Prayer and Leadership Week (Week 6)

Welcome back to the blog! This last week the students were in their prayer and leadership week here at camp. It ran from Tuesday until Friday morning and it was filled with longer chapels, leadership workshops, and non-stop prayer (literally)! 

The chapels were run by Korey (Kaleo Leader) and Tristan (Associate Qwanoes Director) and were mostly focused on hearing from God and biblical ways to enter into his presence. The students were challenged with different practices and given the opportunity to immediately put them into action. 

Alongside the chapels the students had three different workshops with Ben Laird, Krista Penner, and Korey. Ben's workshop focused on practical ways to lead like Jesus. He explored how Jesus' leadership was driven by humility, it was people centred, servant minded, kingdom oriented, and restorative in nature. He compared the leadership qualities of the world to the type of leaders that Jesus calls us to be and how different they are. 

On Wednesday, Korey led his worksop down at the dock. He had the students participate in an exercise that illustrated how life can be extremely draining and how essential it is to incorporate things that 'fill your bucket'. It was a hands on workshop that saw students competing in a relay race to fill a five gallon pail the fastest. Students were so dedicated to winning that they carried water in their mouths and in rain jackets and it was hilarious to watch! Korey challenged the students to commit themselves to certain things that are 'fills' in order to stay spiritually and emotionally healthy. 

Krista's workshop dove deep into personal insecurities with the students. She explored how pride is directly linked to insecurities and when we start thinking too much about ourselves we are discrediting the work that God has done in our lives. This workshop challenged the students a lot as Krista shared her own insecurities which exposed different things in the students lives. It was very real and relevant and the students had an opportunity to ask Krista more questions over lunch.

Throughout the entire week the students were also praying almost 24 hours of the day. We had a guys and girls prayer room set up that the students used and on Tuesday the students signed up for three or four one-hour prayer blocks throughout the week. These blocks were spaced out all hours of the day and the only times students weren't in the prayer rooms were during meals, chapels and workshops. It was really cool to see how the students dove into the presence of God and put into practice everything they had been learning. 

On Thursday evening we had small groups with the girls and guys together and had a fun evening of charades, Pictionary, and mini-sticks (hockey), while still learning together and praying as a group. 

The week was finished off on Sunday night with a student led dance. It was a great way for the community to bond and have fun together after an information heavy and mentally exhausting week. 

This week we are embarking on our surf trip to Tofino and next week we have our Love Crofton event. We could really use prayer for protection on this trip, health for our students, continued bonding and growth as a community, and that the students would dive into what they learned this last week and continue to grow closer to God and what He has for them this year. 

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for our next Kaleo adventure!

SALTS (Week 5)

Welcome back to the blog! Yes, it's only been one week since the last blog, but what a week it has been! Let's take a look back at all the adventures that went down in the last eight days:

Thanksgiving Dinner

On Monday evening the staff and students gathered in the dining hall and enjoyed a banquet together. We shared things we were thankful for, lots of laughter and great food. It was a great way to connect as a camp community and thank God for all he has given us and done for us. 

Note: This year due to COVID-19 and our large class size we had to split the class in half for the sailing trip, so SALTS 1 was from Tuesday until Friday and SALTS 2 was from Friday until Monday.

SALTS 1

On Tuesday morning, half of the class started their sailing trip. We met the crew in Victoria, got rapid tested for COVID, and departed on the boat. Almost immediately after leaving Victoria we were experiencing what we had been looking forward to for weeks now: the wind in our faces, raising sails as a team, being propelled through the ocean without an engine, enjoying a pod of porpoises that were breaching beside the boat, and some of us throwing up lunch because of a lack of open ocean experience! It was a crazy first few hours and we were all very tired by the day's end. Before we officially called it a night, we gathered as a group for songs, worship, chai tea lattes and testimonies. It was a really great bonding experience hearing the students open up about their lives, sharing how God has worked, different struggles and trials they have faced, and how they ended up here at Kaleo. Day 1, although not quite over, was a big success. 

The thing about living on a boat is that it can never go unattended. So throughout the whole trip there are always people on watch. This means that throughout the night there are two people who get up and watch the boat for an hour before switching with the next group. Although it was always a struggle to drag yourself out of bed, this time led to great conversations and more individual bonding within the group. 

Wednesday was a great day. It was filled with beautiful weather, man over board drills, climbing the masts of the boat, knot tying, following and watching a pod of humpback whales, and going on a day hike. The students had a great time launching and rowing dories (small boats) to get to the beach because the feeling that you were going to flip is pretty constant even though it is basically impossible. That evening was again filled with songs, worship, an off-brand version of charades, hot chocolate, cookies and more testimonies. Day 2, awesome experience.

Thursday was a little bit of a cooler day but because it was pretty windy in the morning we were able to sail immediately after lifting the anchor. We raised all of the sails and tacked into the wind and out of the bay that we had anchored in and we sailed north through the gulf islands. This was definitely a more chilled out day spent sailing all afternoon, hanging out, doing more climbing and simply enjoying the experience. We anchored beside Galliano Island before supper as we prepared for our last night on board. Again this evening was spent in worship, playing a modified hide and seek game, London fogs, caramel popcorn, and finished sharing testimonies. It was an awesome last night. Day 3, chill vibes.

Finally on Friday we lifted our anchor and headed back to camp where we would end our portion of the trip. While we were en route the crew split us into teams and we cleaned the boat, packed up our stuff and got ready to dock at camp. It was a bittersweet trek as we were ending our time on board the Pacific Grace but we were definitely excited to shower, put on fresh clothes, and catch up on sleep! By the end of the trip it was extremely obvious how the group had grown together, been stretched out of their comfort zone, and had a ton of fun. Overall the trip went really well.

(Not) SALTS 2

The original plan was to have the second group switch with the first group at the Qwanoes dock. Like the first group, they had to get rapid tested and test negative for COVID before getting on the boat. Unfortunately, one of the students tested positive and due to various circumstances and policies we were unable to proceed with the second sailing. So instead of spending three days on a boat we came up with a new plan in order to connect and grow together as a group, experience new things together, and have fun together. 

Our first planned event happened on Saturday. We headed up to the Nanaimo pool and spent two hours swimming, sliding, diving, flipping, and relaxing together. As soon as we were done swimming we drove back to Duncan where a reservation at Boston Pizza was waiting for us. We ate together, chatted and began to share testimonies when supper was finished. And then we were off to our next event which was bowling! There were some intense rivalries, competition, and talent(?) that was on display at the bowling alley. Some of us are definitely more gifted at this activity than others but we definitely all had a good time. To finish the night we grabbed hot chocolate from Tim Hortons and shared more testimonies back at camp. It was definitely a long, exhausting day but it was still a lot of fun! 

Sunday was spent going to church, hanging out at camp and in the evening we had a games night with both SALTS groups. This was a great connection point for all students and it was fun to see certain peoples' competitive sides come out over games like Clue, Monopoly, Secret Hitler, and Dutch Blitz. We enjoyed more hot chocolate and great company. It was a very relaxing day and a nice time to hangout as a group. 

The last day of our "trip" was Monday. In trying to do something similar to SALTS we decided to take the group whale watching in Victoria. So we boarded the boat in the Victoria harbour and took off into the open ocean in hopes of seeing some marine wildlife. It was a perfect day for whale watching; it was sunny, relatively warm, and not too windy. About half an hour into the trip we saw our first whale. It was only a brief couple seconds but we think it was a humpback. Although we didn't get a great look at it the anticipation was building as we wondered what we would see next. It only took a few more minutes before we crossed paths with a pod of orcas! For the next hour we followed them, watching them breach and blow and getting to enjoy how beautiful these mammals really are. For lots of our students this was the first time they had ever seen killer whales in person. It was definitely the highlight of the mini trip. After whale watching we headed over to Dallas Rd. beach where we played spike ball, football, had time hangout, enjoy the view and ate KFC for supper! To finish off our time together apart from the first group we headed back to camp and finished sharing testimonies. During these times we got to hear about each others lives and pray for each other as well. 

Looking back on the week it is obvious how God drew our students close together through the fun times and the hard times. He was working through testimonies, his creation, stretching students comfort zones, and even through the disappointment of not being able to go on the second sailing. We know that God has a plan for us and that his will is higher than our own even when we can't see it. 

What's Next

Currently the students are in their leadership and prayer week where they are learning all about hearing from God, the importance of spending time with Him and in His word, and obviously Christ-like leadership. Next week we will be embarking on a trip to Tofino where we will be surfing for a few days. 

Prayer Requests

• For the student who is in isolation with COVID. Thankfully she is physically feeling great, but pray that she wouldn't grow lonely and that she will use this time to grow closer to God.
• For the students that didn't get to go on SALTS, that this wouldn't be something that divides our community but instead that they can learn to be content in all circumstances.
• That God would be speaking to the students this week as they are diving into prayer and hearing from Him.
• Continued wisdom and guidance for the leaders as we prepare for the upcoming trip, for safety and that God's will would be done. 

Thanks for reading this weeks update! Check in again soon to stay updated on all of the Kaleo adventures!

Spiritual Theology, IYWC, and Camp and Youth Ministry (Week 3 & 4)

Welcome back to the blog! It has been a great last couple weeks with the students mostly in class. Lets take a look back at the last two weeks:

Introduction to Spiritual Theology

Last week the students had their very first class with Dr. Callum McFarlane who flew out from Briercrest to teach the class. The students had a great time learning from Cal and thoroughly enjoyed his class as a whole. They learned all about spiritual disciplines (rhythms to help us grow closer in relationship to God and practices that help us become more aware of His prescience in our lives), sanctification (becoming more like Christ) and the "already, but not yet" Kingdom of God! Among the class lectures the students used the evenings to memorize passages from the Bible for the class. Another part of the class that the students participated in was a silent retreat. Basically the students spent 20 hours in solitude, praying, fasting, reflecting, and slowing down to hear from God. It was the first time a lot of students had spent that much consecutive time alone in prayer and it was a great learning and growing experience for all of them. To end the retreat the students and leaders met on the dock and had communion led by Cal. It was a really cool way to reconnect as a community and remember what Christ has done for us. We then broke fast with some yummy pastries and fruit! The students wrapped up the class with an exam on Friday afternoon and just like that, they finished their first Bible college course!!

Island Youth Workers Conference

For the last few years Camp Qwanoes has partnered with Truth Matters Ministries to put on a one day conference to help youth leaders grow in skill, confidence and their own relationships with Jesus. This year the conference was held at Generations Church in Nanaimo. Some of the notable speakers were Cody Matchett, Sid Koop, Krista Penner, Ben Woodman, and many more. On the Saturday after the class all of the students and leaders attended the conference and it was a great day of learning and connection with other youth workers from the surrounding areas. Even through the craziness of COVID it was a great way to gather together, worship, and learn about leadership and Jesus!

Camp And Youth Ministry 

So after a long class week and a busy weekend the students had another class start on this last Monday! They are learning so much right now! It worked out really well because after Sid spoke at the conference he taught the students on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the first half of the class. They will have the second half in April to finish off the year. Sid was teaching the students all about programming, relationships, and leadership in regards to camp and youth ministry. He drew from a plethora of his own experience as well as program that his company, Truth Matters Ministries, has developed. It is always a huge blessing having Sid out and the students loved him. 

Moving Forward

Currently the students are working on homework from the last two classes. They have a long weekend this weekend with a Thanksgiving banquet on Monday and then we're off to SALTS!!!

Prayer Requests

• for continued healing for the students who were sick and/or injured on the hiking trip
• that the things they learned in the last two weeks would stick and start to transform them into the likeness of Jesus
• continued unity and growth as a community

Thanks for reading! See you back here for our next Kaleo update! 

Arrival at Kaleo and Mount Albert Edwards (Week 1 & 2)

Imagine, it's September 2021,  18 months since the start of COVID, and we are kicking off another year of the Kaleo Program in person! God is seriously looking out for this program. As of right now the students are in their first class, but so much has happened already. Let's take a look back at the first two weeks:

Welcome and Orientation (Week 1)

We welcomed 30 new students on the 15th and it was super exciting to see all the new faces and feel the excitement for the year to come. Students settled into their rooms, met their roommates and had a tour of their new home for the next 8 months. We also had a parent/student dinner on the first day. 

The next three days were spent full of orientations, welcomes, new faces and a beach party! The students were given the whole rundown of how Qwanoes runs, the vision of Qwanoes, and they were able to meet the year-round staff members. During the orientations they were also introduced to their Qords (year round staff members who are simply there as a friend for the students to love and support them throughout the year) and their church pastors (the students were divided into church groups and will be attending and serving at certain churches in the surrounding area throughout the year). 

On Friday and Saturday the students also had their challenge course workshop where they were taught how to run the challenge course here at camp and had the opportunity to do the activities in the challenge course as well. 

On Sunday the students attended their respective churches in the morning and had a packing party for the hiking trip in the afternoon. The excitement was definitely building as we were anticipating and getting ready for a fun trip starting the following morning. Unfortunately one of our students, with doctor recommendation, wasn't able to attend our hiking trip.

Mount Albert Edwards

Monday (Day 1)

The trip started off early Monday morning with breakfast served at camp at 6:30am. After breakfast we quickly gathered together as a class, prayed for the trip, and headed off towards Strathcona Park. After three hours of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigos, Tims coffee, and countless pee breaks we arrived at the base of our hike. For this trip the group was split up into four hiking groups. Two of these groups would hike to Kwai lake and stay the night while the remaining two groups would tack on an extra hour and half and stay at Circlet Lake. While hiking all four groups were able to share our testimonies within our hiking groups and pray for each other. We also had the great privilege of sharing the trails with plenty of Whiskey Jacks (birds). Let's just say not all of the trail mix was eaten by the students. Once we arrived at our respective lakes we set up camp and chowed down on KD and hot dogs! Also, it wouldn't be camping if there wasn't hot chocolate before bed, right? and then it was off to bed. Day 1: Absolute success.

Tuesday (Day 2)

If you thought we started early on Monday, you were wrong. Kwai lake was up and at 'em at 5:30 am in order to eat breakfast, pack up camp, and make the hike to circlet where the other group was waiting. The nice thing about being up that early is you get to see the sunrise, and it was BEAUTIFUL! Once both groups were together at Circlet Lake, the leaders had a meeting. Given the fact that it was crazy foggy and one of the students was experiencing allergies, the decision was made that instead of summiting we would do a day trip to Moat Lake instead! So we packed up our day packs, brought lunch, our snack bags and our good attitudes and headed to Moat Lake. Upon arrival we had time to hangout, eat lunch, enjoy the beautiful scenery and reveal the theme of the year! Korey led chapel, explaining what the year was going to look like and explaining the purpose of the theme and then revealed it to the students. *Drum roll please* .... "The Kingdom Life"! And the verse of the year is Matthew 13:44!

This year we will dive into what the Kingdom of God actually is and how we can participate in and be citizens of this Kingdom! Once chapel was over we headed back to Circlet Lake. Unfortunately, while we were hiking one of the students injured her ankle quite badly. She was unable to put pressure on it and was in quite a bit of pain. The rest of the students kept hiking while the leaders and a few students stayed back to figure out the next course of action. Once back at Circlet, the students gathered together and prayed that God would be working in this situation. Unfortunately, during this whole situation the condition of the student who was experiencing allergies deteriorated further requiring her to receive immediate help. Cue God showing up in massive ways. He lifted the fog almost immediately after the students prayed about it, he brought a helicopter an hour earlier than expected, he gave the leaders wisdom throughout the whole situation, and he bonded the group of students through it all. That evening those two students were taken to the hospital while the rest of us switched campsites, had supper, some students even went for a swim, drank Hot Chocolate, chatted, and shared joyfully with one another after a very long day.

 Day 2: Crazy, but God was evidently at work through it all.

Wednesday (Day 3)

Wednesday morning consisted of packing up camp, eating breakfast, having a devotional/reflection time, and then hiking down. Both groups ended up stopping briefly at Helen Mackenzie Lake on the way down and looking around you could see just how much the students have already bonded. At the end of the hike both groups met up in the parking lot, had bagels for lunch, and headed back to camp after a long trip.  The students and leaders alike were all exhausted from a crazy trip and everyone slept well that night. Day 3: Pretty smooth but a few more shenanigans to top off the trip, but overall you could call it a  success.

Post Trip

Since being back the students have been hard at work on homework for the class they are in right now. They have been growing together as a community and are very pumped for class this week! (Introduction to Spiritual Theology with Dr. Cal MacFarlane). 

Prayer Request:

• Continued healing for the students who were airlifted and for the student who missed the trip

• That God would be speaking to the students through the class this week

• Continued bonding and growing together as a community

• Prayer for any remaining nerves about the program as a whole

Thanks for reading! Catch you later for the next Kaleo Adventure.