Former campers and counselors gathered at Chanco for another successful CCAA (Camp Chanco Alumni Association) reunion weekend on September 10-12.  Perhaps people came in search of familiar faces, to revisit memories from years gone by, or both.  Whatever brought them back to the shores of the James River, a wonderful time was had by all. 

Local acoustic musician David Carter performed on the bluff on Friday evening, and the enthusiastic group enjoyed a pajama breakfast, a crazy hat lunch, a poolside luau dinner, and an Indian night riddled with some of the same obstacles we all remembered from our summers at camp (darn fire)!  Dave Davenport brought a magnificent slideshow that spanned from 1978 to 1984 (you can peruse his photos right here on www.chancoonce.com), and it was inspiring to hear the cries of joy as people recognized friends from long ago as they popped up on the screen.  Saturday brought some of the same activities that have been enjoyed at Chanco for decades: The waterfront was open for sailing, swimming, canoeing, and good, old-fashioned beach appreciation.  It was hard to get folks away from the ropes course, although it is hard to say whether it was the thrill of the zip line itself or Jim Sitzler’s magnetic personality that kept people coming back for more!!  I imagine it was a little bit of both…  We even had an honest, surprise proposal during the chants at Crazy Hat Lunch!!!  She said yes, by the way…  Best wishes to Mitch Parker and Amber Barb!

The weekend ended with Morning Prayer celebrated on the bluff.  Marguerite Alley led a powerful service on a pristine fall morning, as eagles sailed over the majestic James River.  Marguerite took us back to our roots at Chanco, poignantly reminding us why we were at camp.  Perhaps most significantly, she challenged us to find someone with a similar connection to bring back with us next year…  It is not too early to start thinking about who you will bring.

Everybody, mark your calendars now for the CCAA Reunion of 2010.  It is already scheduled for September 24-26, 2010.  If you couldn’t be there to celebrate this year, please know that we missed you and we look forward to seeing you next year.  If you were there this year, we can hardly wait to see you again!