Hi folks. While I’ve been watching events unfold on the message board from the sidelines for quite some time, I’m compelled to post because there is something that I think demands the attention of anyone who has a vested interest in the future of Chanco (which, if you’re reading this, is you).  continue reading »

Hello, all. This is Meredith (Muffin) Hemenway. I wanted to share my feelings about the current state of the place that so many of us have called home--summer after summer. I ask you to read my words and to really think about them. This is a serious time for our little camp.  continue reading »

Sorry if this posts twice…..

I am a newbie to the Board of Directors of Chanco and like Cari, I had no idea that this decision to eliminate the executive position was made until yesterday. I received an email from a Chanco Alumnus. I have no idea why this decision was made, but I was both depressed and frustrated to hear this. I feel like my great hopes that I have had about Chanco recently are severely diminished.

Boomer, I want to thank you for all that you did to help Chanco. I know that you were decisive in bringing creativity and enthusiasm to Chanco. I thought the overnight Fall Fest was such a great idea. The word is spreading. Old Alumni are talking. I was excited about all the ideas that you were introducing like sustainable buildings, organic gardening, cisterns, mid-week programs for local schools, history tours, etc., etc, etc….so many good ideas….I am just very disappointed that the position of Executive Director was not kept to see the fruit of your efforts.

Above all, I hope that you do not give up on Chanco due to this experience. I am sure it is disheartening,( I don’t see how it can’t be), but there are many years left for us to work on bringing Chanco back and you have already started the ball rolling, which most of the time is the very hardest task.

Thanks again.

Just heard this news and I thought that everyone should be aware of it. The Chanco Executive Board has eliminated the Executive Director's position citing budgetary issues. So this means that Boomer Somers is no longer working for Chanco.

Much of the progress that camp has been able to make this year -- increased enrollment, beginning of a capitol campaign, an overall boost in enthiasm -- is attributable to Boomer. And it disheartens me that the board has managed to get rid of two of my friends in the past year, but somehow the question of Chanco's solvency still remains.

I'm not sure about the politics of all this, but to me it seems that the way to keep Camp Chanco solvent might not be to have no one in charge. But that's just my opinion, I'm sure the Chanco Board has the hard numbers to justify this. I could go on, but I'll just leave it at that for now. Responses and opinions are welcome in the comments.

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 »