September Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Fall Open House

Fall Volunteer Weekend

Summer Camp Highlight

Alumni Weekend

Donor Appreciation Event

EYC Fall Weekend

Chanco Scholarship

Cursillo

Remembering Rev. Dr. Paul “Peter” Hogg Jr.

You're Invited to Fall Open House

Sunday, September 20 from 1 PM–4 PM

Families are invited to Chanco's FREE Fall Open House on Sunday, September 20 from 1 to 4 PM.

Explore the beauty of Chanco, meet the counselors, zip line through the trees, try camp crafts and games, and taste the camp food that keeps kids talking all year.

Chanco is the camp and retreat center of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, where campers spend their summers in God's creation and come home with new skills, new friendships, and a deeper sense of God's love in the world around them. One afternoon is all it takes to see why.

Registration for Summer 2027 opens soon for ages 8 to 16. Bring the family, walk the grounds, and see for yourself all that Camp Chanco has to offer.

Fall Volunteer Weekend

Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27

Join us from Friday, September 25 at 12 PM through Sunday, September 27 at 5 PM for a weekend of hands-on service as we work together to care for Chanco and prepare it for those who will come after us.

Projects We’ll Tackle Together

Camp & Adventure Areas
Gaga Pit repair
Shark Tower repair

Waterfront
Complete boat plug-hole repair
Repair/replace remaining boat wiring

Chapel & Grounds
Chapel cleanup and raking
Spread mulch
Shrub trimming and fall landscape cleanup

Property Projects
Realign fencing at the dumpsters

No special skills are required — just a willingness to lend a hand. Bring your own tools or use ours on site. And, of course, the work is only part of the weekend. There will be time to reconnect with old friends, meet other members of the Chanco community, and enjoy being back in a place that holds a special place in our hearts.

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

We look forward to a weekend of fellowship and giving back to our community.

That’s a Wrap on Camp Chanco 2026!

What a summer! From adventures on the ropes course and splashing in the pool to sunset worship, campfires, and friendships that will last long after summer, Camp Chanco 2026 was one to remember. We’re so grateful to every camper and family who made this season special — and to our incredible summer staff for creating a safe, joyful, and unforgettable experience.

Want to relive the magic? Check out our Summer 2026 Photo Albums, Chanco YouTube Channel, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all of the camp fun.

Before we officially close the book on Summer 2026, there’s still time to share your feedback. Complete our Camp Chanco 2026 Survey by September 30 for your chance to win a FREE one- or two-week Camp Chanco session in Summer 2027!

We encourage families to complete the survey with their camper so we can hear directly from them, too. Please submit one survey per camper.

Speaking of 2027, registration opens THIS month. Keep an eye out for an upcoming email with camp dates, rates, and registration information. Plus, don’t forget about our Refer-a-Friend program: when you refer a camper who registers, your camper receives $100 in Chanco Bucks to use toward registration or at the Canteen.

Thank you for another incredible summer. We’re already looking forward to seeing you back at Chanco next year!

Save the Date: Alumni Weekend
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25

Join us October 23–25 for the Chanco Alumni Reunion — “Back in my day Bash”!

Reconnect with old friends, enjoy classic camp activities, live music, and special performances from alumni Hunter Rhodes and Nathan Hoyt.

Friday: Share your favorite Chanco photos and memories when you register. Gather around our signature campfire to swap stories and reconnect.

Saturday: Start with high ropes, ziplines, and boating on the James River. That evening, celebrate over 50 years of Chanco memories with an all-night pavilion party featuring games and live music

A Day of Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 21

In gratitude for your commitment to Chanco on the James, please join us for our 2026 Donor and Ambassador Appreciation Luncheon and Eucharist as we celebrate the people whose generosity, service, and love have shaped Chanco — and the legacy we are creating together for generations to come.

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Chanco on the James | Hollerith Hall

394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, Virginia

Registration: 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 12:00 PM

A Legacy of Chanco: Then, Now, and Next

Thanksgiving Eucharist: 2:00 PM

Celebrated by the Rev. Talley Sale Banazek, a longtime member of the Chanco community

Please respond by November 12, 2026 by contacting Hospitality at (888) 724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org.

Guests with dietary restrictions, questions, or wishing to purchase an overnight stay should also contact the Hospitality Staff directly.

Special for Chanco Ambassadors: Ambassadors are invited to arrive early for a special training session at 9:00 PM.

EYC Fall Weekend

November 6–8

Updates coming soon — registration opens this month.

If you are interested in an event, or have any questions, please contact Missioner for Youth and College Ministries Adrienne Monahan at amonahan@diosova.org.

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 October 1–4 for Cursillo #177.

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

Remembering Paul “Peter” Hogg Jr.

Chanco on the James joins our community in remembering the Rev. Dr. Paul “Peter” Hogg Jr., whose life of faith and service touched generations throughout the Episcopal community.

We are grateful for his connection to Chanco and the lasting impact of his ministry, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Read Peter’s obituary and learn more about his life and legacy.

Upcoming Events

2026

September 20 Fall Open House

September 25–27 Fall Volunteer Weekend

Weekends in October Wilderness Warriors

October 1–4 Cursillo #177

October 23–25 Alumni Weekend

October 30–November 1 Diocesan College Retreat

November 6–8 Fall EYC Weekend

December 4–5 Advent Retreat

Learn more & register at:

chanco.org/events

2027 Camp Dates & Rates

Registration opening this month!

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.