Chanco Once

So, I was just sipping some coffee and reminiscing about last years reunion and man, am I ready for this years! It is coming up fast and I am very curious about who is coming. So I said to myself, "Self, why not ask on the website to find out ." Myself relpied, "Great idea. You are a genius!" (Myself does not get out much and views me very much through a pair of severely rose colored glasses. Myself is also somewhat delusional. I have decided to find it charming.) So, without further ado - Who's coming? Post below and let me know. (Evan, I expect your name to be first!!!) And if you haven't registered, DO IT NOW! We need to fill up this joint quickly. And as we know from last year, space went fast. Click over this very minute and register. This is YOUR weekend and I want you all there! Then come back to this post and tell me who you are bringing. Call everyone you know who was there last year, and then call the folks who were not and light a fire under them, and do not take no for an answer. What are you bringing for crazy hat lunch? Who is going to be the medicine man for Indian Night? Will there be a FOG rolling in off the tranquil James? Are we too adult to still play winkem'? Let me know. Myself and I are dying to find out!

 OVER THE BLUFF WE GO!!!

Welcome to the Camp Chanco Alumni Association Smoke Signal, our online newsletter. This is our first virtual publication. Look for it from time to time for the latest news on all of the goings-on in the Alumni Association and Camp Chanco.

This edition has big news! Not only are we an official, legal organization, but there is a lot going on with us and at Camp Chanco. Come join us, pay your dues and check out the full text of our news letter. Here is the link to the full Smoke Signal:

http://chancoonce.com/files/Chanco-Smoke-Signal-0807.pdf

And while you're at it why not download and signup for the alumni reunion. Please fill out this form and email or mail it to Jenny Alfano at the address listed on the form.  The $50 deposit may be paid online.  We want to see you again this fall!

http://chancoonce.com/files/2008-alumni-registration-form.pdf

Our fondest regards,

The CCAA Board of Directors

Ann Krannitz, President
Jenny Alfano , Vice President
Tater Roberson, Treasurer
Chuck Alley, Secratary
Helen Somers, Director
Dave Belote, Director
Sarah Cargill, Director
Greg Willis, Director of Wizardry

p.s. A special THANK YOU to Helen, who literally spent many sleepless nights working on this!!! Without her, we'd probably still be wondering who was going to put together the Smoke Signal. Without us, she'd probably still be sane.  continue reading »

Dropping my son Anthony off for first session was like going back in time for me…..driving the back roads to camp (and narrowly avoiding certain death on some of the turns), unloading the footlocker (the same one I took to Camp Chanco for 8 years), finding out which campsite Anthony was in, meeting the counselors….  continue reading »

The only time I remember Dave Davenport put glasses on was when he got behind the wheel of the old white hearse.  Yep – Order of Chanco initiation night, old camp 1981 or so:  continue reading »

One of my favorite things to do on this website, aside from looking at pictures of myself, is to read through others memories of their summers in the woods. Any website that is proud to be home to an entry entitled “I think I was a Wookie,” has an intrinsic value that cannot be measured with existing technology. In my self-centered little world, I can sometimes forget that camp was firmly in place long before me, and continues on quite effectively today without my immediate presence. I am reminded by reading the fabulous stories of valor and wonderful tales of heroism that Camp transcends time, space and often basic moral decency. I have powerful and fulfilling relationships based almost solely on esoteric inside jokes that were conceived on the waterfront perhaps, and then cultivated to legendary status through careful retelling and deliberate repetition over these many years. Without these moments, my life would not be whole. I also enjoy the fact that there are others out there who share their own vivid, and sometime best forgotten, moments with all generations who have passed through Camp’s welcoming front doors. I originally wanted to share one of these with you, dear reader. I fear however, upon quiet reflection, that there are too many. Many’s the time that I thought that if I had more talent and could find a way to curb my superhero-like power of procrastination, I would write a book. This blog will have to suffice.  continue reading »

Ahhh, First session. Less than a week away. As a staff member, I loved first session more than any other. Since it is about to start, and my daughter will be attending (first time last year) I thought I would blog what I liked about it and see what some of your opinions are too. What is your favorite session?

Three main reasons that first session is my favorite:  continue reading »

Well, Chuck Alley, Jenny Schroeder Alfano, and I spent last Thursday-Saturday at Chanco with all of our children for part of Work Week, and there are a few things I think people ought to know about Camp Chanco... Did you know that there is no indoor plumbing in the living quarters at that place??  continue reading »