April Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

EYC Spring Weekend

Big Day of Giving

Cursillo #176

Summer Camp Signup

Now Hiring Summer Staff

Change for Chanco

Camp Counselor Spotlight

EYC Spring Weekend

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.

Big Day of Giving is Almost Here!

Mark your calendar: Wednesday, May 6 is #ChancoBigDay!

At Chanco, stories aren’t just told — they’re lived.

From life-changing summers for campers to meaningful retreats for adults seeking rest, renewal, and connection, Chanco creates transformative experiences for people of all ages.

Big Day of Giving is our chance to celebrate those stories and rally together to ensure Chanco continues making that impact for future generations.

Our Goal: $45,000

Will you help us get there?

Whether you:

• Share your Chanco story
• Make a donation
• Spread the word online

...you are helping keep Chanco a place where lives are changed and spirits are lifted.

Because of Chanco...Because of YOU.

Stay connected with us on social media so you don’t miss a thing! If you share your story on Facebook or Instagram, be sure to use #ChancoBigDay so we can celebrate together.

Cursillo #176 Weekend

May 14 – 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 journey 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.

Camp Chanco

Core memories l o a d i n g. . .

Camp Chanco is back, and summer sessions are filling up fast. We’re talking zip lining, sailing, meaningful worship, campfire songs, late-night laughs, and friendships that last way beyond the season.

Camp is a place where kids grow, try new things, and build confidence in ways that stick with them. Whether you're a veteran camper or a newcomer, we can't wait for a summer full of adventure with your camper.

Spots are becoming limited. Check out our available sessions and secure your child's spot today!

Join the Chanco Summer Staff

Best summer job out there? We might be a little biased, but we know a place.

Chanco on the James is gearing up for an unforgettable season and looking for energetic, passionate people who want to make a real impact. If you’re ready for a summer that’s meaningful, active, and full of purpose — this might be your sign.

We’re currently hiring:

• Camp Counselors
• Ropes Facilitators
• Lifeguards

This is more than a summer job. It’s a chance to grow as a leader, strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, and step into a supportive Christian community that feels like home. Days are filled with sailing, zip lining, hiking, and creating memories that matter — all while shaping unforgettable experiences for campers.

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

If you’re looking for connection, growth, adventure, and purpose this summer, Chanco is where you want to be.

Apply today and join the team!

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.

Camp Counselor Spotlight

We’re so excited to welcome back our counselors for another unforgettable summer, and we're starting off this year with a banger.

Everyone congratulate our new Assistant Camp Director: Jerrard Taylor! Hailing from Ash, England, this will be Jerrard’s fourth summer on the Chanco staff. Over the years, he’s become a familiar and trusted presence in our camp community — bringing energy, leadership, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful experiences for every camper.

Jerrard majored in Sports Coaching and Performance, and fun fact: he loves collecting baseball caps. More than anything, Jerrard loves serving Chanco because of the friendships he’s built and the personal growth he’s experienced here, and he can’t wait to share that with campers this summer.

We’re thrilled to have him back and can’t wait for you to see the impact he’ll make this summer. If you see Jerrard around camp this summer, be sure to say hi and congratulate him on his new role.

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

Register today before spots fill up.

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!

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