May Chanco Chatter
In This Issue:
BDoG is TOMORROW
Alumni Weekend—Still Time to Register
5K Adventure Race—Spots Still Available
Cursillo #174
Summer Camp—Scholarships & Military Discount Available
Now Hiring Summer Staff—Apply Today
Meet the Staff
| |
TOMORROW is the Second Annual BDoG—We Need YOUR Help to Make it Unforgettable!
This day is all about celebrating the life-changing impact Chanco has had on campers, staff, families, and friends for generations. It’s a day to honor the magic of Chanco—and to keep our magic alive for future generations.
Here’s how you can jump in and make a difference TOMORROW, May 7:
- SHARE your Chanco story on your social platforms—spread the magic and be sure to use the hashtags "#BigDayOfGiving," "ChancosBigDay," and "#BDOG" in your posts to continue to build our community.
-
GIVE a monetary gift—every donation, no matter how big or small, helps ensure Chanco continues to transform lives. Click here to donate and share our Big Day of Giving page!
Whether you've spent your summers searching for shark teeth along the James River, in prayer at the Bluff, or sharing times with new friends around the campfire, your voice and support matter. You are part of this legacy—and your action tomorrow helps us continue to share the Spirit of Chanco for years to come.
Set a reminder. Share the message. Make your gift.
Let’s come together to celebrate the power of community, faith, and nature—because of Chanco...because of YOU.
Join us TOMORROW and be part of something powerful.
|
Alumni Weekend is THIS Weekend—There's
Still Time to Register!
It’s happening this weekend—will you be joining in on the excitement?
Whether you were a camper, counselor, Cursillista, camp parent—or all of the above—this is your moment to return to Chanco for a weekend packed with fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories. But time’s running out—the reunion kicks off THIS WEEKEND, and we don’t want you to miss it!
Who’s invited?
Everyone who's ever called Chanco home. Former staff, campers, parents, Cursillistas—you’re all part of what makes Chanco so special, and we want to welcome you back with open arms. If you've been waiting for a sign—this is it.
What’s happening?
All your favorite Chanco traditions are ready and waiting:
- Cannonballing into the pool
- Kayaking on the James
- Archery adventures
- Zip lining through the forest
- Plenty of that legendary Camp Chanco food you’ve been craving
Make it your own weekend.
Stay the full weekend or just swing by for the day to say hi. Cozy up in a private room or share a chalet with old friends—just don’t wait. Spots are filling fast, and registration closes soon!
PLUS! Be part of Chanco history in the making.
Don’t miss our first ever 5K Adventure Race on Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 AM! It’s your chance to hit the trails, push your limits, and make new memories on the very grounds that shaped so many.
Don't wait—register NOW and come back home to Chanco this weekend!
| |
Chanco's First Ever 5K Adventure Race
Saturday, May 10 at 9AM
A Colonial Road Runners Race
colonialroadrunners.org
*This race is a CRR timed race but not a Grand Prix Race.
All are welcome (and encouraged!) to come out and be a part of history in the making with our first ever 5K Adventure Race.
Join us as we hit the trails on Saturday, May 10 at 9AM for a fun and competitive race along the James River and through the serene woods of Chanco. This race is in conjunction with our Alumni Weekend, and it's going to be an event you wont want to miss!
Race day schedule:
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Packet Pick-up and Registration: 7:30–8:30 AM
Online Registration Cost: $35
Race Day Registration Cost: $40
Race start time:
9:00 AM
The race starts in front of the Davenport Spirit Center and winds through the beautiful woods surrounding the camp & retreat center as well as along the shore of the James River.
Age groups:
19 and under then extending in 10-year increments extending to 70 and over
Come for the Run and stay for the day as a Day Participant!
Add on a Day Participant Pass for only $25! Enjoy lunch as well as many post-race activities to include access to: the swimming pool, ropes course, zip lines, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards—one big adventure rolled into one day.
There are still slots open for the race—secure your spot today!
*You can view and download the race map here.
| |
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.
| |
Unforgettable Adventures Await—Secure Your Child's Spot at Summer Camp Today!
At Camp Chanco, every camper is loved, valued, and made for adventure.
We welcome kids ages 8-16 to dive into a summer like no other—one filled with faith, adventure, and friendship. Whether we're paddleboarding down the James River, swapping stories around the campfire, aiming for the bullseye in archery, or conquering the ropes course, every day at Camp Chanco is bursting with opportunities to connect with nature, grow in our faith, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Worried about the cost?
Don’t be! We believe camp should be for everyone. If finances are a concern, feel free to reach out to us and submit a scholarship application for consideration—we’re here to help make the magic of camp happen for all.
PLUS—military discount available!
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on summer camp registration to those serving on active duty in the United States Military and Coast Guard and their immediate family.
Want to make camp even more awesome?
Bring a friend! When someone you refer signs up for camp, you’ll get $100 in Chanco Bucks to use toward your own registration or at the camp store, because everything’s better when shared with a friend!
Registration is OPEN for all summer sessions. Don’t wait—spots fill fast! Surprise your child with a summer filled with joy, growth, and unforgettable adventure at Chanco on the James.
|
Want to Be a Part of the Chanco Magic? Join Our 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
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 Crew!
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 staff member is committed to making every moment the best there is at Camp Chanco.
Get to know the magic behind Camp Chanco!
| | |
2025
May 7 2nd Annual Big Day of Giving
May 9–11 Alumni Weekend
May 10 5K Adventure Race
May 15–18 Cursillo #174
May 31 Cursillo 4th Day
June 5–7 DCDI Cycle 2 Weekend
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
| | | | |
