My first memory of Chanco comes from a wonderful photo of myself and two friends (Stephen Adams and former counselor Charlie Biesecker) outside the dining hall of "Old Chanco" at a 1987 parish retreat. As far as I know, it's still on my mother's fridge. I was a camper from 1995-2000, including a very mischievous time on the Bike Trip and one very, very wet Grand Adventure. I was a camp counselor in 2000 and again in 2001, with one session pinch-hitting as a Nature instructor. I was also very active in EYC, serving as President of the board in 2002-03, plus attending a few Happening retreats and many EYC functions.

Though my current life is rarely spent outdoors - I'm an independent filmmaker and website developer in Los Angeles - I credit Chanco with giving me great friends and even greater memories of the great outdoors. I'm still close to many of my Chanco/EYC companions, and even work regularly with fellow counselor & EYC Board President Teddy Blanks, who's a graphic designer in New York City.