A Treasured Champion for Chanco
I would like to take the time to recognize a person who is a cornerstone of Chanco
history. He has been a part of the camp and then conference center for years. He actually has the longest consistent involvement with Chanco with the exception of probably Charlie Hughes. His influence spans several decades and he has touched the lives of Chanco campers, staff members, parishioners in every convocation within our diocese, and far beyond.
Bill Taylor started coming to Chanco as a camper/conferee in the early 1970s. He quickly gained a reputation as easy-going and fun-loving and was one of those kids who seemed to have found a true home among the people and programs at Chanco. This was the time in his life when he heard the guiding voice of God. Inspired by the clergy and community he experienced, Bill answered the call to devote his life to Christ as a clergy in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
After seminary Bill eventually returned to Chanco as the Camp Director and EYC Youth Coordinator. It was an obvious choice due to his rich history at Chanco. Taking over after the monumental move from the old property to the new site six miles up the James River, he continued the time held traditions of the old camp. Bill brought his wife, Gayle, and baby son, Brice, to camp in the beginning. He made camp his 'home' and created a safe, family atmosphere reminiscent of Dave Davenport's time as Director. Bill made it his personal mission as Camp Director to expose the campers to the brand of Christianity that had inspired him in his youth. There are many great stories that can be told during the time of his tenure. Many of them are reported on the Chanco Once site by alumni.
When I briefly held the position, I inherited a huge box of photographs that had been taken during the 1990's through 2007. The box was at least ten pounds and had thousands of pictures. I had planned to make a slideshow for the 2007 Alumni Reunion using those pictures, and I remember that I had a hard time finding any pictures of Bill to include in the narration of Chanco through the years. In time, I realized that I couldn't find any pictures of Bill because he was the one behind the camera taking all the pictures. It was apparent that he prized his job and lovingly recorded the cherished memories of each smiling camper. I realized that this hefty box of pictures illustrated an extensive era of Camp Chanco and chronicled Bill’s enduring impact on thousands of campers.
As Bill retired from his guiding role at Chanco in December of 2006, there was modest fanfare from the Chanco Executive Board, the Bishop, or any of us. I for one did not know what to do or say at the time. Now, I want to recognize his life-endeavor to advance Chanco. As someone who knows the challenges and strains of running the show at Chanco, I can say very sincerely that Bill deserves all of our thanks and respect for his almost 20 years of hard work. He has seen Chanco Boards and Bishops come and go and he stands as a champion of our beloved camp and conference center. I raise my glass (of milk) to Bill Taylor as a treasured legend of Chanco. Thank you Bill!
With love and admiration - Boomer Somers
- Boomer Somers's blog
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Billy
Piss on me! I have only fond memories of Billy. Since my first staff meeting in 1981.... Camp and Billy have been the same. I have terrific memories of FOG, staff meetings and laughing, sharing, crying and living. Billy was my program director 1981 my first year on staff. He managed a transition period from Charlie to Dave. I love Billy and I wish his reign had been eternal. We all seem to change and grow apart from chanco. The blessing is that Chanco remains the same.
Billy
Last year my church finally received a new priest. His name is Jeff Bunke. He came to Ohio from Florida, but ironically, he attended a workshop and became good friends with Bill (Billy) Taylor. I was so excited. Finally, a connection to Chanco.
Hear Hear!
Hear hear, Boomer! I appreciated your tribute to Bill! And, Bill, I appreciated your response! I hope that you all are doing well in your new endeavors. I still hold fond memories of you and the rest of the Chanco community.
With warm regards,
Bruce
Bill
Bill has long been a Chanco unsung hero. Thanks for the tribute. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thanks Boomer!
Thanks Boomer for a wonderful tribute. I certainly appreciate your words of kindness and want to tell you how grateful I am to you for your willingness to carry on the story, albeit for the short tenure afforded you by the Chanco Board of Directors and the hierarchy of the Diocese. I certainly appreciate all you have done in the last year and a half you had. It certainly is not an easy task to say the least.
Camp Chanco has been a "holy" place for young and old alike through the years. The Directors of Chanco like Father Tom Burns, Charlie Hughes, and Dave Davenport; the Chanco Board, like Don Porcher, Palmer Rutherford, Bill Russell, Cindy Barnes; the Directors of the Youth Conferences in the summer and through the year, like Sally Sue Andrews, Stan Sawyer and Jim Smith, and so many who gave their time and energy influencing many young people to follow in the footsteps of Christ, not merely talking the faith but living it. These are folks indeed who personify the love of Christ, the Spirit of Chanco.
The people at Chanco, the campers and the staffs during my 15 years as Camp Director and then Executive Director were my inspiration for staying for so many years. From all those who worked on staff full time and part-time in the kitchen, those who worked in housekeeping, and maintenance, the Counselors and Program Staffs through the summers, and for the many people who tirelessly worked to let all who came to Chanco know that they were important, loved and cared for. For those who stuck by me when the going got tough, Kathy Taylor, Bryce Taylor, Erika Sikon, Charlie Hughes, Harry and Ann Worley, and Dave Davenport, and many others who care so deeply for Camp Chanco and its value to this Diocese, I give my heartfelt admiration, love and thanks.
As I always told campers on their last night during the Celebration of the Eucharist at Indian Night, when they are not there, when the people are not there, Chanco is just a bunch of sticks. It is when we come together as the Body of Christ, when our Spirit touches God's Spirit it is there the presence of Christ is finally revealed day after day and year after year.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will see to it that the value of Chanco rests not on what financial revenues it might bring in for the Diocese, but on the value in helping all God's children come to a better understanding of enduring friendship, a greater understanding of how Love is the true absolute of life, and a deeper knowledge of God in Jesus Christ. It is in this spirit that Chanco became a "holy place," "sacred ground," to literally thousands of young people. And it is in this spirit that it will continue.
To all those who brought life and love to me and my family throughout the years, thanks for the ride......not always smooth, but always faith filled and faithful. As always, I am,
Your most humble and faithful servant,
Bill Taylor
Thanks Bill...
Thanks for recognizing Bill Taylor's committment to Chanco over the years, Boomer. The spirit of Chanco is personified in people like Bill and you too Boomer. We are grateful Bill for your years of dedication to our beloved home, Chanco.
Jen Schroeder Alfano
From another Old Order of Chanco
Amen to that, Boomer. Couldn't have been written any better.
May God Bless - Evan W. Pierce
I found this picture of you and Bill and had to pass it along!
Wow 1985!
That was the last year for me as a camper. What a great senior high that was!! I still like the risque pictures of you, Chris Cohan and I (not to mention others who will have no political career after the pictures have been posted)!! Ahhhhh, the good old days of "Flex" and "The Look". Leslie Austin told me one time that she and Lori Long went on a retreat and penciled in the margin of a song book was "Flex with Evan". Haha. Man, i just can't wait to see everyone again.
I can't begin to tell ya how much Chanco drove me into playing music. Heck, I've been performing for almost 20 years around here.
Hope all is well with you and your beautiful family, Boomer.
Evan