Hey Chanco Alumni!

On behalf of the CCAA Board, I would like to give you an update on all that's going on with the CCAA.  

First and foremost, mark your calendars for the Alumni Reunion:  October 10-12.  As many of you requested, this year the reunion will be a 2-night event.  We plan to make it bigger and better than last year, so please spread the word!!!

So, I was at the dentist office yesterday with my son. I dread the dentist and was feeling particularly sorry for myself because Dylan was about to have his first experience, and I knew I was going to fall into the Worst Mom Ever category very shortly. I was signing in and looked over at a young woman standing beside me, hoping to find some empathy. I just happened to look down at her sweatshirt, and low and behold, CHANCO was staring me in the face.

Oh the cheer and warmth that flooded my heart! Forgotten were the thoughts of fluoride and drills! All I could think about was Indian Night and free swim! I knew she would think I was a stalker, but I asked her about the shirt anyway- just to make sure. She smiled and was proud about her association with the camp. She even said that her big brother was the new camp director! (Jim, your sister ROCKS!)

Dylan left the dentist with an A+ report and with no fear of returning, but I left with so much more. I left with even more determination to be an active member in the CCAA. Chanco left an everlasting impression on my heart and soul and Chanco continues to touch generations of kids. Jim's sister was wearing a Chanco shirt out in public- how many teenagers do you know who advertise that they go to summer camp and love it!? That sweatshirt tells me that Chanco isn't just a ship passing in the night. The Spirit continues to reach out and touch kids.

That Spirit isn't going to die in me. I'm going to do everything I can to ensure that Chanco continues to reach generations of kids. I'm a Chanco Parish Representative and have already had two kids register for camp this summer. I'm doing my part- are you?

Hey folks, from a large vat box of random camp photos I've got three photo albums that I have no year for. I think they are grouped together properly (each album is the same year) but I could be mistaken. Looks like these are from the 1990s, so if the 90s folks to take a look and let me know, everyone will rejoice. Thanks!

• http://chancoonce.com/gallery/etc/199-something/
• http://chancoonce.com/gallery/etc/199-something-2/
• http://chancoonce.com/gallery/etc/199-something-3/

I remember ‘The Great Water Battle’ on Star Wars “Big Day” 1980 something - old camp. Never again will such a number be gathered upon a battle field – number of water balloons that is, mountains of them all around, boxes full. Yea but for the merciful mysteries of water, many souls would have left that field for glory in the ensuing carnage of insane play. In fact, I don’t believe I am quite dry to this very day my dears...

I think I was a Wookie that day or something. Whaaaaoooaahhh!

Our backs against the bluff, the Rebels master plan was to hold fire until the massive Empire army drew close – thanks Dave Ballote! I must confess, I knew fear in those opening moments, though I was among friends – Laura, Mark, Hillary, Krissy, Pat, The Little Debbies, the popular Dirty Dozen and others.

How could any of us know that just a few seconds later, on a small patch of ground at a summer camp, before an alter of God and the James River, in one slice of time there would exist a twenty foot space of air filled with more water balloons than exists in some small countries I think.

There, beneath the charging bathing suit mob, we heard a sickening ‘thwop!’ as perhaps hundreds of water balloons found their targets. And the attack progressed with fury and insane laughter down Dining Hall Hill (slope) perhaps as the sun moved the shadows off some distant moon far far away. You know like in a galaxy far far away or something.

Of course “The Empire” brought the heavy equipment. Two pump action fire extinguishers and the dreaded water hose stalked among a hundred or so screaming campers and staff wielding buckets, squirt guns, powder bombs and water balloons. In a few seconds it was all over.

By the way, I think technically the Empire won that day so we left the plot… Ah, the Rebels left wetter than the mighty “Empire” – Much!

Regardless, the Rebels threw an Ewok party that night on the beach (as is the Wookie custom! Arhaaoooogggg!) and everyone was happy to be alive, though not quite dry still… <><>

I was slow to get the news of Bishop Frank's passing. I was in his small group at Senior High that year. Since the first time I met him his has had a special place in my heart. I still have a picture of us with our braids on cross dress night. I also have a picture of him when he confirmed me the following spring. When I heard the news, my first phone call was to Mike Stallings. Mike, too was in my small group so many years ago, we have remained close friends. Mike and I were in each other's weddings, he even walked me down the aisle.

Hi folks. While I’ve been watching events unfold on the message board from the sidelines for quite some time, I’m compelled to post because there is something that I think demands the attention of anyone who has a vested interest in the future of Chanco (which, if you’re reading this, is you).

Folks, Here is the current agenda for our board meeting this weekend. Comment if you have suggestions for our meeting that I have not touched on here. I will try posting the minutes of the meeting here as well.

Regards,

Chuck (That's Mr. Secretary to you)

Camp Chanco Alumni Association (CCAA)