Chanco on the James
Private
Chanco on the James is an ACA-accredited Episcopal residential camp on more than 100 wooded acres along the James River in Spring Grove, Virginia, running continuously since 1968. Its overnight sessions serve boys and girls ages 8-16 with low and high ropes, a zip line, boating (kayak, canoe, paddleboard), sailing, swimming and nature education, plus one- and two-week and specialty sessions.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Chanco on the James directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★Tommy SitzlerFood was not very good. Tacos, boiled chicken with sauce, Mexican again with mystery meat and boiled chicken, boiled chicken again, to tough to chew had to throw it out. Breakfast was cold waffles, cold sausage, cold potatoes, butter was frozen and would not melt. Lunch not any better.
★★★★★Ashley UrquidiWe all love Chanco, from the people to the views!
★★★★★Russell SmithMy great grandson always looks forward to going, and based on him telling others about his experiences, his sister, who just turned 8 is looking forward to summer camp this year.
★★★★★Happy GirlWe tried a one week session to see how my son would like camp. We picked him up today and he wanted to stay longer! He said he had the greatest time swimming, making friends, tons of activities. He also said he wants to pray every night. Thank you to the counselors who made his time memorable! Two weeks next year!
★★★★★James PI'm a little biased on this. I love Chanco, I went for summer camp as a child and teen. My children attend camp there now, and my mother went when she was a teen. The focus is on the kids and building a community, they have the usual summer camp activities,swimming, sailing, archery, and ropes course, and it's set in the woods of Surry county. Over the last few years there have been improvements to the conference center facilities, and the food is pretty good too.