I knew this road trip would have to happen eventually. I wasn't looking forward to it. After 6 years in a nursing home my mother passed away on June 16, 2007. On the 19th, I left my home in Maryland traveling south to be with my sisters and brother who all live in the same area of northeastern North Carolina where mom had been living. The memorial service wasn't until the following Saturday, the 23rd, but I felt the need to be there early, to help my sister get her house ready for alot of company and to just be there.

It felt like that day was the hottest of the summer so far. The Rt. 295 bypass around Richmond was really getting on my nerves. The exit sign for Hopewell, VA and Rt. 10 came into view. Surely this is a Sign from the Spirit, I thought. I was definitely ready to get off of that interstate. And what better road to travel than on good old Route 10? It had been my "yellow brick road" for many years; leading to a place that was magical. This was just the stop I needed to make on this sad trip. The decision to find Chanco again was not at all difficult. The Spirit led me. I got through Hopewell, and made it to Surry without a hitch. I hadn't been there since 1982. I didn't know if the Surrey House Restaurant was still in existance. That was the only place I could think of to stop and ask directions to the new location. Sure enough, it's still there. After a lovely iced tea and conversation with the hostess, I was on my way. Left at the caution light and follow the signs.

The memories began when I drove past the Boy Scout camp which is just down the road from Chanco. My father had spent alot of time there as a Scout leader. After turning into the drive at Chanco, it wasn't hard to find the pool and the office. Both were in full use. Staff Week was underway! I was lucky to be traveling during the week of preperation for campers! The office door was open and in I went. Introducing myself as a camper and ex-counselor from the very distant past, I was welcomed by the Secretary, and I met this years PD and APD. I was also fortunate enough to meet the Director, Robert Somers. Walking over to the Dining Hall, I was hit in the face by a wall of memories. The plaques hanging on the walls; you remember, the ones with the parchments we all signed as we progressed through the levels finally attaining the Order of Chanco!? I saw names and imagined faces that hadn't appeared before my mind's eye in far too long. I found my name on the Order of Chanco plaque for 1980. What a thrill after 27 years! God bless whoever decided to save those plaques! Robert and I had a wonderful talk. It is reassuring to know that Chanco is in the hands of such a fine person. We learned that both of us have major connections to Portsmouth, and to Trinity Church.

One disturbing bit of news I learned is that Chanco, as are many such organizations, is struggling financially. I know that it's in the hands of alot of good people, and is overseen ultimately, by one who is greater. The Spirit led me to Route 10, and to find Chanco again. To look back through the years and remember the faces, the experiences, the blessings that Chanco has given me. I am following my heart by committing myself to do what I can to support Chanco, to try and help ensure that those same kinds of blessings are shared with others for many years to come. I applaud Greg Willis and any one else who is working to keep this website going. The creation of an Alumni Association is a truly awesome idea, and an huge undertaking. I support it, and want to help however I can. I hope that all of you who read this will do the same. Share your blessings (you know, the ones in your wallet), send your prayers, and send your kids to camp at Chanco! I look forward to the September 22-23 event, and hope to see all of you there! Yes, I'm still standing up! --Sarah (Etheridge) Cargill va.girl@comcast.net