September Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Fall Work Weekend

Summer Camp Survey

Wilderness Warriors

Cursillo

Fall Open House

2026 Summer Camp Registration

Donor Appreciation Event

Fall Work Weekend is Almost Here

There's still time to register!

Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? We hope you'll come out and join us for our annual Fall Work Weekend (September 26–28) where your service will make a huge positive impact on our beloved Chanco.

Dress to get dirty, grab your friends, and let’s make a positive difference. We’ll be completing various housekeeping projects such as roof updates, trail maintenance, painting, and more in efforts to keep our beautiful campus in tip-top shape for our visitors. Feel free to bring your own tools or use ours.

Jobs to Complete:

Carpentry — decks, chalets, plumbing, and minor rot repair

Painting — Retreat center rake and trim boards

Trail — split at the Prayer Garden, Bypass Davenport

Trimming — lopping crepe myrtles behind Manor

Hauling — clean up and hauling at the scar

Prayer Garden — weed, trim, and apply preen to beds

Roofing — strip, repair, and shingle

This event is open to all ages. Helpers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to attend.

You are welcome to come for the day or stay for the entire weekend. Overnight lodging is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.

Register now for a weekend full of productivity, fun, and fellowship. Learn more and help spread the word by sharing our Fall Work Flyer below.

FALL WORK FLYER — LANDSCAPE

FALL WORK FLYER — PORTRAIT

Summer Camp Survey
Survey closes on September 30!

This is your friendly reminder to complete the 2025 Camp Survey for a chance to win a FREE camp session! Take just a few minutes to share your feedback with us — your input helps shape the future of our camp.

Don’t miss out. It only takes a minute, and the reward could be unforgettable!

2025 CAMP SURVEY

Wilderness Warriors

Weekends in October

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 October, 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.

Cursillo

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

If you are interested in attending Cursillo #175 or simply have more questions about Cursillo, please fill out the contact form to give us a bit of information and someone will be in touch shortly. Additionally, you may also click here or contact us at laydirector@cursillodiosovamail.com for more information or to request an application.

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!

Upcoming Cursillo Events

Join us on Thursday, October 2–5 for Cursillo #175 Fall Co-ed Weekend! And don't miss out on Cursillo Fall 4th Day on Saturday, November 1.

For more information or to request an application, please contact us laydirector@cursillodiosovamail.com or chanco.org

Fall Open House

Join us on Sunday, November 9!

Curious about what makes Chanco on the James “the best summer camp in Virginia”? (Hey, we didn't say it — Virginia Living Magazine did!) Join us for our Open House on Sunday, November 9 and experience the magic for yourself.

Here at Chanco, we live the message: You are loved... pass it on. Open house is the perfect opportunity to witness firsthand how that love is shared every day through friendship, fun, and faith.

Tour the campus, meet our awesome staff, and enjoy hayrides, face painting, zip lining, and other fun activities. Whether you’re new to Chanco or a longtime camper family, this is your chance to experience the joy, community, and deep-rooted faith that make Camp Chanco so special.

Set your reminders and get ready — we can't wait to see everyone!

2026 Camp Registration Now Open

A summer of faith, friendship, and adventure await!

Chanco on the James is more than just camp — it’s a place where our youth have the opportunity to grow in their faith, build lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of outdoor adventure in a supportive, loving environment where our theme, "You are loved... pass it on." is lived and shared through everyday moments.

From canoeing and zip lining to small group reflections with our Chaplain, every moment at Camp Chanco is designed to help campers have fun, grow spiritually, and feel connected to God, to nature, and to each other.

🎉 Summer 2026 registration is now open, and sessions fill quickly — don’t wait to reserve your camper’s spot!

Donor Appreciation Event & Day of Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 22

Our Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Eucharist will be held on Saturday, November 22. Mark your calendar now so you don't miss out on this incredible day spent in thanksgiving of you.

We’ll celebrate the incredible impact of your generosity, share updates from the Chanco community, and hear remarks from The Rev. Dr. Carla B. McCook, our new Canon to the Ordinary.

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

Invitations are on the way! Look for them in your mail coming soon.

DONATE NOW

Upcoming Events

2025

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

November 22 Donor Appreciation Event

December 12–13 Advent Retreat

Learn more & register at:

chanco.org/events

2026 Camp Dates & Rates

Online registration now open!

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!