November Chanco Chatter
In This Issue:
Fall Open House
Farewell, Jacob
Donor Appreciation Event & Day of Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
Advent Retreat
Fall Work Weekend
Winter Camp
2026 Summer Camp Registration
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Fall Open House is Finally Here
This Sunday from 1-4PM!
Curious about what makes Chanco on the James “the best summer camp in Virginia”? (Hey, we didn't say it — Virginia Living Magazine did!) Be sure to come out to our Open House THIS Sunday, November 9 from 1pm – 4pm, and experience the magic for yourself.
Tour the campus, meet the staff, and enjoy hayrides, face painting, zip lining, and tons of other fun activities. Whether you’re new to Chanco or a longtime camper family, this is your chance to experience the joy, community, and deep-rooted faith that make Camp Chanco so special.
We can't wait to see everyone this Sunday!
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Farewell, Jacob. You Will Be Missed!
Everyone please join us in wishing Jacob the best as he departs from Chanco and steps into a new adventure with the YMCA as an after-school program coordinator. We are grateful to Jacob for his service to our summer campers and retreat guests, and he will certainly be missed.
But have no fear — camp is in good hands and we are looking ahead to next summer. Cameron Ballinger has been hired to fill the role of director of programs here at Chanco on the James. Be on the lookout for a formal announcement of Cam's hire and start date in the near future.
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Donor Appreciation Event & Day of Thanksgiving
Saturday, November 22
Our Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Eucharist will be held on Saturday, November 22. Don't miss out on this incredible day spent in thanksgiving of you.
We’ll celebrate the incredible impact of your generosity, share updates from the Chanco community, and hear remarks from The Rev. Dr. Carla B. McCook, our new Canon to the Ordinary.
If you are unsure if you have made your annual gift to Chanco, or would like to at this time, please reach out to development@chanco.org.
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Happy Thanksgiving
As we enter this season of gratefulness, we celebrate and give thanks for the Chanco family — the Diocese, board members, campers, staff, and friends who make this ministry a place of lifelong connection. Together, we grow in faith, friendship, and joy, living out God’s love in community.
Here’s to the memories we share and the ministry we continue together — Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you!
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Advent Retreat
Friday, December 12 – Saturday, December 13
This co-ed program is designed for adults 18 and up.
*Cost of Private Room – $160.00
*Cost of Shared Room – $120.00
Exhausted? World weary? ADVENT CALLS US to inner renewal as we quiet ourselves and prepare again for the coming of Jesus into our hearts. But how exactly does that work in demanding and disturbing times that often leave us feeling overly busy, confused, anxious, disillusioned, and distrustful? This retreat invites us to ponder such things as we reflect on scripture, acknowledge our experience, do some journaling, and engage in gentle large and small group conversations. We will also do some drumming on Friday night and take time for silence after lunch on Saturday when there will be an opportunity to stroll through the woods, walk Chanco’s labyrinth, make a collage, or simply sit quietly and breathe deeply.
This co-ed program is designed for adults 18 and up; dinner, breakfast, and lunch are included. Please bring a journal and writing tool, a small rhythm instrument if you have one (drums will be provided), walking shoes, and clothes appropriate to the weather. We begin with check-in on Friday at 5, have dinner at 6, and gather in the Spirit Center at 7. The retreat will end on Saturday around 4:30.
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Angier Brock, a veteran retreat leader, is a communicant of Grace Church, Yorktown, where she facilitates a weekly Centering Prayer group on Zoom; and she plays in the handbell choir at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. A journal keeper for nearly fifty years, she also writes poetry (including hymn and anthem texts), personal collects, and reflective prose. With an MA in Christian education and an MFA in creative writing, she has long been interested in the connection between spirituality and creativity—and she sees Advent as a particularly fertile time for weaving the two together. Currently she spends much of her time trying to stay one step ahead of her 9-month old puppy Milly.
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Fall Work Weekend
Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14
This event is open to all ages. Any helpers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to attend.
Fall Work Weekend has officially been rescheduled! Roll up your sleeves and join us as we complete housekeeping projects such as roof updates, trail system maintenance, and more in efforts to keep our beautiful campus in tip-top shape for our visitors. You're free to bring your own tools or use ours.
Jobs to Be Done:
Carpentry — decks, chalets, plumbing, and minor rot repair
Painting — Retreat center rake and trim boards
Trail — split at the Prayer Garden, Bypass Davenport
Trimming — lopping crepe myrtles behind Manor
Hauling — clean up and hauling at the scar
Prayer Garden — weed, trim, and apply preen to beds
Roofing — strip, repair, and shingle
Come for the day or stay for the entire weekend! Please note that overnight lodging is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.
Register now for a weekend full of productivity, fun, and fellowship. We are looking forward to working with you at Chanco!
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2026 Winter Camp
Register now!
Calling all kids ages 7–12 who have always wanted to experience camp with us... Winter Camp is coming up and is the perfect opportunity to see firsthand what makes Camp Chanco so special. Join us Friday, January 16, 2026 – Sunday, January 18, 2026 for a magical winter adventure.
The weekend features worship, zip lines, archery, bonfire gathering, hot cocoa sipping, skits, games, music, and so much more, providing your child the perfect space to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure your camper's spot early!
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2026 Summer Camp
A summer of faith, friendship & adventure awaits!
Chanco on the James is more than just camp — it’s a place where our youth have the opportunity to grow in their faith, build lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of outdoor adventure in a supportive, loving environment. Our traditional, rustic, residential camp offers exciting programs for campers ages 8-16 and has been voted the best camp in Virginia several times by Virginia Living Magazine.
From canoeing and zip lining to small group reflections with our Chaplain, every moment at Camp Chanco is designed to help campers have fun, grow spiritually, and feel connected to God, to nature, and to each other.
Don't forget — for each friend you refer to Camp Chanco, you will receive $100 Chanco Bucks to use toward your own registration or at the Canteen.
Sessions are already filling up. Don’t wait to reserve your camper’s spot!
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2025
November 7–9 EYC Fall Weekend
November 9 Fall Open House
November 22 Donor Appreciation Event
December 12–13 Co-ed Advent Retreat
December 12–14 Fall Work Weekend
2026
January 16–18 Winter Camp
Learn more & register at:
chanco.org/events
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2026 Camp Dates & Rates
Online registration now open!
Choose Tier 1 to give back to our beloved Chanco, or choose Tier 2 for a subsidized cost — no matter your choice, your camper will receive the same incredible experience!
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Chanco on the James
The Camp & Retreat Center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881
Phone: 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626)
Fax: 757-294-0727
Email: director@chanco.org
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