Chanco: My Holy Place Erika Sikon

We have had many discussions in class about what makes a place sacred. My sacred place is Camp Chanco on the James. I get that indescribable spiritual presence when I am there. I love that place so much. It is an Episcopal Church camp located in Surry Virginia. I went there as a child with my church for family weekend ever labor day. I went there for summer camp for 7 years and at the age of 16 I worked there as a counselor. Camp Chanco has been in my family for years. My mom and aunt when there when they were little and my Grandfather helped create it and work on the board. Besides the fact that it is a holy place because it is an Episcopal Church camp, it is more than that. The Diocese holds many of their youth events at Chanco. I have been there for many Church youth events in past years and have grown in my spirituality and spiritual knowledge of the place. I have a picture that I believe shows “God” in the clouds during a Eucharist. I have felt closer to God there than ANY church I ever been too. You learn to appreciate nature, even the big scary wolf spiders when you are there. You make memories and friendships that you know could only be God sent. Chanco is a magical and holy place in my eyes. You can see more stars that you have ever seen. You can sit on the “beach” and listen to the water. You can be at the “bluff” and look out and see an eagle flying over the James River. My love for Chanco is indescribable as well as the spirit I feel when I am there.