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 19 of the last 20 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.”

Julie Young, Assistant to the Camp Director
Julie is a 5th grade teacher in Chesapeake, Va. Julie has her master’s degree in education and has applied for her national board certification in teaching. Julie contributes many hours to Chanco in many different ways. She sits on the Board of Directors for Chanco on the James as well as the Happening Board. Julie has held many different positions on Chanco summer camp staff from 1998-2002 and was a camper prior to that time. Julie states, “Chanco has always been there and made a difference in my life. I am very happy to be able to give something back and make sure it is there for others.”

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 second summer working at Chanco and his first 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!