November Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Happy Thanksgiving

Welcome to Jacob

Native American Heritage Month

Donor Appreciation Event

Advent Retreat

Winter Camp

Give the Gift of Chanco

Conquest Graphics

2025 Summer Camp

Refer a Friend

Happy Thanksgiving from Your Chanco Family

As we approach this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for each and every one of you. Your spirit, energy, and dedication to our ministry make Chanco a truly special place.

This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to reflect on the blessings in your life and the connections we've built together. We are grateful for you and look forward to many more memorable moments together.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones.

With blessings,

Your Chanco Family

Welcome to the Chanco Family!

Please join us in welcoming Chanco's newest Director of Programs, Jacob!

Jacob has been involved in camp life for the past four years. He has benefited from the experience of various roles; including camp counselor, lifeguard, ropes facilitator, and program specialist at camps in North Carolina. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he attended Clemson University for his B.A. in History and M.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

He is excited to join the Chanco team as the new Director of Programs. Jacob shares, “I believe camp has so much to offer every child who attends. Camp allows us to continue sharing the love of God with our community in such a positive way!”

We are thrilled to have Jacob on our team and look forward to all of the unforgettable memories that will be created in the time to come!

Honoring Native American Heritage Month

As we observe Native American Heritage Month this November, we reflect on the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the land we now call home. At Chanco on the James, we are deeply committed to honoring and celebrating the Indigenous communities that have lived on this land for generations.

Just last month, we were privileged to host the Diocese of Southern Virginia’s second Indigenous Convocation celebration, We Are All Related, an event dedicated to the ongoing celebration and recognition of Indigenous peoples. This gathering was an important reminder of our responsibility to learn, listen, and grow in partnership with Native communities as we acknowledge their lasting impact on our shared history.

In this season of gratitude, we invite our Chanco family to continue engaging with and appreciating the vibrant traditions, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous cultures. As we nurture the spirit of community and fellowship, we remember the sacred bond between the land, its original stewards, and all who seek to care for it today.

Let us celebrate Native American Heritage Month not only in November but every day by fostering respect, understanding, and connection with the rich history of the land on which we live and work.

Donor Appreciation Event

Friendly Reminder to RSVP

Chanco Donors—we look forward to joining together this upcoming weekend for our

Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon!

Join us for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and stay for programming and worship with Bishop Susan Haynes.

This promises to be an inspiring event where we will share updates on our initiatives and showcase the positive changes your contributions have made. We are honored to celebrate your ongoing support of the Chanco community. If you have not yet RSVP'd, please do so today!

If you are unsure if you have made your annual gift to Chanco, or would like to at this time, please reach out to development@chanco.org!

*Photo from 2023 Donor Appreciation Event.

Advent Retreat

Friday, December 13, 6:00 p.m. – Saturday, December 14, 3:00 p.m.

Please join us this Advent season for Transformation through Contemplation: Using Advent Contemplative Practices to Grow Into Our Vocations as God Intended.

Our lives are busy. As we approach the Christmas season, they get busier. However, Advent is a time to slow down. To turn inward. To focus our attentions and intentions on who God is calling us to be.

This retreat will review contemplative practices (specifically Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, Prayer Beads and Labyrinth Walking) as ways to center ourselves in God so we can clearly hear and discern his call. This retreat is for those who seriously want to slow down and transform.

2025 Winter Camp

January 17–19



Winter Camp is right around the corner! For kids ages 7–12 who have always wanted to experience camp with us, this is the perfect opportunity to see for yourself what makes Chanco so special. Zipline through the trees, sip hot cocoa by a giant bonfire, share a sense of connectedness and so much more throughout your Winter Camp adventure!

This special weekend features: ziplines, archery, bonfire gathering, skits, games, music, worship and so much more—providing your child the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Mark your calendars and get your bags ready because registration is open!

Give the Gift of Chanco

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to think about the special ways we can show our loved ones how much we care. What better way to do that than by giving the gift of Chanco?!

From paddleboarding and ziplining to creating unforgettable memories and forging new friendships, adventure awaits at Camp Chanco! Celebrate a special and deserving child in your life by gifting a 2025 Summer Camp session to them this Christmas.

As an added bonus, when you purchase a 2025 camp session before December 31, not only are you giving an incredible Christmas gift to someone, you get the advantage of saving too!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to share the Spirit of Chanco.

For any questions you may have, please visit our website at chanco.org/camps/camp-info, give us a call at (888) 724-2626, or email us at hospitality@chanco.org.

Conquest Graphics

2024 Nonprofit Print Grant Program

Will you help Chanco? Conquest Graphics offers up to $5,000 in free printing services to the non-profit with the most votes. You can help us win a portion of this print grant by submitting your vote online—it only takes a moment!

Select the "Vote Here" button below, choose Chanco on the James from the list of options on the right hand side, verify your email, and that's it!

Grants like these are essential for a smaller nonprofit organization such as ourselves to continue reaching out and sharing our mission in efforts to grow our beloved Chanco community. We would be so appreciative of your vote.

Voting closes December 13, 2024. We thank you in advance for your support!

2025 Summer Camp Registration

We are pleased to announce that we have established tiered pricing at Chanco on the James! Traditionally, summer camp prices have included a subsidy that is provided by Chanco donors and the Diocese of Southern Virginia. This year, we plan to offer two prices:

Tier 1, representing the actual cost of summer camp

Tier 2, representing the subsidized cost

This Tier Program offers the opportunity for families to take an active role in choosing the cost of their child's camp experience. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family and your budget. No matter your choice in tier, your camper will receive the same camp experience.

We hope those that are able will select Tier 1, and as a result, we will be able to extend Chanco to more summer campers and grow our community.

And don't worry, we will continue to offer scholarships to all that might need one. Our intent is to continue to provide an amazing camp experience to all that want to experience the magic of Camp Chanco.



Register for a 2025 Summer Camp Session today!

Refer a Friend and Win Big!

With 2025 camp registration now open, it's the perfect time to introduce your friends to the magic of Camp Chanco!

Refer a friend to sign up for one of Chanco's 2025 Summer Camp Sessions, and both of you will win big! Your referral wins you $100 of Chanco Bucks to redeem on anything Chanco — discounts on registration costs or bring it to camp for use in the camp store!

How it works:

Spread the Word: Tell your friends about the incredible summer experiences awaiting them at Camp Chanco.

They Sign Up: Your friend registers for one of our 2025 Summer Camp Sessions.

Your Friend Mentions You: During the registration process, your friend mentions your name as the referrer.

You Both Win: You receive $100 of Chanco Bucks, and your friend gets ready for an unforgettable Chanco summer!

Call (888) 724-2626, or email us at hospitality@chanco.org

to learn more and start referring your friends today!

2025 Camp Dates and New Tiered Pricing

2024

November 16 Donor Appreciation Event

December 13–14 Advent Retreat

2025

Jan 17–19 Winter Camp

Learn More & Register at:

chanco.org/events

New Policies at Chanco

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Chanco Board has made a decision to introduce a small convenience fee on all credit card payments for both camps and retreats. This 3% fee is a modest adjustment that will help us continue to provide you with exceptional service and maintain the high standards that make Chanco a cherished destination.

We understand that change can sometimes be met with questions, and we want to assure you that this decision was made after careful consideration and with your best interests at heart. The convenience fee will directly offset the fees that Chanco incurs when accepting credit card transactions. You may avoid this fee by making your payment by check or cash.

We want to express our gratitude for your continued support, trust, and dedication to the Chanco community. Your participation in our camps and retreats has played a crucial role in shaping the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that defines Chanco. Thank you for being an integral part of the Chanco family, and we can't wait to create wonderful new memories together!

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