SUMMER STAFF
Meet Our Summer Camp Staff
NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER 2024
Gareth Kalfas
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gareth has served as the Executive Director of Chanco on the James since 2013, holding the title of Missioner for Camp and Retreat Ministries for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Although Gareth earned a teaching certificate and a Bachelors’ Degree in mathematics, his career path has followed his passion — camp. Prior to his arrival in Virginia, Gareth served for five years at Camp All Saints in the Diocese of Dallas. Before entering into ministry in the Episcopal Church, he held positions working in wilderness therapy, junior sailing programs, and Scouting. Gareth and his wife, Lynn, live on-site at Chanco and made Cursillo #152 in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
Ally Kapasakis
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Ally currently lives in Richmond, Virginia and is an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. There, she studied Creative Writing. In 2024, she is coming back to Chanco for her 7th year on staff! Former positions have included walk-around counselor, arts & crafts instructor, and aquatics director. Ally shares, “Chanco was always my happy place growing up. It’s where I made all my favorite memories and met all my best friends. I want to be a part of helping other kids find that.”
Olivia Harrington
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Olivia currently lives in Hampton, Virginia and is an alumni of the University of Mary Washington. There, she studied Political Science and Theater. Olivia spent 5 summers here as a camper and this will be her 3rd summer on staff! Olivia shares, “I serve at Chanco because I genuinely enjoy helping campers find and foster their independence, while learning to live with others.”
Jerrard Taylor
HEAD COUNSELOR
Jerrard currently lives in Ash, England and attends the University of Lancashire. There, he studies Sports Coaching and Performance. In 2024, Jerrard is returning for his 2nd year on staff! Jerrard shares, “I serve at Chanco because the people you meet and experiences you share last a lifetime. It is truly a home away from home! Being able to share this with staff and campers makes it even more special.”
Cam Ballinger
AQUATICS DIRECTOR
Cam grew up in Suffolk, Virginia and currently attends Roanoke College where he studies Social Studies Education. In 2024, Cam is returning for his 11th summer! Cam shares, “Chanco is my spiritual home and my immersion into creation. I wouldn’t be here without my friends and campers that kept bringing me back each year.”
Lulu Wilson
ASSISTANT AQUATICS DIRECTOR
Lulu grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia and currently attends the University of Virginia where she studies Computer Science and Math. In 2024, she is coming back for her 3rd year on staff! Lulu shares, “I made some of the best memories of my life going to Chanco every summer as I was growing up. I want to give back to the community that gave me so much happiness and help campers make memories like I did!”
Hannah Austin
ARCHERY INSTRUCTOR
Hannah grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and currently attends Liberty University. There, she studies Digital Marketing and Advertisement. Hannah is returning to Chanco this summer for her 4th summer! Hannah shares, “I serve at Chanco because it is a great place to have fun and make lasting connections while serving the Lord.”
Joyce Pringle
ARTS & CRAFTS INSTRUCTOR
Joyce grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and currently attends Virginia Commonwealth University where she studies Art Education, Art History, and Painting. This is Joyce’s first year at Chanco, but has been a part of other summer camps for the past 3 summers. Joyce shares, “I love teaching, especially art, and am going to school to be an art teacher! This opportunity seems like it will be a great experience! I am excited to develop relationships with campers and watch them learn and grow. I enjoy having a relationship with Jesus, and I’m excited to grow within Him and watch those around me have the opportunity to do the same. I have experienced how great God’s love is and I hope I can offer a glimmer of that love to others.”
Noah Marano
MEDIA SPECIALIST
Noah grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and currently attends Old Dominion University where he studies Photography and Print Media. This is Noah’s first year at Chanco, but has been in the scouts since he was a kid. Noah shares, ” I serve at Chanco to capture memories for campers and their families to be able to look back at these amazing moments that could shape who they are in the future. I want to connect and create a great camp experience for everyone around me.”
Ainsley Van Camp
WALK AROUND COUNSELOR
Ainsley lives in Melbourne, Australia and currently attends Swinburne University of Technology where she studies Criminology. This is Ainsley’s first year at Chanco! Ainsley shares, “I’m so excited to experience the American camp lifestyle at Chanco on the James.”
Paula Zambrano Buitrago
WALK AROUND COUNSELOR
Paula lives in Ibague, Colombia and currently attends the University of Tolima where she studies History. This is her first year at Chanco! Paula shares, “I love working with kids and I want to be a teacher, so this will give me good experience! I can’t wait to live at camp and learn about other cultures!”
Jessica Hicks
WALK AROUND COUNSELOR
Originally from Chesapeake, VA, Jessica is currently pursuing a Biology BS degree at Hollins University. Jessica shares “I serve at Chanco to stay connected with the camp experience as an adult and to reassure kids that it’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers even as they grow older.” She has a pet snake named Waffles and says her spirit animal is “probably some kind of cat.”
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Contact Us
Chanco on the James
394 Floods Drive
Spring Grove, Virginia 23881
(888) 724-2626
[email protected]