March Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Alumni Weekend

Open House

Wilderness Warriors

Big Day of Giving

Summer Camp

Now Hiring

Meet the Staff

Alumni Weekend

Registration is now open!

Join us for the perfect weekend getaway 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 on the agenda?

From waterfront fun and splashing in the pool to testing your balance on the ropes course and trying your hand at archery, we'll have all of your favorite Chanco activities ready upon your arrival. And come hungry, because we'll be serving up all the delicious food Chanco is known and loved for.

Ready for more? We're excited to share that we will be hosting our first ever 5K race this same weekend. So lace up your shoes and start stretching, because you won't want to miss out on this fun, competitive race along our nature trail. Stay tuned for more 5K run 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!

Summer Camp Open House

March 16 from 1pm – 5pm

Registration for the 2025 camp season is officially open!

You're invited to our Spring Open House! Gather your crew and come out to explore for yourself what makes Chanco the ultimate summer camp.

What can you expect during Open House?

Enjoy a guided tour through the campsites, get adventurous with outdoor activities at the open-air Perry Family Pavilion, take advantage of the opportunity to meet with our amazing counselors to ask questions, and so much more. Both you and your future camper will have so much fun, you'll be glad you joined us.

What fun activities are planned for the day?

• Try your hand at archery
• Soar through the trees on our zip line
• Transform yourself at our face painting station
• Enjoy a delicious cookout style lunch (brats and dogs, chips, drinks)

In addition to all of the exciting activities we have planned for you, feel free to explore the waterfront and/or nature trail at your own leisure.

We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to the Chanco family!

*Have questions or need more details? Please contact programs@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

Wilderness Warriors

Weekends in March

Are you looking for another opportunity to enjoy your favorite camp activities and spend a bit more time at Chanco? If you didn't know, Chanco excitedly hosts the Wilderness Warriors every spring and fall, and we are thrilled to share it's that time of the year again!

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.

If this sounds like fun for you or someone you know, contact the Wilderness Warriors today. 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.

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

*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

Our 2nd annual Big Day of Giving is coming!

We invite you to join us for the second year in a row to celebrate the power of community, faith, and nature. Stay tuned for video sneak peeks, fun Chanco flashbacks, and so much more as we prepare for this incredible event.

Want an easy way to stay connected? Follow us on our social media to remain up to date on all things Chanco!

*Further event details and donation information coming soon.

Register for Summer Camp!

Camp Chanco—the summer adventure of a lifetime.

We are excited to invite your family to be part of an unforgettable summer at Camp! Our camp is designed for children aged 8-16 and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all to explore and grow in their faith, forge new friendships, and create lifelong memories.

What does Camp Chanco have to offer?

• Engaging Activities: From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, every day is packed with fun and learning.
• Inclusive Community: We celebrate diversity and encourage campers to embrace one another’s unique perspectives and experiences.
• Spiritual Growth: Through guided reflections and community service, campers can deepen their faith and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Why Choose Camp Chanco?

• Our dedicated staff is trained to support all campers and create a nurturing environment.
• We prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
• Scholarships and financial assistance are available to ensure that all families can participate.

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

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

Join Our Summer Camp Crew!

We're gearing up for a full season of summer camp and are starting our search for our summer staff crew.

Anyone ages 18 and up who loves kids and the outdoors are encouraged to apply for a position on our Camp Chanco 2025 Summer Staff. (If you are 17 and are interested in this position, you may apply as an intern.)

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, zip lining, and hiking on our new nature trails, our counselors have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact in 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!

At Chanco on the James, we believe that it's not just the beautiful views and fun activities that make summer camp unforgettable—it's the incredible people who make it all happen!

We're thrilled to introduce you to our dedicated and passionate summer staff who are ready to bring the magic to life. From experienced camp leaders to energetic counselors, 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 count.

Ready to meet the faces behind the camp? Get to know the people who will be making this summer the best one yet!

Upcoming Events

2025

Weekends in March Wilderness Warriors Weekends

March 14–15 Lenten Retreat

March 16 (1pm-5pm) Spring Open House

May 2–4 Spring EYC Weekend

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