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. “

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!

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.”