Chanco on the James Camp & Conference Center
Chanco on the James, our
diocesan camp and conference center, is the home for Christian
spiritual formation for many youth and adults from around our diocese.
This summer, 446 campers attended summer camp. Last year, 62 conference
groups utilized our retreat center.
The conference center is home to youth events such as October Weekend
and Happening and to adult events such as the Fresh Start clergy program
and Cursillo. Numerous parishes within our diocese host annual parish
family retreats and vestry retreats often taking advantage of our ropes
course for team building activities. Family reunions, not for profit
groups, the College of William and Mary and many other businesses take
advantage of Chanco's remote, peaceful and beautiful location to rest
and rejuvenate while enjoying strategic planning and/or fellowship.
The camp program at
Chanco has been running continuously since 1968 and is accredited by the
American Camping Association. In 2012, Chanco enjoyed the recognition
of being voted "Best Summer Camp" in Virginia Living Magazine's May 2012
"Best Of" edition. In 2013, in absence of a "Best Summer Camp"
category, Chanco earned third place as "Best Outdoor Adventure" right
behind Busch Gardens! Residential campers enjoy a range of outdoor
activities; traditional camp skits, songs, and traditions; along with a
structured chaplain program including small group activities with a camp
chaplain, worship and Eucharist. Many youth report discovering God in a
different way in our relaxed, natural environment. Breaking bread among
old and new friends with a priest who has developed a personal
relationship with them through their camping experience can be profound
and a different awakening to their spirituality than can be found
elsewhere.
None of these programs could exist without the diocesan subsidy that
Chanco receives annually. For example, Chanco awarded over $16,000 in
tuition assistance to camper families in 2013 and Conference Center
Lodges B and C have undergone extensive exterior renovations this past
summer, with Lodges A and B renovated in 2011 and 2012. Chanco depends
on the diocesan subsidy in order to continue this type of scholarship
assistance and needed property renovation while keeping costs low to our
camp and conference guests. Thank you for being a part of our progress
and our future with your support.
Listen to what our camp and conference guests say about Chanco's ministry:
- "Sending our 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son to Chanco at the same time was so good for both of them - they have a shared experience that I can already see has strengthened their relationship...they are making friendship bracelets together in the back of our van right now! Thank you all!" - Ginger White
- "We had a great retreat! You are our diocesan retreat center! We tell EVERYBODY (all other Canterbury groups) what a great place Chanco is!" - The Rev. John Maxwell Kerr, Canterbury, William and Mary
- "I will always carry the Chanco spirit with me no matter how old or far away I am. Thank you for everything you have done for me. By introducing me to Chanco, my life has been changed. I have met great life-long friends and have definitely been brought closer to God." - Jessica Denomme, Redeemer, Midlothian
- "I am extremely thankful for Christ and Grace's contribution to my scholarship for Camp Chanco on the James. It helped enable me to spend a wonderful twelve days of my summer at a camp where I have made lifelong friends and bonds. Chanco has urged the leader in me to step forward...The lessons I have learned will forever accompany me as I made decisions in my everyday life." - Catherine Poarch, Christ and Grace, Petersburg
- "We laughed, listened and learned all weekend. Thank you for each, every and all things done to accommodate our group. Every year we say 'This is the best' and then the next year it gets better! You are a shining example of hospitality and it is clear that you are being used by God to further His kingdom as you manage and share His resources. - Annette Irving, St. Gile's Presbyterian Church Women's Retreat
