Chanco is home to conferences, retreats and youth programs.

Groups from within the Episcopal church diocesan family, area business organizations and other church and non-profit groups enjoy the opportunity to learn, grow and work together at Chanco’s facilities. Some examples of the groups who have held their events at Chanco on the James include:

Cursillo and other faith-based groups

Chanco has been home to the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia’s Cursillo group for many years. Cursillo is a wonderful opportunity for adult men and women to gather and learn. Some Cursillo weekends are dedicated to men, women or concurrent group. Cursillo is “a short course in Christianity”. The Cursillo weekend is a three day experience of talks, small group discussions, worship and singing. For information on Cursillo weekends at Chanco or for an application, go to www.cursillodsv.org.

Clergy conferences and Fresh Start

Chanco is the perfect location for clergy conferences and meetings such as the monthly Fresh Start program. Fresh Start is a resource for clergy and congregations in transition and is a diocesan-led program for clergy who have recently been called to a congregation/new ministry. The Fresh Start program seeks to strengthen the relationships among clergy, congregations, and the diocese during this critical period of transition in clergy leadership of the congregation. Therefore, Fresh Start is aimed at all clergy, no matter how long they have been ordained. For information on the Fresh Start program held at Chanco, go to www.diosova.org.

Youth events

Youth programs from Episcopal churches and other organizations enjoy Chanco as a place to gather and enjoy an opportunity to meet, learn and do some fun outside activities.  Chanco’s pavilion, ropes courses, zip lines, small group meeting rooms and other spaces allow for youth to work as a team and enjoy a weekend in God’s nature.  Our economical chalets allow for large youth groups to utilize Chanco in the spring, summer and fall.

Church, vestry and women’s group retreats

Many parishes and church-affiliated organizations retreat to Chanco on the James to enjoy time away from outside distractions to complete the work at hand. Business meetings combined with educational opportunities, walks along the beach or through the grounds, family dining and worship services allow for the perfect opportunity to reconnect, reflect and become refreshed to tackle new programs and services. Some of the faith-based organizations that frequently visit Chanco include Bruton Parish Church, New Birth Ministries, The Costal Community Church, and United Methodist Family Services.

High school, middle school and college programs

Chanco hosts numerous school groups including the Hampton University JET Corp and Christchurch School. The JET Corp is a unique partnership with the cities, schools and university officials with youth, ages 14 – 17. These students participate in a curriculum that places emphasis on the enhancement of a strong work ethic, education, discipline, spirituality, goal setting and character. Chanco provides a learning atmosphere that includes team building, activities through an accredited ropes course, team sports such as volleyball, soccer, swimming and others, exploration of self and environment, and space for group meetings and reflection.

Family reunions

There are more than a couple of families who have discovered that Chanco is perfect for their annual or semi-annual reunion! There is room for everyone, dining for the whole family, a pool, canoes, volleyball and other activities that will appeal to all ages.

Business meetings and professional retreats

Since Surry County is not in the heart of any business district, business organizations enjoy hosting their meetings and conferences where interruptions are kept to a minimum (cell coverage allows for some interruptions to get through, we admit). William and Mary College and Conservation International are some of the professional organizations who use the casual “family-style” meeting space or the conference room areas to conduct their meetings and presentations. Internet access, AV projectors, CD/DVD players are all available with an easy walk to the dining hall for refreshment or to a room for overnight stay.