July Chanco Chatter
In This Issue:
A Prayer for Camp Mystic
Camp Chanco Spots Still Open
Camper Diaries
Send a Child to Camp
Change for Chanco
All God's Children Camp
Meet the Camp Staff
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Camp Mystic, You’re in Our Hearts and Prayers
From the Executive Director of Chanco on the James,
As members of the greater camp family, our hearts are heavy today as we lift up our siblings at Camp Mystic in Texas. The impact from the devastating natural disaster that has forever changed their beloved grounds and community reaches all of us who know the sacredness of summer camp—where lifelong friendships are forged, faith is nurtured, and joy echoes through generations.
At Chanco on the James, we stand in prayerful solidarity with Mystic’s campers, families, alumni, and staff. May they feel the embrace of a wider camp family who grieves with them, hopes with them, and believes in the power of restoration.
Finally, please rest assured that your camper’s safety is our top priority, and that we have protocols, training, and emergency response plans at the helm. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care while at Chanco on the James. It is our greatest privilege to care for our Chanco family.
A Prayer for Camp Mystic and the Hunt Camp Community:
Gracious God,
You who have filled the world with beauty and wonder,
Be with all those who are heartbroken today.
Wrap your arms around the Camp Mystic community —
their land, their legacy, their people.
May all those who are grieving experience your presence and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Amen.
To all who have ever loved a sleepaway camp—you are part of something timeless. And today, we walk beside Camp Mystic with love, faith, and unwavering support.
For information regarding how Episcopal Relief and Development is responding to the Texas Hill Country flooding and to donate, please click here:
https://www.episcopalrelief.org/press-resources/press-releases/2025-press-releases/responding-to-deadly-texas-flooding/
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Summer Camp's a BLAST—Come Join Us!
😎 Campers are living it up and cooling off—splashing in the pool, swimming in the James River, soaring through the trees on the zip line, and relaxing in the air-conditioned dining hall with old and new friends. Don’t just take our word for it—check out all the action on our Camp Photos Page!
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⏰ Still thinking about signing up?
We have limited spots available in a few upcoming sessions, but there is still time and space! View our upcoming sessions and give us a call with any questions—we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
🎉 Don't forget about our Family Camp—a camp experience for everyone!
Looking for an affordable and unforgettable family getaway? Family Camp is a perfect chance for campers of all ages to experience the magic of camp, together. Enjoy all your favorite camp activities and choose how you want to spend your day. Stay in cozy chalets or upgrade to a retreat lodge for even more comfort.
➡️ Whether you're looking for the summer adventure of a lifetime for your child or your entire family, we've got the perfect camp session available for you.
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Stay Connected Throughout the Summer
Don't miss out on your camper's summer adventure!
🤩 Stay connected with us through our social media and our website's Camp Photos album where you'll have the opportunity to view camp highlights, stories, and so much more throughout the summer as your camper explores, tries new things, grows in faith, and creates new friendships.
🤳 Our Instagram will be updated daily with camper photos, videos, updates and more, plus a special IG Highlight showcasing camper diary entries.
📸 Our Camp Photos Page will be updated daily throughout the summer.
➡️ Don't miss a beat on your camper's adventure—follow our Instagram page and bookmark our camp photos page so you're prepared for the fun.
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Send a Child to Camp
🏕️ For 58 unforgettable summers, Chanco on the James has been a place where campers unplug from screens, connect with nature, build lifelong friendships, and discover God in the beauty of creation.
But for many families—especially those who could benefit most from the experience—the cost of camp is out of reach. That’s where you (and your parish) come in.
🫶 We’re asking our Chanco family and friends to help fund camp scholarships, so every child has the chance to experience the joy, growth, and magic of Chanco—regardless of financial situation.
Your gift, big or small, makes a difference:
❤️ $50 helps cover meals for a camper
❤️ $150 supplies gear and materials for the ropes course
❤️ $770 sends a camper for a full week
❤️ $1,660 covers a full two-week session
If Chanco has ever touched your life—or the life of someone you love—please consider paying it forward. Let’s make Summer 2025 a summer to remember for everyone.
| ✨ Ever considered creating a named scholarship fund or through your estate plan? To help ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, growth, and faith-filled community of Chanco on the James, reach out to us at development@chanco.org to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact. | |
Change for Chanco
Be the Change for Chanco!
💰 For more than a decade, campers have been saving their change toward an exciting addition to Chanco’s camp programs. Many Camp Chanco program wishes have been made a reality thanks to Change for Chanco youth fundraising. New archery equipment, our rock-climbing wall, our Superman Swing high ropes element, paddle boards, and an arts and crafts pavilion are some of the most recent exciting additions made possible by our campers.
This year, we’re aiming to add shaded hangout areas with new picnic tables and umbrellas near the canteen and game zone, and we need YOUR help.
➡️ How can your camper get involved?
Leading up to camp, collect donations from family, friends, neighbors, and church communities—every bit helps.
➡️ How do you donate?
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Online at givebutter.com/c4c25
- By scanning the QR code located in the linked letter below
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Send in a check (include camper’s name & “C4C” in the memo line)
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Send cash in your camper's 'Change for Chanco' box
🍦 A sweet incentive is in store.
The campsite that raises the most during each session wins a special ice cream party to cool off and celebrate.
Thank you to all the families and campers supporting us by bringing in your change when you check in for camp. We can't wait to see you!
🔗 Click here to read the 'Change for Chanco' letter.
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All God's Children Camp—Mentors Needed
Saturday, August 9—Sunday, August 10
✝️ A ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference, All God’s Children Camp is a weeklong overnight camp for children ages 7 to 12, with an incarcerated parent. Campers have an opportunity to participate in all the physical activities Chanco has to offer including swimming, tubing, paddle boarding, zip lining, archery, music, crafts, and Bible study, along with a conflict resolution/self-esteem-building class.
🙏 AGCC is built on the basis of a one-to-one mentoring program where campers have an adult who walks alongside them for the week cheering them on, building them up, and encouraging them daily. All God’s Children Camp provides a week of sanctuary for children who face so many challenges in their lives such as economic poverty, temporary living conditions, loneliness, low self-esteem, violence and drugs while working to break the cycle of incarceration. All God’s Children Camp is a place where children learn they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, and they are truly ‘somebody’!
🏕️ We are proud to serve as the host site, providing lodging, meals, and activities for this program. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a mentor, you may access the application form below.
🔗 Click here to download the mentor application.
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Meet the Camp Staff
😎 From seasoned camp leaders and enthusiastic counselors to our skilled sailing instructors and creative program guides, each member of our team plays a vital role in bringing the magic of Camp Chanco to life. Their passion, dedication, and care ensure that every camper feels safe, supported, and inspired every single day.
❤️ We’re beyond grateful for the energy and love they pour into each summer, and we can’t wait for you and your camper to experience it for yourself.
⬇️ Get to know the amazing Camp Chanco Staff!
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2025
August 9 All God's Children Retreat
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
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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!
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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
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