April Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Easter Blessings

Summer Camp Signup

Now Hiring for Summer

Change for Chanco

EYC Spring Weekend

3rd Annual Big Day of Giving

Cursillo #176

What's Been Happening Around Chanco

Easter Blessings

Easter reminds us that through faith, life is renewed and hope is restored. Jesus’ resurrection shows us that God’s love is stronger than anything in this world, offering forgiveness, peace, and everlasting joy.

Just as our campers explore, grow, and create lasting memories at Chanco, Easter invites us all to embrace fresh starts and share kindness with others. Whether it’s through prayer, fellowship, or simply enjoying God’s creation around us, Easter is a perfect reminder of the blessings in our lives.

From all of us at Chanco, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Easter filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of renewal.

Camp Chanco

Summer adventure starts at Camp Chanco!

Get ready for a summer your child will never forget. Camp Chanco is back, bringing over 50 years of fun, faith-filled experiences for kids ages 8–16.

Imagine days full of zip lines, high ropes, sailing, archery, arts & crafts, and outdoor adventures to nights filled with bonfires, camp stories, music, and S'mores — every moment packed with excitement, new challenges, and new lasting memories created.

Here at Chanco, our campers don’t just have fun — they build confidence, make lifelong friends, explore God’s beautiful creation, and grow in a vibrant Christian community.

Choose from traditional residential weeks or specialty sessions like Mariners’ Camp and Adventure Camp; there’s the perfect adventure for every camper.

Spots are going fast. Register today and secure your child's spot.

Summer Staff Needed

Summer is calling...will you answer?

Chanco on the James is gearing up for an incredible summer, and we’re on the lookout for passionate, dedicated individuals ready to make a difference. Could that be you?

We’re now hiring for:

Camp Counselors
Ropes Facilitators
Lifeguards

Joining the Chanco staff means more than just a summer job. It’s a chance to grow as a servant leader, strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, and be part of a supportive Christian community. Your days will be packed with sailing, zip lining, hiking, and creating unforgettable memories, all while leaving a lasting impact on campers’ lives.

All positions are paid bi-weekly and include housing and meals throughout the summer. Many roles may also qualify for college internship credit.

If you’re looking for a meaningful summer, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally, Camp Chanco is it.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today!

APPLY TODAY

Change for Chanco

Let's make a splash together! Each summer, campers make Chanco on the James even better through the Change for Chanco initiative. This year, your gift will help install a Typhoon Swimming Pool Slide, adding excitement and adventure to the pool area. Together, campers and friends can leave a lasting legacy that future campers will enjoy for generations.

Plus, a little friendly competition makes it even more fun:

The campsite that raises the most money in support of the Change for Chanco slide will win an ice cream party during their session!

Donations can be made:

Online at https://givebutter.com/Ox4lX9
By scanning the QR code below
By check: Please include your camper’s name and “C4C26” in the memo line
By cash: Sent with your camper in their Change for Chanco box

Join the fun, help us reach new heights (and new splashes!), and contribute to Change for Chanco to help make our water slide a reality. Thank you for your generosity.

DONATE TODAY

EYC Spring Weekend

Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3

Spring Weekend is an opportunity to connect with friends old and new from across the Diocese and to spend time in retreat with God at Chanco on the James.

Youth in grades 6 through 12 (and their adult leaders) are invited to join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship as we explore what it means that Christ is our Cornerstone, and He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Participants will be staying in the summer camp cabins and will have an opportunity to not only grow in their faith and develop community but also take advantage of some of the activities at Chanco.

Spring Weekend will be filled with fellowship, fun, spiritual growth and music and it all happens at Chanco!

Registration is open until Monday, April 20.

Chanco's Big Day of Giving Returns
Wednesday, May 6

This marks the third Big Day of Giving for Chanco, a growing tradition centered around sharing stories, building community, and supporting the life-changing experiences that happen there every summer.

At its heart, the Big Day of Giving is about impact. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the stories of campers, staff, and families whose lives have been shaped by their time at Chanco.

We're finalizing all of the details, and we can't wait to share them with you soon. For now, supporters are encouraged to stay tuned as more information becomes available — including how to give, ways to participate, and the stories that will change our hearts forever.

More details are coming soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

Experience a Closer Relationship with Christ at Cursillo #176 Weekend

Thursday, May 14 – Sunday, May 17

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.

What's Been Happening Around Chanco

Spring has truly sprung here at Chanco on the James, and we’ve been blessed to already have had some meaningful and joyful gatherings with you all.

In February, Volunteer Weekend brought out many helping hands to prepare camp for the busy months ahead. From trail work and painting to cleanup and general maintenance, it was a wonderful time of shared effort and fellowship. Thank you to everyone who came out and made a difference.

Last month, we hosted the Creation Care Retreat: Creation Reveals Its Creator. Participants gathered to explore our calling as stewards of God’s creation through conversation, worship, and practical reflection. With sessions led by members of our diocesan creation care team and local partners, beautiful music, time in nature, and meaningful dialogue, it was a spiritually enriching weekend that reminded us of the beauty and responsibility of caring for the world around us.

That same weekend, we also welcomed many friends to Spring Open House, where visitors of all ages toured our grounds, met our staff, dove into camp activities, and got a first‑hand look at what makes Camp Chanco so special. It was a joy to see familiar faces and introduce new ones to the magic of camp.

On March 21, the Chanco 5K Adventure Run brought out runners, walkers, and supporters of all ages for a race along our scenic wooded trails. It was a fantastic day of community, movement, and fun for all ages.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer, attend, and participate in these events. Your energy, enthusiasm, and support make Chanco such a special place. We can’t wait to see you again at upcoming events this spring and summer.

Upcoming Events

2026

May 1–3 Spring EYC Weekend

May 6 Third Annual Big Day of Giving

May 14–17 Cursillo #176

September 20 Fall Open House

September 25–27 Fall Work Weekend

Weekends in October Wilderness Warriors

October 1–4 Cursillo #177

October 23–25 Food for the Soul

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

2026 Camp Dates & Rates

Secure your spot today.

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!