Administration & Program Staff

Jim Sitzler, Camp Director

If you haven’t already, it is time to start thinking about summer plans and Camp Chanco is ready.  Camp Director Jim Sitzler knows what Chanco kids enjoy – he should – Jim has attended at least one session of camp at Chanco for 21 of the last 22 years.  Jim joined us as Camp Director in 2008 after serving as Program Director in 2007 and he brings a wealth of experience and energy to Chanco.  Jim promises that this year will be one of the best years ever for Chanco campers.  

Jim was a camper himself at Chanco from 1989 to 1998.  He was the proud rector of Happening #37 and an active member of the EYC while growing up in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.  Jim began working for Chanco as a counselor in 1999.  After attending Old Dominion University, he served as a volunteer youth minister at Christ and St. Luke’s in Norfolk and then staff youth director at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.  Since 2004, Jim served as the YMCA of Greater Richmond in adventure programs, youth and family program development, and more recently in After-School Child Care (using his vacation time to work at Chanco!).

“My life and its direction have been shaped by attending camp and the people I have met…,” said Jim in a recent letter to the Camp Chanco Alumni Association.  “This was all due to the adults before us who had the forethought to secure a place where we were allowed to grow, a place where we felt safe to succeed and fail and to realize who we are.  But more importantly, they gave us a place where we could find and develop our relationship with God.  It is God who is the ‘Spirit of Chanco’.  It is God’s voice we hear in the calling to support our youth,” Jim continues. “This summer will be one of the best for our staff and for our campers.  If we support this year’s staff and campers and provide the opportunities they need, then all we have to do is watch as God’s presence is made clear once again.”

Paul Gibson-Barton Program Director:
Paul will be spending his 5th summer here at Chanco on the James. Paul lives and works in England and has the beautiful accent to prove it. He spends his off time as a teacher in the UK and returns to Chanco each year to the delight of the staff and campers. Paul has added alot to the programs here at Chanco on the James and has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in Chancos recent history. When asked about his time here at Chanco paul had this to say, “Ello govna, I was chatting with me mates one day and we decided to head over the pond and visit with the yanks for a bit. So I rang my local camp recruiter and told them to give me a bell if they needed anyone. Two days later I was on a plane and bobs your uncle here I was. Now I really Fancy this place, it’s jolly good. Pip Pip Cheerio.”

Justin Young, Out-trips Director
Justin Young is a system integration specialist for Chesapeake Public Schools. Prior to this position he taught in the area school system. A Radford University graduate, this will be Justin’s third summer working at Chanco and his second summer as the Out-Trip director. Justin shares, “I have always loved teaching and I have always loved the outdoors.  Here at Chanco I get to put them together.”

If you know a child in your home, neighborhood or church who might enjoy Camp Chanco and would love to be a part of this wonderful team of counselors or attend this amazing camp experience, call us today!  It is never too soon to apply for Chanco summer staff 2010.  The CIT (Counselor In Training) program has been re-instituted for interested younger-aged counselors and will again be offered in 2010.  Call Chanco at 757-294-3012 for a camp registration form, brochure or counselor application!