June Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Big Day of Giving Results

Best of Virginia Winner
Blessings from Bishop Susan Haynes

Summer Camp Spots Still Open

Now Hiring for Summer

Change for Chanco

Meet the Summer Staff

Save the Date — Alumni Weekend

Thank You for Making BDOG a Success and for Helping More Campers Experience Chanco

We are still overflowing with gratitude. Because of your generosity and support, our 3rd Annual Big Day of Giving raised $45,796 — 101% of our $45,000 goal.

What began as a fundraising goal became something much bigger: a reflection of the community that surrounds and uplifts Chanco on the James. Every gift, every share, and every story helped make this possible.

Thanks to your generosity and the growing interest in the Chanco experience, we are welcoming more campers than ever before. As we continue our mission of ensuring that every child who wants to come to camp has the opportunity to do so, we are also receiving a record number of scholarship requests from families seeking assistance.

A gift to the Chanco Scholarship Fund helps open the door for children to experience the friendships, faith, adventure, and personal growth that make Chanco so special.

$100 helps provide camp essentials
$250 helps offset a camper's registration cost
$500 provides significant scholarship support
Any amount helps make camp accessible to a child in need

At Chanco on the James, we often say that stories aren't just told—they're lived. Your support helps ensure that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of a life-changing camp experience and that every child who dreams of spending a week at Chanco has the opportunity to do so.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for ensuring that campers continue to experience a place where they are known, loved, and transformed.

We couldn't do it without you!

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHANCO

Chanco Voted Best Sleepover Summer Camp

We are beyond excited to share that Chanco on the James has been named a 2026 Best of Virginia winner for Sleepover Summer Camp!

This recognition means so much to us, but more importantly, it reflects the heart of what makes Chanco so special: the campers, families, staff, and supporters who make this community what it is.

We truly couldn’t have done this without you. Every vote, every word of encouragement, and every shared memory helped bring this honor home.

At Chanco, we believe camp is more than just a summer — it’s a place where confidence grows, friendships form, and faith and joy come alive in a way that lasts far beyond the riverbanks. And the best part? We’re just getting started.

Blessings from Bishop Susan Haynes

As we welcome campers and families for another unforgettable summer, Bishop Susan Haynes shares a message of encouragement, gratitude, and blessing for the season ahead.

Read her message here.

Haven’t Registered Yet?

There’s still time to be part of an award-winning summer at Chanco! Whether your camper is returning for another unforgettable season or experiencing summer camp for the very first time, there’s a place waiting for them here.

Don't forget! Earn $100 in Chanco Bucks when you refer a new camper! Plus, we proudly offer a 10% military discount for active-duty military, Coast Guard members, and their immediate family.

Camp memories are being made right now — come join the fun!

The Search for "Best Summer Job" Ends Here

We're still in need of part-time team members for Food Service and Housekeeping! Join a welcoming, team-focused environment on the beautiful James River where your work helps create meaningful experiences for campers and retreat guests year-round.

We’re looking for dependable, positive people — no extensive experience required, just a willingness to help and a great attitude.

We offer:

Part-time, year-round hours
Flexible scheduling
Competitive pay
A supportive, community-centered workplace

At Chanco, every role matters in creating a place where people feel cared for and at home.

Ready to join our team? Apply below!

APPLY TODAY

Change for Chanco

Make a splash with us this summer!

Through Change for Chanco, campers and supporters help shape the future of Chanco on the James each year — and this summer, we’re excited to be working toward something big: a Typhoon Swimming Pool Slide for the pool area. Your support helps bring more fun, more adventure, and more unforgettable memories to every camper who comes through.

And we’re adding a little friendly competition into the mix:

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

There are a few easy ways to give:

Online at https://givebutter.com/Ox4lX9
By scanning the QR code below
By check (please include camper name + “C4C26” on the memo line)
By sending cash with your camper in their Change for Chanco box

Every gift helps bring this project to life and helps create a Chanco experience campers will remember for years to come. Thank you for being part of it.

DONATE TODAY

Meet the Summer Staff

Sam, Head Counselor

Chanco is excited to welcome Sam as Head Counselor for Summer 2026! Sam is from Oxford, England, and studies Music at Durham University. He enjoys rugby, cricket, lacrosse, and traveling whenever he can.

Sam is looking forward to serving at Chanco this summer and helping create the unforgettable camp experience that makes Chanco so special.

Bryony, Co-Head Counselor

Bryony is returning to Chanco for her second summer and will serve as one of the 2026 Co-Head Counselors! Recently, Bryony has been traveling the world and exploring places like Namibia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Along the way, she has loved learning about different cultures and religions and looks forward to sharing those experiences with campers this summer. In the fall, Bryony will begin studying Microbiology at Nottingham Trent University in England.

She can’t wait to help make Summer 2026 full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Paige, Aquatics Director

We’re excited to welcome back Paige as Chanco’s 2026 Aquatics Director!

This will be Paige’s 12th summer at Chanco and her 3rd year on staff. She currently attends James Madison University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

“Chanco helped shape me into the person I am today,” Paige shares. “I hope to give campers the same wonderful experience I had growing up here.”

Paige loves the supportive community Chanco creates and is passionate about helping campers grow in confidence, friendship, and self-love.

Catherine, Activities Director

Please join us in welcoming Catherine as Chanco’s 2026 Activities Director! Catherine is a Pre-Law major at Longwood University and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. This summer will mark her 8th summer at Chanco.

When she’s not planning exciting camp activities, Catherine loves spending time with campers and helping create lasting summer memories.

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

Join us for a memorable weekend of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating with fellow alumni. Plus, enjoy a special performance by Night Allowance during the festivities.

More details coming soon!

Upcoming Events

2026

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

There's still time to register!

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.