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.

Jacob Asher

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Jacob has been involved in camp life for the past four years. He has benefited from the experience of various roles; including camp counselor, lifeguard, ropes facilitator, and program specialist at camps in North Carolina. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he attended Clemson University for his B.A. in History and M.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

He is excited to join the Chanco team as the new Director of Programs! Jacob shares, “I believe camp has so much to offer every child who attends. Camp allows us to continue sharing the love of God with our community in such a positive way!”

Don Carlson

CAMP CHAPLAIN AND DIOCESAN MISSIONER FOR YOUTH & COLLEGE MINISTRIES

Don began his career as a Junior Choir Director and soon fell in love with building programs and equipping volunteers with the gifts to lead Christian Formation and youth programming. He has served on a previous Bishop’s staff, and as a General Convention deputy, as well as attended two Episcopal Youth Events.

One of Don’s biggest passions is service and has had the honor of leading 19 youth mission trips in the USA, with the belief that the need to help others is right in our own backyard.

Don has been married to Kathleen for over 21 years, and together have an 18-year-old son, Mark. Don shares, “I look forward to being at Camp this summer.”

Ally

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

Ally studied creative writing and publishing at UNCW, and now spends her days teaching her Kindergarten class camp songs! She loves writing, cooking, hunting for shark teeth, and is a huge Swifty, which is perfect because this will be her 13th summer at Chanco! Ally’s held a lot of positions at Chanco, from Arts & Crafts to Aquatics, but she’s so excited to be coming back as Activities Director for a second year! She can’t wait to see you all this summer!

Catherine

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Catherine attends Longwood University as a Political Science major with a concentration in Pre-Law. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi and when she is not focused on her schoolwork, Catherine loves to dance and has been doing so all her life. She will be coming back to camp for her 7th summer!

“I am pulled back to this place year after year because of the fun and community it provides me. It makes me feel more connected to nature, God, and so many different experiences. “

Jerrard

HEAD COUNSELOR

All the way across the pond, Jerrard is from the town of Ash in the U.K. This will be his 3rd year on staff and he is super excited. He attends the University of Central Lancashire and is majoring in Sports Coaching and Performance. Jerrard loves cooking and has done it since he was a kid.

“I serve at Chanco because of the community associated with the place, from the first moment I arrived it just felt so natural so i want to give back to the place that offered me so many opportunities.”

Lulu

AQUATICS DIRECTOR

Lulu is currently a second-year student at UVA, studying Computer Science and Math. When she’s not focused on schoolwork, Lulu enjoys doing theatre and listening to music. You may have seen her in past summers as either the Projects Lead or one of our lifeguards. This summer, Lulu is excited to step into the role of Aquatics Director. With this being her twelfth year at Chanco, she can’t wait to return and see all of you!

Paige

ASSISTANT AQUATICS DIRECTOR

This will be Paige’s second year on staff and 10th year at Chanco! She is a student at James Madison University majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

“I am a member of Alpha Sigma Tau and when I’m not busy with my sorority and school work I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. I can’t wait to see you all this summer!”

Scout

LIFEGUARD

This is Scout’s first year working at Chanco, but she’s no stranger to camp life as she’s been going to camp for 9 years. Scout currently attends JMU and is majoring in Business Administration.

“When it comes to the outdoors, I love to surf and be in the water when it’s warm, and when it’s cold, I love to snowboard! I love to hangout with my friends as well as my family. I can’t wait to meet everyone!”

PJ

ROPES DIRECTOR

PJ, a Leesburg, VA native, is a familiar face at Chanco, returning for his seventh year on staff after seven years as a camper. He’s currently studying Physics and works as a cashier at the VA Capitol gift shop. PJ serves at Chanco because it’s a place that has helped him grow, and he’s passionate about giving that same experience to others, equipping them to be a positive presence wherever they go. He’s a big news buff, especially when it comes to video games, and loves to chat about current events—feel free to try to trick him with some fake news! His spirit animal is a St. Bernard: “I like being a big, lazy, secure lump people can lean on or run circles around, but I’m always eager to leap into action whenever someone needs help. And I really like hugs.”

Amelia

ARCHERY INSTRUCTOR

Amelia is a sophomore at William and Mary studying Psychology! Next school year, she will serve as the Junior Warden for the Episcopal Campus Ministry’s Vestry and currently serves in other leadership roles in her dance company and sorority! She loves running and spending time outside. She is so excited to return to camp for her second year on staff and fourth year overall!

“Chanco is the place I feel the closest to God. Living in nature and being surrounded by people that are committed to their faith is the most experience ever!”

Charlette

ARTS AND CRAFTS DIRECTOR

Charlie is currently attending VCU Arts. She majors in Kinetic Imaging and minors in Psychology. She enjoys developing and playing video games in her spare time.

“I am serving at Chanco to help the younger generation of kids feel inspired and empowered in their artistic journey.”

Patrick

MEDIA SPECIALIST & VIDEOGRAPHER

Meet Patrick from Leesburg, VA! This Shenandoah University student is diving into his first summer at Chanco, driven by a desire for a fun experience outside his comfort zone. When he’s not studying Film Production with a minor in Psychology, Patrick’s spirit animal, the elephant, guides his adventures. And if you’re ever looking for a movie marathon partner, just know he could watch The Batman (2022) on repeat!

Isabella

WALK AROUND COUNSELOR

Isabella is currently attending VCU and majoring in Communication Arts. A cool fun fact about Isabella is that she is professionally trained in singing opera! Isabella has been a part of the Chanco community for 7 years now—4 as a camper, and 3 as a staff member.

“I love the camp environment! It’s good for the soul, heart, and mind to be amongst nature and the wonderful Chanco community.”

It’s no wonder Isabella’s spirit animal is a wolf!

Sam

WALK AROUND COUNSELOR

Sam comes to us from sunny Oxford, UK. This summer marks his second year on staff as a Walk Around Counselor at Camp Chanco, and he’s eager for it to begin! Sam is a Music student at Durham University in the north of England, and in his free time, he enjoys rugby, rowing, and traveling.

Alana

COUNSELOR

This is going to be Alana’s 7th year at Chanco but first on staff. She is a sophomore at SUNY Potsdam in upstate NY, and she plays on the women’s soccer team there while studying business. Evelyn loves photography and spending time outdoors.

“I remember going to camp when I was little and how excited I would be every year when summer came around. I’m so happy that I’m able to rejoin this amazing community!”

Bryony

COUNSELOR

Bryony, from Swanwick, is a student at Ashfield Post 16, where she’s pursuing A-Levels in Psychology, Criminology, and Applied Biology. This summer marks her exciting first time on staff at Chanco, where she’s eager for a great experience and to learn new things. Bryony has an adventurous spirit, planning to work at an animal sanctuary in Africa for a month, and her spirit animal is the cat.

Maggie

COUNSELOR

After 8 years as a camper, Maggie is excited to join the Chanco Staff this summer as a Counselor. Her favorite movie is Mama Mia, and her spirit animal is the fox.

“I serve at Chanco because of the tight-knit community we have here—coming back is like coming back to a second family. Growing and helping others grow in faith and friendship is so special.”

Nadia

COUNSELOR

Nadia, originally from Poland, has a passion for spending time outdoors, working with children, and learning about new cultures. With experience in scouting and having attended many camps, she’s excited to share her passion and energy with campers this summer at Chanco. In her free time, Nadia enjoys reading books and doing lots of arts and crafts.

Grae

COUNSELOR

Heading to Virginia Tech this fall, Grae will join the Corps of Cadets and Honors College, majoring in International Relations with minors in German and Theology. After 8 years at Chanco as a camper, she is excited to return this year as staff. Grae also serves as acting President of the Diocesan EYC Board.

“I serve at Chanco because it’s a place where faith, friendship, and purpose all come together. I get to pour into others the same way others once poured into me, helping campers grow in confidence, community,  and Christ. There’s something special about unplugging, being outdoors, and serving alongside people who truly care.”

Maddox

COUNSELOR

A Staunton native, Maddox currently attends Blue Ridge Community College. With a experience as both a camper and staffer, Maddox serves Chanco simply because he enjoys it. Outside of his service, he has a passion for fishing, skating and creating YouTube videos. Maddox’s spirit animal, the wolf, embodies his independent spirit and dedicated nature!

Noah

COUNSELOR

Noah, from Chesapeake, VA, is a true creative! An Old Dominion University student majoring in Photography and Print Media, he’s also a talented photographer and artist. This will be Noah’s second year on staff at Chanco, building on 11 years as a Boy Scout. He’s passionate about all forms of art, playing guitar, drums, and bass, and excelling in 2D art through drawing, painting, and photography. Noah also loves cinema and filmmaking, having directed a music video and other projects, often exploring the connection between humans and nature in his work. He serves at Chanco to help create lasting memories for campers, just as his counselors did for him, highlighting the fun, growth, and beauty of spending time in nature.

Evelyn

INTERN

Evelyn is from Portsmouth, VA, and is currently a junior at Williamsburg Academy. She works at High Street Pizza in Downtown Portsmouth—a fun spot with great music and even better food. In the future, she’s hoping to study environmental science with a focus on teaching and leadership, especially in watershed and habitat conservation. Evelyn has volunteered at the Virginia Zoo throughout high school, working with some amazing animals (turtles are her favorite!) and helping with their education programs.

“This is my first summer at Chanco, and I’m so excited to be part of the team! I can’t wait to build new leadership skills, make meaningful connections, and learn from an awesome group of people who share my passion for the outdoors.”

Eva

INTERN

Eva, from Richmond, Virginia, is thrilled to come to Chanco for her eighth year—this time as an intern! She enjoys musical theater, art, poetry, and sushi.

Aydyn

INTERN

Aydyn lives in Hanover, VA, and has been part of the Chanco community for 6 years. A lover of music, sports, and time with friends, Aydyn runs track and plays soccer at school. He has a dog and 2 cats at home—all of them are a little crazy!