November Chanco Chatter

In This Issue:

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Loved Ones

Advent: Preparing for the Holy One Through Rule of Life

Winter Camp 2024

Donor Appreciation Event & a Day of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to You and

Your Loved Ones

As we gather around tables adorned with the warmth of gratitude and the bounty of the harvest, our hearts are brimming with appreciation for each one of you. Your steadfast support has been a beacon of light, guiding Chanco on the James on its mission to provide a haven where God's presence is felt in the beauty of nature.

This Thanksgiving, we extend our deepest thanks for your unwavering commitment, generous contributions, and the positive impact you've had on the Chanco community. Your friendship has been a source of strength, and your belief in our mission has fueled transformative experiences for countless individuals.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and the abundant blessings that come from the heart.

With deepest gratitude,

Your Chanco Family

Advent: Preparing for the Holy One

through Rule of Life

December 1–2

One of our Bishop’s five initiatives is to deepen our spiritual life and relationship with God through a Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is a set of disciplines, or framework, that we turn to daily in order to allow ourselves to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and be drawn more deeply into the heart of God. Advent marks a time of preparing for the Christ child. As we begin Advent, we can either tweak disciplines that we already have in place or fashion new ones in order to solidify our Rule of Life. During this Advent retreat, Bishop Susan Haynes, assisted by her staff Canons Roy Hoffman, Willis Foster, and Lynn Farlin, will lead participants through listening, reflecting, prayer, and fellowship in the presence of God to create a personal Rule of Life. Beginning with dinner on Friday night, we will gather for times of teaching, reflection, worship, and silence. We will be supported by the Chanco staff who will be providing times of nourishment for our bodies (delicious meals by Chef Stephone), times for fellowship, including s’mores by the fireplace or campfire (depending on the weather), and times simply to enjoy the natural environment God has created. We will end our time by 3 p.m. on Saturday. Please join us to develop your own Rule of Life as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

View and Download the 2023 Advent Retreat Flyer

Winter Camp 2024

January 12–14

Ages 7-12 • $125

Winter Camp is right around the corner! For those who have always wanted to experience camp with us, this is the perfect opportunity to see for yourself what makes Chanco so special. Zip through the trees, play tons of games, get creative and share stories by a giant bonfire sipping hot cocoa! Best yet, you’ll make new friends and create memories that will last a life-time.

The weekend features zip lines, archery, giant bonfire, skits, games, music, worship and more!

So get ready to pack your bags and register now!

For more information please call (888) 724-2626 or

email Hutch at programs@chanco.org

Donor Appreciation Event &

a Day of Thanksgiving

On November 18, 2023, Chanco welcomed past donors to a lunch, meditation walk, and service tailored to the members of the Chanco community who remain financially involved. Thanks to the legacy of generous friends, camper families, retreat guests and groups, as well as our diocese, Chanco on the James celebrated another year of supporting youth and adults, who received the benefit of all that has happened before their Chanco experiences.

All gifts make a difference in every aspect of our programs, scholarships, staffing and property. We are grateful to all donors who choose this uplifting way to ensure the continued strength of the Chanco on the James’s ministry. Through your generosity, our resources continue to provide a place for all to gather with God and nature.

If you are interested in making a year-end donation to Chanco, please do so at c h anco.o r g/support/donat e or by mailing your gift to: Chanco on the James, 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881.

For any additional information, please contact us at

hospitality@chanco.org or at 888-724-2626.