the wonderful ways the Spirit of Chanco has left a lasting legacy on himself and continues to for many others in our wonderful community.

In celebration of all of our past, present, and future Chanco Campers, our Big Day of Giving is a day dedicated to sharing the incredible stories of transformation that have unfolded because of Chanco. Join us in celebrating the power of discovery, forging new relationships, taking new adventures, and experiencing more life, love, laughter, and the Holy Spirit—which we like to call the Spirit of Chanco.

Please consider making a contribution towards this special day in support of Chanco's lasting ministry.

Because of Chanco...because of YOU!

*Further event details coming soon.

GIVE NOW

Summer Camp Registration

Don't let your kid miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!

Whether your child is seeking a one-week escape, a two-week immersive experience, or a specialized session, we offer a variety of programs sure to suit your campers needs. Our experienced staff provides a nurturing and Christian environment where campers can grow, learn, and just have fun.

PLUS, refer a friend to join Camp Chanco and your camper receive $100 of Chanco Bucks – for our canteen or registrations.

Don't wait—sign up today and make this summer an unforgettable one!

Join Our Team!

We are starting our search for our summer staff crew! Anyone ages 17 and up who loves kids and the outdoors may apply for a position on our Camp Chanco 2025 Summer Staff.

Boost your work experience while also gaining valuable leadership skills.

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, ziplining, and hiking on our new nature trails, our counselors have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact in the lives of our campers.

All of our positions include room and board while employed for the summer. Pay is biweekly. Additionally, many of our positions can be turned into an internship for college credit.

Positions (starting at $300/week) include:

Walk-Around Counselor

Ropes Facilitator

Lifeguard

Nature Instructor

Sailing Instructor

For more information, please email Jacob at programs@chanco.org.

We look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to the Chanco family.

APPLY NOW

Calling for Chanco Ambassadors

We're excited to announce we are relaunching our Ambassador Program and need your support.

Please consider serving as a Chanco Ambassador in your local parish. As an ambassador, you will be the main point of contact for all communications coming from Chanco. You will help ensure that information about our camps and retreats is shared with the right people in your congregation through emails, bulletins, e-newsletters, and other communication channels.

As a bonus and to show our appreciation for your time and commitment, we're happy to offer a discount on camp tuition for a child or grandchild, or on retreat registration!

Ready to get started? Please send the following contact details to

Gini DiStanislao at gini@manakin.org: