New Testament Theology and Mt. Washington (Week 15 & 16)

Welcome back to the blog! Semester 2 here at the Kaleo Program is officially underway. There has been so much that has happened already; God has moved in incredible ways, and we've experienced so much community and adventure! Let's take a look at exactly what the students have been up to:

Introduction to New Testament Theology

After we welcomed the students back from Christmas break on Sunday they jumped straight into a class week with Wes Olmstead on Monday. The next five days were filled with lots of learning, questions, revelations, and biblical insight. Wes took the students on a journey through different gospels, letters, prophecies, and stories to help capture the heart of Jesus and the Kingdom that he brought to Earth. Although the days were long, the students learned so much during class and pressed into Wes' vast knowledge and wisdom of the Bible. By the end of the week their brains were full and their energy was spent. 

Over the weekend the anticipation for the upcoming trip was building so to refocus on God they held a spontaneous worship and prayer night. There was lots of sharing, praying for each other and a safe trip, and worshipping God. It was a great way to bond together and grow close to God. The students also held an evening service on Sunday night and watched a church service together. 

Mt. Washington Ski Trip 

The next morning everyone was up bright and early and we headed to Mount Washington. Once we made it there the first thing we did was go snowshoeing. Everyone strapped up, grabbed lunches and headed into the bush. We followed a similar trail that we took for our hiking trip in the first semester. The valley we were in was gorgeous and the weather was perfect for our hike. Once we arrived at our lunch spot the students took a break, ate lunch, and then were split into teams to for a quinsy building contest. (A quinsy is basically a snow cave used for survival purposes in case somebody had to spend a night in the forest). The students were then judged based on survivability, aesthetics, and presentation of their quinsy's. To wrap up our break we had a backwards snowshoe race before we headed back to the vehicles. That evening was spent hanging out in the lodge, playing games and encouraging each other. Each night of the trip we intentionally spent time encouraging and uplifting all of the students and leaders individually. It was a really cool time to pour out God's truth on the community and it served as a huge community bonding moment.

The next day was our first day on the slopes. Everyone was up early again getting ready for the day. Once everyone had all their gear and passes we hit the mountain. Although the conditions on the first day weren't the greatest it was still a ton of fun getting to ski and snowboard! There were lots of people learning for the first time and lots of people who were seasoned veterans. After a long day of shredding on the slopes everyone retired to the chalet - exhausted, sore, but content from a good day of skiing. That evening was also spent hot tubbing, playing more games, and encouraging each other. Each encouragement night was extremely powerful and we saw God knock down pre-existing walls/lies that had been built up in people's minds. 

The third day of the trip was our day off. We got to sleep in, rest our sore bodies, and spend the day hanging out in community. There were SO MANY board and card games played, people went hot tubbing, took naps, and enjoyed each others presence. There were a few students who built a snow jump behind the lodge and practiced tricks, etc. The evening was, similarly, spent encouraging and uplifting each other. For supper we ate like royalty; indulging in steak, mushrooms, and potatoes. The next day we were back on the slopes.

In contrast to our first day skiing and boarding the second day on the mountain was beautiful. It was warm, sunny, and mostly dry! Lots of the learning and progress from the first day directly translated into success on the second day. People were hitting jumps, doing tricks, and simply killing it. It was an absolute blast to be able to ski and board with everyone. The view of the mountain range and the valley was also gorgeous and it was a real testament to our Creator! After our last day on the slopes it was more of the same in the evening; games, relaxing, hot tubbing, and encouragement. It was a great day and a very cool way to cap off the trip. 

The final morning we all packed up the lodge, cleaned and headed back to camp. Unfortunately we did have a little van trouble so a few of us had to stay back an extra little bit, but we made it back safe and sound in due time! Overall the trip went fantastic and it was a huge answer to prayer. Thankfully no one got sick or too terribly injured and everyone was able to go! 

What's Next

This past weekend the students have been studying for their final exam from their New Testament class. This upcoming weekend they are running a youth night for the Cowichan Valley and they have some remaining homework to finish up in the weeks ahead.

Prayer Requests

• Thank God for an amazing trip; for the health and safety we had, for the awesome community we experienced, and for the beauty of His creation.
• Healing for the students that did injure or re-injure themselves.
• Continued growth together as a community and growth closer to God. 
• Continued protection from Covid as a community.

Thanks for reading this edition of the blog. See you back next time for our next Kaleo update!

Christian Theology and Wrapping Up Before Christmas (Week 13 & 14)

Welcome to the final blog post of the semester. The last week and a half of the semester has been busy; let's take a look back at what they've been up to:

Introduction to Christian Theology

Last week the students were in their final class of the semester with Merrill Dyck. They learned all about the Trinity, Calvinism, Arminianism, End Times, and so much more. As part of the class the students participated in the Great Debate (an assignment where they were given topics, teams, and sides of an argument to create) which took lots of time and dedication. The debate happened on Friday morning. There were two separate debates and two teams that debated each topic. All four teams did a really good job and made really good points on both sides of the arguments. After the debate, the students had their final exam on Friday afternoon. It was a long week but a good one and the students were definitely excited to be finished. 

Wrapping Up

In the last few days of the semester the students have had a lot of various activities going on alongside of their homework. On Saturday evening, we had a spike ball tournament that served as a good break from homework. We made teams, competed, and eventually crowned a champion! It was a lot of fun. Monday morning we had our gift exchange. Each student and leader had to get a mug that somehow represented themselves and wrap it. After the exchange we revealed who's mug was who's and committed to pray for the person who's mug we had chosen/stolen each time we used it! 

Monday night we had a talent show. Both staff and students participated and it was such a fun event. There was lots of humour and talent on display that night. We had lots of musical performances, slam poetry, water chugging competitions, skits, and even a light saver battle! Everyone had a blast and it was a great way to bond as staff and students before the break.

The last two days have been chalked full of homework. The students have two big research assignments due before they leave for home so everyone is working hard to finish these projects! Both the guys and the girls had one final small group on Tuesday night to finish the semester. The guys fasted and prayed during the day and broke fast together at Subway! It was a really cool way to reflect back on all God has done this semester and pray for strength over the break. The girls had a competitive scavenger hunt, watched Olaf the Movie, and went to McDonald's. This was also a great way to bond, spend time together, and take a break from the constant homework. 

As students are starting to leave for the break, everyone is excited for some much needed rest, reuniting with family, and celebrating Christmas. We will definitely miss our students over these two weeks but we are really excited for when they come back refreshed and ready for semester two! 

Prayer Requests

• Prayer that students would get much needed rest over the break.
• For opportunities to share all the ways that God has been teaching, stretching, and growing the students.
• Safety traveling and protection from COVID.
• That students will lean into everything God has for them in the second semester.

Thanks for checking in for the last blog of the semester. We hope to see you back in the New Year!

Guys/ Girls Day, Rock Climbing and Christmas Festivities (Week 11 & 12)

Welcome back to the blog! The last two weeks have been filled with lots of different activities, events and homework. Here's what we've been up to:

Old Testament Wrap Up

Following the class week the students had a few more assignments to complete before they were officially done the class. One of those was their final exam which they wrote on the Monday following their class. The second assignment was their first major research paper of the year. The students had until this last Saturday to finish it up and hand it in. There was definitely some stress around the paper but it was really cool watching their ideas turn into writing and seeing how they learned from this assignment. There was definitely a sense of relief once it was finished. 

Guys/Girls  Day

On the Tuesday following the class week the students had Guys and Girls Day. This day is designed to be a fun bonding experience with fellow students and a nice break from homework. 

This year the guys started their day off with a sunrise hike at Stoney Hill (a beautiful lookout over the ocean). Although it was early, the view was immaculate and it was a nice way to ease into the days activities.

 

After grabbing breakfast at Tim's on the way back, the guys started a four part challenge that would run throughout the day. There were four teams and each team had a running score so that there would eventually be a grand champion. The first challenge was a minute-to-win-it relay that consisted of a variety of different tasks including some gross eating and blindfolded puzzles. 

 

Following the relay was a Kaleo trivia challenge where the students were tested on their knowledge of past, present, and future Kaleo trivia. Although seemingly harmless, the trivia got very intense! Once the trivia challenge was complete we piled into the bus and headed to Victoria where the Flying Squirrel trampoline park awaited us. Upon arrival, they guys spent the next hour flipping, jumping, dunking, and having a ton of fun! It was a great time to challenge one another and experience a lot of joy through exercise. Following the trampoline park, we made a quick stop at Drum-roasters coffee shop, and then headed back to camp. We picked up where we left off with the competition after supper. The next challenge was a lip sync battle where all four teams went head-to-head in a one-round battle. Finally, to finish the challenge off, we had a Spike-Ball tournament. There was some very impressive talent on display and it was a very intense tournament!

Crazy enough, after everything was said and done, there was tie for first on the overall scoreboard. So naturally we broke the tie with a game of mini-sticks (hockey, but smaller)! We finished off the evening with hot tubbing and a beach fire! All in all it was a great day and the guys had a lot of fun. 

The girls similarly started their day off with a sunrise breakfast down at the dock! It was great way to begin the day with fellowship over a meal and instant bonding. 

Following breakfast, they had a chance to relax in the hot tub and enjoy a very easy-going morning. Once everyone had the opportunity to soak their bones, the girls headed to town to go thrifting and skating! The thrifting was chaotic, energetic and a lot of fun! Each girl was given an allowance of what they were able to spend and so their decisions on what they would buy were weighed very carefully. After they were done shopping they headed over to the rink to skate. Because it was a weekday, there was basically no one else there! There were crashes, synchronized skating lines, vlogging, and definitely some showing off! This was also a great bonding experience paired with fun exercise! 

As soon as the girls finished skating there were McDonalds happy meals waiting for them in the parking lot. What better way could you celebrate an awesome skate session than with a burger, chicken strips, fries, and a pop! Then the girls headed back to camp where they had a chance to rest a little before heading over to our camp guest house where 13 beautiful golden retriever puppies were waiting for them! For the next hour they cuddled, played with, fought over, and loved the puppies. This was definitely a highlight for a lot of the girls! 

After puppy time, the girls made tacos for supper, played games in the guest house, had a beach fire, and had sharing time. It was a great way to wrap up the day and the girls were able to have fun and encourage each other at the same time. 

Christmas Festivities

Also during the week following the Old Testament class was preparation for Christmas. Thursday morning, everyone gathered in Club Coco for decoration making, hot chocolate, and Christmas vibes. There was an incredible amount of talent on display with some students making some very impressive decorations and appearances from a variety of biblical icons! It was a really fun morning spent in community, hanging out by the fire and listening to Christmas music. Because it was raining, we postponed our Christmas tree hunt until the next morning. So Friday we drove to a logging rode, split the students into teams, and the competition to see who could find the best tree began. Alongside the tree was a presentation, and based off both the quality of tree and presentation, a winner was chosen. That afternoon, we set up the tree, hung lights and decorations, and listened to more Christmas music! 

To conclude the Christmas theme of the past two weeks we had a Christmas banquet with staff and students this past Thursday. Everyone dressed up really nice and the dining hall was decorated to fit the season. The kitchen made an amazing dinner with turkey, ham, potatoes and much more! It was a really fun evening eating and sharing stories of our own Christmas traditions. To finish the night there was a ton of photos taken!

Men's Retreat

Due to COVID, the only retreat that camp ran this fall was Men's retreat which took place last weekend. Because of one of the courses the students are in, they had to serve at this retreat. Many students were serving in the kitchen, on the dish team, in the challenge course, leading activities, hosting, and more. It was a great opportunity to serve and show God's love to the men staying at camp!

Rock Climbing

This last Tuesday was our final out trip of the semester. We went for a short hike in the morning to Stocking Creek waterfall after we had grabbed coffee at a local cafe. It was a beautiful river and the waterfall was roaring after all the rain we have been getting. After the hike we drove up to the Romper Room in Nanaimo. Once there, we spent two hours bouldering, climbing and absolutely destroying our muscles and calluses. It was a lot of fun and the students were pushing each other, encouraging each other, and seeing who could climb the hardest routes! To wrap up the day, Randy gave a short devotional in the parking lot and then we headed back to camp. 

 

What's Next

This week the students are taking their Introduction to Christian Theology class with Merrill Dyck. Following that, they will have a few days to finish up homework and then they are heading home for Christmas break. 

Prayer Requests

• That the students who are feeling stressed over the homework would have peace.
• For physical healing for some of our students who are dealing with sickness and injuries.
• For continued growth as a community and a heart to follow Jesus. 

Thanks for reading the latest update. Keep checking back in for more information about the Kaleo program!