I am hoping Greg will take these photos and put them in a Photo Album and put them with the others. These are staff - campers will follow. Thanks Greg!

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I would like to take the time to recognize a person who is a cornerstone of Chanco history. He has been a part of the camp and then conference center for years. He actually has the longest consistent involvement with Chanco with the exception of probably Charlie Hughes. His influence spans several decades and he has touched the lives of Chanco campers, staff members, parishioners in every convocation within our diocese, and far beyond.

 Bill Taylor started coming to Chanco as a camper/conferee in the early 1970s. He quickly gained a reputation as easy-going and fun-loving and was one of those kids who seemed to have found a true home among the people and programs at Chanco. This was the time in his life when he heard the guiding voice of God. Inspired by the clergy and community he experienced, Bill answered the call to devote his life to Christ as a clergy in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.  continue reading »

This is a letter I wrote to the Board of Directors after attending the Diocese of Southern Virginias' Annual Council February 1-3 . I hope this keeps everyone in the loop and up to date on events and issues.

February 4th, 2008

Dear Chanco Board of Directors,

I want to pass along the good works of those who attended our diocese Annual Council at the Williamsburg Lodge this weekend. There were approximately 1,200 delegates, clergy, and onlookers that were present. Many important decisions were made for our entire diocese.

Friday afternoon, Talley, Ann Tansey, and I put together a Chanco booth that focused on colorful pictures of campers at camp. It received many complements and attracted many visitors. We received our camp brochure, a professionally developed and printed flyer, and the year end report from Professional Printers the morning of Council. Not a minute to soon!!! These were available in abundance on our booth table for anyone who wanted one. Next year we will probably have a booth for the camp and one for the conference center.

Friday night the Chanco Board of Directors' list of candidates were  continue reading »

First let me say that I hope you all are enjoying this Fall. The trees are turning electric yellow, orange, and red here at camp. The wind off the river has a clean and cold punch to it that makes one turn their collar up. It is truly gorgeous – Thanks God!

I want to share a couple of things that folks have been asking about.  continue reading »

The evening of September 22 (Saturday Night) and all day of the 23rd (Sunday) has been chosen for this year's Fall Festival and picnic. Families, friends, and children are all welcome to come and celebrate the Spirit of Chanco. It is going to be a great time and full of reunions, stories, and laughs. Who knows what will happen?  continue reading »

Hi all, this is Robert (Boomer) Somers. As the incoming Executive Director of Chanco on the James, I have discovered that our beloved camp has steadily lost campers over the years. This is an urgent situation for the financial health of Chanco and for the very existence of Chanco’s summer camp programs at all. With approximately 800 camper slots with our residential sessions and our out-trips, last year there were only about 300 campers. People have differing opinions of why there has been a decline in participation. Regardless of the reasons for decline, we need to rebuild our camper base and get families and kids back to Chanco.

I need your help. The ones of you who have enjoyed success in their careers may make a monetary gift or donation. However, the best way to support Chanco is to get a kid interested in going to camp this summer! How easy is that! Think about what you got from camp, the friends, the memories, the peace, and let that fuel you to reach out and talk to your friends and neighbors about sending their children to Chanco. This is the true way to save our camp. Even if someone gave a gift of millions of dollars (which would be nice…) if no children go there, it is all in vain. In a business sense, and in a spiritual sense, kids will save what we all value and love. Please stay current with camp information and get others involved.

I will be hosting a 'Chanco Open House' at Norfolk Academy on Wednesday March 21st, and Thursday March 29th, at 7:00 pm to show our summer programs DVD and proudly represent our camp and conference center to the general public. Keep an eye open for our half page ad in the Virginia Pilot this Sunday. Everyone of you are cordially invited to attend these Open Houses. Please show your support for our Diocese and Chanco and refer all your friends and neighbors.

Thank you for moving to action and circulating the 2007 material at your very earliest. This is the most crucial time for families to choose camps for their children. I look forward to seeing you and your families in the woods and on the beach of our beloved Chanco on the James!  continue reading »