CAMP INFORMATION
All about Camp Chanco
camp chanco
Welcome to Camp Chanco
Chanco on the James has one of the most successful youth camping programs in Virginia. The camp
program has been running continuously since 1968 and is accredited by the American Camping Association.
This residential camp for campers ages 8 to 16 years is a place for having fun, making friends,
trying new things, and enjoying God’s creation. Every year from 2014–2020, Chanco has enjoyed the
recognition of being voted number one “Best Summer Camp” by Virginia Living Magazine.
2025 Camp Dates
Help us grow our Chanco family with our new tiered pricing option! 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!
Chanco on the James is pleased to offer a 10% discount on summer camp registration to those serving on active duty in the United States Military and Coast Guard and their immediate family.
Sessions
Traditional Sessions
Each morning will feature three great camp activities and afternoons will include another activity block as well as free time for swimming. After dinner, campers will enjoy playing games and socializing outdoors during canteen time.
Christian community will be a large part of the day as your camper spends the majority of his/her time making friends and enjoying new experiences with his/her campsite.
Special events throughout the week, like Big Day and Chanco Night make for an unforgettable experience at Camp Chanco.
Activities
Evening Activities
There will be various Evening Programs to allow the entire camp to gather together in fun. Once these are finished, we will all circle up to sing the Chanco song and share in a devotional before heading back to the campsite to rest up for another fun day.
Experiences
Chanco Experience
Campers enjoy a range of outdoor activities, camp skits, songs, and rich traditions. Our residential camp program offerings: Climbing Wall, High Ropes, Zip Lines, Low Ropes, Swimming Pool, Boating, Sailing, Paddleboarding, Arts and Crafts, Archery, Basketball, Gaga, and other Games, Nature Classes, and Evening Programs.
Many youth report discovering God in a different way in our relaxed, natural environment.
An Episcopal priest, deacon or a qualified religious education worker is responsible for the worship and education program of each session.
growth
Chanco Values
Emphasis is placed on individual growth in a context of Christian community through relationships with other youth and adults, through religious education and worship, and through a variety of recreational activities. Campers gather each morning for daily worship and also get to spend time with our chaplain in a small group setting.
Winter Camp
Campers will arrive for winter camp at the Dining Hall between 6pm and 7pm Friday night after having eaten dinner. Departure time is from 9-10am on Sunday, right after breakfast. Lodging will be lock-in style, so campers should bring a sleeping bag and pillow to sleep on our camp mattresses. Many traditional camp activities will be done outside, so warm clothing is also needed. For more questions about this new program, please call 888-7CHANCO (724-2626).
Family Camp
more camp options
Specialty Camps
In addition to our traditional camp sessions, we offer these specialty camps for those seeking an exciting alternative:
Mariner’s Camp
This is one of our most popular camp sessions often filling with a wait list! This session involves extensive time building sailing and nautical skills. It is the perfect session for an older camper who would like a different Chanco experience and who loves being on the water! Campers will stay in canvas tent with one other camper within a gender inclusive campsite.
Wilderness Adventure Camp
For ages 12–16, this session focuses upon building wilderness survival skills, outdoor cooking skills, fire building, knot tying, orienteering and team building along with many favorite traditional camp activities. Interested in building a shelter in the woods and then sleeping in it? Then this session is for you!
Campers will stay in canvas tent with one other camper within a gender inclusive campsite.
Adventure Camp
Get ready for a week like no other at Chanco on the James! Adventure Camp is a one-week program designed for campers seeking excitement, exploration, and flexibility. Unlike our traditional summer camp schedule, this camp focuses on our thrilling adventure activities, including the ropes course, sailing on the James River, and more.
With a more relaxed structure than our typical camps, Adventure Camp is perfect for those who love variety, new challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Join us for a week of fun, freedom, and adventure you’ll never forget!
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Camp Objectives
Chanco seeks to be a re-telling of the story of God’s love for people through His gifts of nature, personhood, relationships, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
#1
To provide an opportunity to learn to better appreciate one’s self and others.
#2
To provide opportunities for spiritual growth and greater understanding of the Christian faith.
#3
To relate the camper to the natural environment for greater understanding and appreciation.
#4
To develop skills which have carry-over value the camper’s home life.
#5
To develop an understanding of community living and community cooperation.
#6
To provide an enjoyable experience in the outdoors.
#7
To provide a safe environment in which the camper can function to the best of their potential.
#8
To maintain and incorporate the objectives of the American Camp Association (ACA).
About Us
Camp Resources
Camp Schedule
Camp Registration
Specialty Camps
Packing List
FAQ
Retreat Resources
Rates & Pricing
Rates Packet
Guest Planning Guide
Lodging Pack
Music
Get Involved
Contact Us
Chanco on the James
394 Floods Drive
Spring Grove, Virginia 23881
(888) 724-2626
[email protected]