The reunion is right around the corner. Hard to believe that it is so rapidly approaching, and in true Camp Chanco fashion, we have had a flood of registrations in the last two weeks. Loads of folks I have not seen in years are coming, as well as a bunch of people I have yet to meet. It will be nice to have some new stories instead of me regurgitating the same one over and OVER again! There are, however, a few names I have yet to see on the list, and you know who you are. There is space left in the chalets but the conference rooms are rapidly disappearing. Do not let staying in the chalets discourage you from coming, they are actually quite nice and the weather will be perfect, no matter what it is! "Oh the Lord is good to me...“ So jump right in and sign up to be there! Remember, if you have ANY problems or reservations that might keep you from coming, PLEASE contact me at tater@chancoonce.com and we will do whatever it takes to get you there!    continue reading »

So, I was just sipping some coffee and reminiscing about last years reunion and man, am I ready for this years! It is coming up fast and I am very curious about who is coming. So I said to myself, "Self, why not ask on the website to find out ." Myself relpied, "Great idea. You are a genius!" (Myself does not get out much and views me very much through a pair of severely rose colored glasses. Myself is also somewhat delusional. I have decided to find it charming.) So, without further ado - Who's coming? Post below and let me know. (Evan, I expect your name to be first!!!) And if you haven't registered, DO IT NOW! We need to fill up this joint quickly. And as we know from last year, space went fast. Click over this very minute and register. This is YOUR weekend and I want you all there! Then come back to this post and tell me who you are bringing. Call everyone you know who was there last year, and then call the folks who were not and light a fire under them, and do not take no for an answer. What are you bringing for crazy hat lunch? Who is going to be the medicine man for Indian Night? Will there be a FOG rolling in off the tranquil James? Are we too adult to still play winkem'? Let me know. Myself and I are dying to find out!

 OVER THE BLUFF WE GO!!!

One of my favorite things to do on this website, aside from looking at pictures of myself, is to read through others memories of their summers in the woods. Any website that is proud to be home to an entry entitled “I think I was a Wookie,” has an intrinsic value that cannot be measured with existing technology. In my self-centered little world, I can sometimes forget that camp was firmly in place long before me, and continues on quite effectively today without my immediate presence. I am reminded by reading the fabulous stories of valor and wonderful tales of heroism that Camp transcends time, space and often basic moral decency. I have powerful and fulfilling relationships based almost solely on esoteric inside jokes that were conceived on the waterfront perhaps, and then cultivated to legendary status through careful retelling and deliberate repetition over these many years. Without these moments, my life would not be whole. I also enjoy the fact that there are others out there who share their own vivid, and sometime best forgotten, moments with all generations who have passed through Camp’s welcoming front doors. I originally wanted to share one of these with you, dear reader. I fear however, upon quiet reflection, that there are too many. Many’s the time that I thought that if I had more talent and could find a way to curb my superhero-like power of procrastination, I would write a book. This blog will have to suffice.  continue reading »

There is no one that personifies the Spirit of Chanco to me more than Boomer. I met him there countless summers ago and he has been prominently at my side, in one form or another, since. I have known him longer than I have not. We have been through more adventures than I can recount, as Captain Butterbottom will certainly attest, some now important history in annuals of Chanco lore, and some that hopefully will never be fully recounted in the light of day.  continue reading »

So I thought after my last post that I would become a prolific contributor to this website. I am ashamed that this has not happened. My free time just does not materialize as often as I would like. I do have a couple of items to throw out there so with out further ado:

Our first Camp Chanco Alumni Association (CCAA) board meeting is coming up the first weekend in February. It may be happening even as you read this. We are looking forward to getting our powerful little group off the ground. If anyone has anything they think we should take a look at, please feel free to shoot an email to me and I will pass it along. My email is tater911@gmail.com. Even if you do not have anything to say I am always happy to get mail. It is a constant reminder I am alive.

The second item is that we are going to have a four day Senior High this year and we are looking for staff. It is time to find a few empty Corona bottles (Man, they make GREAT candle holders) and walk the banks of the mighty James once more. We are looking for a large and QUICK response. We are not really certain of how many attendees we will have, but we cannot have any if we do not have the staff there. Danny Slammin: You participation is not optional!!! Everyone else can email Cari (Long) Hall at cari.hall@vbschools.com. She heading the programming up along with a talented, and attractive I might add, group surrounding her to make sure it is the best four days of the summer. It is going to be great. We are meeting this month to get started on the program. It is going to combine Sr/Jr high together into one event, so it is going to be interesting to say the least.

That is all I really have for now. We will keep you posted here on the CCAA and where to send dues, donations, etc. My email is up there so feel free to drop a line directly or leave something here. I am on this website all the time. Congrats Aaron! You wife looks lovely and we are all aware of what a pretty man you are!!! Perry, I read your book and enjoyed it immensely, and Ty is in Charlottesville and owns a few restaurants. He is doing great. God bless everybody!!!

I think I am finally recovered from an amazing weekend at Chanco. I have spent the last week and a half trying to find a reason to drive back up to camp. It may of course be the only way to get my drill back or to find Greg's S-Video cable that has mysteriously disappeared. (Not to worry Greg, I WILL find it!!!)

It is great to see some new activity on the site: a few new bios, some great posts about Fall Fest, etc. It certainly makes visiting the site more exciting. It is probably the closest thing to being at Camp all the time that I will find. I am really excited about the organizing of the Alumni Association. I think it is going to be a fun and powerful group. We have a lot of exciting personalities among us and I am looking forward to setting things into motion!!!

DANNY SLAMIN FOR PRESIDNET is something I have always wanted to see on a bumper sticker. I think it would look great on my minivan.

Greg keep up the posts. I enjoy your whimsical yet informative prose. And to everyone else, let's light up this website with discussion. I have seen a lot of folks online and am dying to hear every one's thoughts on this, that and the other!