Category Archives: Leadership Training

Activities, Events, Leadership Training, Q-Town & Music, Social Media, Summer Camp

Impossible To Wait A Year

Today is the last day of August and it is also the last full day of Youth Camp, our last week of summer camp for 2013. Youth Camp is our only week in the summer for Sr. Highs and we go all out for this week – taking the best of everything you experience in a week at camp and going beyond!

You never know what's going to happen at Qwanoes & that's especially true during Youth Camp! Is that really Captain Q?

Right now, the preparations are in full swing for our “It’s Time” banquet tonight. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, activities at Qwanoes Beach and the challenge course  and much more are open, and hundreds of Sr. High campers and staff are having an amazing time together!

What Is qrok.ca?

The qrok Tower has been a popular spot all summer long to hang out while the Squirrel or Stevie-G (Qwanoes’ Events Coordinator) DJ some music! Hear the sounds of summer  on qrok.ca, the finely-tuned web radio station of Camp Qwanoes.

Our Twitter conversation with a qrok listener from Nairobi

Even beyond the summer or wherever you are in the world, you can hang out with “the Squirrel” (Russ Smith) and let the music take you higher! We were excited to hear this month from a qrok listener in Nairobi, Kenya!

Be sure to visit “the Squirrel’s nest” where you’ll find contests, “Right Here, Right Now” Bible verses, more stuff, and you’ll just have to see what you find in “the kitchen!”

Quotes Of The Week

“I had such an amazing time! I love Qwanoes so much! I can’t explain what a great time i had at Junior high 4… everything was soo much fun!” ~ Jr. High #4 camper, summer 2013

Our sixth & final Glo Concert for the summer happened this week. Here's a moment from the Jr. High #5 concert!

“I miss this camp, this camp is next to impossible to wait a whole year to go to!” ~ camper, summer 2013

“This camp has totally changed my life.” ~ staff member, summer 2013 (who was previously a camper & leadership training program participant)

Playing some All Star Games together at Jr. High #5!

“Some of the best and most rewarding times as a parent for me have been experiencing the joy of my children after attending your camp… Thank you to the entire staff at Camp Qwanoes you help to create memories that will last a lifetime.” ~ father of Jr. High #4 camper, summer 2013

“‪@Qwanoes woke up to a beautiful sunrise the other morning. Forget Maui, I want to live here!” ~ staff member, summer 2013

We love being part of changed lives and of creating lasting memories here at Qwanoes!

Coming Up…

September 11: Kaléo Program Begins. After camp ends tomorrow, it’s transition time because 10 days after that our students will be arriving! We are looking forward  to welcoming each one and to kicking off the 2013/14 school year!

Speaking of the Kaléo program, are you looking for leadership training in a unique setting while earning one year of college credit? It’s not too late to apply for the upcoming Kaléo program year! To understand this “phenomenal” opportunity better, check out this video made by one of our 2013 graduates:

 

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Camp Staff, Events, Leadership Training, Q-Town & Music, Social Media, Summer Camp

Most Wonderful Week Ever

Enjoying the Aqua Rope Swing at Qwanoes Beach

We’re already well into August and what an incredible summer it has been so far at Qwanoes. We even had a rain-free July! We are so thankful for everyone that has come and for all that has happened… and we’re not done yet! We can’t wait to welcome everyone who is still coming this summer.

The last couple of weeks have been filled with campers and staff experiencing life like no other together at Juniors #2 and Jr. High #4. Our leadership training programs are going strong with many high school students taking part in Step-Out and our second group of CIT’s are in the first week of their program right now. Our LIT’s have already had their focused week of training and they are playing an integral role on our summer staff team.

Sharing some good times with new friends!

Camp is in full swing and it’s a pretty exciting place to be right now!

Quotes Of The Week

“If someday that my mere mortal life I go to Camp Qwanoes, I think I’ll have a heart attack of joy.” ~ tweet translated from Portuguese, summer 2013

“Thanks so much for the most wonderful week ever as soon as i left it seemed as if i was leaving my home and i really wish i could of turned around and came back cant wait to see you guys next year love you guys.”~ Jr. High #3 camper, summer 2013

High in the air leaping out onto the trapeze bar

“Never thought it would be this way but being staff here at qwanoes is more fun than being a camper #homeawayfromhome #stepout” ~ Step-Out program participant, summer 2013

“Camp Qwanoes is addicting you go to serve for a week and you just want to stay. You end up coming back again and again! #bestcampever” ~ Jr. High #3 staff member, summer 2013

Glo Concert happening once again at Jr. High #5!

Bikes, Wakeboards & More For Sale

Every summer we purchase some brand-new, high-quality Rocky Mountain bikes and water sports equipment, and sell them at the end of the summer in good used condition for great prices.

Water sports equipment available includes waterskis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and a wakeskate. Tournament wakeboard boats are also available. For more info please see this link.

Coming Up…

Our fifth camp for Junior High’s and our third camp for Juniors are  just about here. If you’re coming, we look forward to seeing you at camp very soon!

August 11-16: Jr. High #5.

August 18-24: Juniors #3.

Up, up & away!

Meanwhile, the countdown is on for Youth Camp… 16 more days!!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

Activities, Events, Leadership Training, Q-Town & Music, Summer Camp

It Means The World To Me

Our first week of camp with 8 to 11 year-old’s this summer, Juniors #1, is coming to an end right after lunch today. We’re so thankful for each and every child that has been with us this week!

Being blobbed at Qwanoes Beach during Juniors #1!

Each cabin of campers has had the chance to try a wide variety of activities this week. There has been something for everyone – from RC Speedway and Artrageous Crafts, to the SkyScraper in the Challenge Course, to the Aqua-Park and Fishing at Qwanoes Beach, to a whole bunch of other land and waterfront activities!

When not doing the activities, lots of events including last night’s Billy Blue’s Western Carnival have been going on. We’ve also been enjoying great music led by Russ Smith and our band Quixotic as well as challenging talks by this week’s speaker, Jonathan Headley, at Q-Town each day. On top of that, our first group of summer 2013 CIT’s has been putting all they’ve learned into practice this week as junior counselors.

It’s hard to capture in a few words all that has taken place this week! Some sad goodbye’s are going to be happening this afternoon!

Quotes Of The Week

“My little brother is there right now for his FIRST year at Qwanoes, I’m so excited for him, I know he will have the time of his life, and will make so many new friends for sure. Such an amazing Camp, and it means the world to me. I can’t wait till I go for youth camp at the end of this summer!!” ~ sister of Juniors #1 camper plus soon-to-be Youth camper, summer 2013

Singing together on piggy-back in Q-Town

“I was there just today. That camp has changed my life.” ~ Jr. High #2 camper, summer 2013, after getting home from camp

“I can’t wait for next year’s step out program when I’m old enough!” ~ Jr. High #2 camper, summer 2013

“@Qwanoes Coming for jh5 soon, so pumped! It’s always the highlight of my summer” ~ soon-to-be Jr. High #5 camper, summer 2013

What Is qrok.ca?

The qrok Tower is a popular spot to hang out while the Squirrel DJ's some music!

Hear the sounds of summer each week on qrok.ca, the finely-tuned web radio station of Camp Qwanoes. Even if you’re not at camp, you can hang out with “the Squirrel (Russ Smith) and let the music take you higher!

Be sure to visit “the Squirrel’s nest” where you’ll find contests, “Right Here, Right Now” Bible verses, more stuff, and you’ll just have to see what you find in “the kitchen!”

Coming Up…

July 20: Staff Development Day. This is a day set aside for staff to re-group, re-charge, and enjoy being together after three weeks of summer camp! We look forward to sleeping in, enjoying excellent meals, having a giant beach party, and being encouraged in a special evening Q-Town.

Welcoming our Juniors #1 campers to Qwanoes last Saturday

July 21-27: Jr. High #3. This Sunday, our third group of 12 to 14 year-old’s in summer 2013 will be arriving at Qwanoes! If you’re coming, we can’t wait to welcome you!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Camp Staff, Events, Leadership Training, Social Media, Summer Camp

Crazy Laughs And Choice Memories

A gorgeous morning on the first full day of Jr. High #1!

Summer has officially started here at Camp Qwanoes and the first week of camp, Jr. High #1, has been amazing! We’ve had a week of beautiful, very warm weather filled with lots of sunshine and blue sky.

Our brand-new RC Speedway being used by Jr. High #1 campers

Our brand-new activities including the Sky Station and Outdoor Laser Tag have been a huge hit this week, and we’ve really been enjoying our new RC Speedway track and new Archery location. On Canada Day we celebrated together at our giant Canada Day party with music, cake, a limbo contest, and fireworks! Last night our Kick Flip Café was open and we had the very first Glo Concert of the summer where we went bright, loud, and crazy.

An amazing fireworks display at our party for Canada Day

This week, we also have lots of leadership training with high school students going on as it’s the first week of our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program and the very first week ever of our brand-new Step-Out entry-level leadership training program.

Staff Training 2013

CIT waterski/wakeboard program orientation and fun times on Tuesday evening

Last week, we had a full week of Staff Training to get prepared for the summer ahead. The week was filled with instructional sessions in first aid, water safety, abuse response, counseling, activity skills, emergency procedures, and much more. In addition, we began to develop the unity of our staff team and a vision for what God wants to do through us this summer.

Our speaker for Staff Training was Sid Koop, a long-time speaker at Qwanoes, and Sid is also speaking this week at Jr. High #1. Our staff team this summer includes people from many countries around the world united for the purpose of loving kids to life!

Still Some Limited Space Available…

August 25-September 1: Youth Camp. The Ultimate Qwanoes Week… the perfect way to end your summer in style! For ages 15-18.

Heard on Twitter at the end of Youth Camp last summer:

“Had the most life changing amazing week at @Qwanoes this week and I can’t wait to come back for more!”…

“DEFINITELY one of the best weeks of my life at @Qwanoes. Can’t wait for next summer!”

Youth Camp info here. Very limited space is still available in some of our other camps as well.

NLS waterfront instructor trainer leading a lifeguard clinic at Qwanoes Beach during Staff Training

 

Quote Of The Week

There was huge excitement as buses filled with our Jr. High #1 campers rolled into Qwanoes last Saturday! In the words of one of our counselors from New Zealand:

“So I’ve been here for just over a week now and am flippin loving it! In this time I have met some of the coolest people and made some fantastic friends, had some crazy laughs and made some choice memories. There was an electric excitement in the air as all the kids arrived… that I had never felt before. The atmosphere here is too good! Camp Qwanoes, you are simply the best.”

If you’re coming to Jr. High #2 next week, we can’t wait to welcome you to Qwanoes!

 

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Family Programs, Leadership Training

Best Time Ever

Our Spring Family Retreat is on Right Here, Right Now! And in less than one hour, our brand-new Sky Station will be opening to guests at Qwanoes for the very first time! No matter where you are on this May long weekend, we hope you’re enjoying it.

Sid Koop speaking at our Young Adults Retreat

A Great Place To Come Together 

Last weekend, we had young adults from a number of different places in Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island come together for an amazing weekend away. Our speaker for the Young Adults Retreat was Sid Koop of Truth Matters Ministries who has been speaking to youth and young adults for more than a decade across Canada including at Qwanoes. We look forward to welcoming Sid back to speak at Staff Training in June and at our Jr. High #1 camp from June 29 to July 5!

Counselor Training Seminar participants in Qwanoes' Staff Lounge

Also last weekend we had our CIT Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop, LIT (Leader-In-Training) Training Weekend, and Counselor Training Seminar. The place was filled with high school students and young adults preparing to serve in key roles on our summer staff team and gaining valuable leadership training and experience. Click here for more information about all our  leadership training programs and opportunities.

Coming Up…

• May 24-26: Staff Leadership Orientation. On this weekend, those serving in staff leadership roles at Qwanoes this summer will come together for a vital time of team-building and to be better-equipped  for all that is coming in the exciting weeks ahead. We’ll be looking at the vision and goals of Qwanoes and keys to success as leaders. Plus we’ll be seeking to lay the foundations for kids to experience life like no other this summer!

CIT's trying to fit around one table last weekend!

• May 31-June 2: Family Work Weekend. This is a perfect opportunity for your family to serve together and experience Qwanoes all in one weekend – and there is no cost! Details & to register.

• May 31-June 2: Waterski/Wakeboard Instructor Training Workshop. This workshop is designed to help you develop skills that will enable you to coach waterskiing and wakeboarding—including lots of practical experience. More info here. Call or email us to register – space is limited (priority to summer staff applicants age 17 & up).

Quotes Of The Week

“CIT is the best experience of my life!”  ~ CIT, summer 2012

“Had the best time ever at camp qwanoes i wish i could have stayed there forever.” ~ camper, summer 2012

“I just spoke with my son…who had just left Camp today and told me it was one of the best weeks of his life!” ~ father of camper, summer 2012

Summer is coming! Hope to see you here!

There’s STILL SPACE AVAILABLE in all camps. Register now!

 

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Events, Family Programs, Leadership Training, Social Media, Summer Camp

Having The Time Of My Life

Enjoying time together at the SkyScraper at the Women's Retreat this past weekend!

So much is happening once again at Qwanoes this weekend!

A whole bunch of high school students and young adults are heading this way as our Young Adults’ Retreat begins this evening, as well as the CIT Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop and the LIT Pre-Summer Training Weekend.

The Countdown In On 

The countdown to summer 2013 is on and today is 50 more days until Jr. High #1 begins!

Qwanoes campers cheering for Canada during the London Olympics last summer. We look forward to bringing out our flags once again for Canada Day!

Registrations for summer continue to pour in – maybe the super-sunny, warm weather we enjoyed this whole past week is making everyone realize how close summer really is. The good news is that there’s STILL SPACE AVAILABLE in all camps so now would be a great time to register!

Speaking of Jr. High #1, did you know that this week of camp from June 29 to July 5 for 12-14 year-old’s is summer’s best value at Qwanoes? Jr. High #1 features the lowest prices of any of our Jr. High camps, even though it has everything offered at all the other camps – plus there will be a giant Canada Day party with fireworks!

Here’s a tiny glimpse of what it was like to be at our Canada Day celebration in 2012…

 

Coming Up… 

Training to be instructors last weekend at the Challenge Course Workshop.

• May 17-20: Spring Family Retreat. Families are invited to go on a memorable weekend adventure together this May long weekend! You will experience a well-rounded program with something for everyone in your family. A special feature is that we’re going to be opening our brand-new Sky Station to our guests for the very first time! We’ll even be having our first Billy Blue’s Western Carnival featuring “Challenge the Duck Hunt,” “Them’s A Snake In My Boot,” and much more. We really look forward to having Paul Johnson, the Lead Pastor at South Delta Baptist Church, as our speaker for the weekend. We’d love to have you and your family join us. Details and to register.

Thanks to the youth group from Ladner Baptist that helped with pre-summer work projects last weekend!

• May 24-26: Staff Leadership Orientation. On this weekend, those serving in staff leadership roles at Qwanoes this summer will come together for a vital time of team-building and to be better-equipped  for all that is coming in the exciting weeks ahead. We’ll be looking at the vision and goals of Qwanoes and keys to success as leaders. Plus we’ll be seeking to lay the foundations for kids to experience life like no other this summer!

Quotes Of The Week

“Loved experiencing my first Canada day with incredible people at Camp Qwanoes…” ~ International Jr. High #1 staff member on Facebook, July 2012

“…back from the best week of my life at Camp Qwanoes.” ~ Jr. High #1 camper on Twitter, July 2012

“…got home from camp @Qwanoes last night. had an amazing time. i recommend it to everyone.” ~ Jr. High #1 camper on Twitter, July 2012

“Having the greatest time of my life at Camp Qwanoes!!!” ~ Jr. High #1 staff member on Facebook, July 2012

‘Like’ Qwanoes on Facebook or  ‘Follow’ us on Twitter!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Events, Family Programs, Leadership Training, Social Media, Summer Camp

Qwanoes Spirit Alive & Well

Lots of excitement is in the air this weekend at Qwanoes as our Spring Women’s Retreat is happening, a church youth group  from Ladner Baptist is helping with pre-summer work projects, summer staff are being trained to be instructors in the challenge course, our Qwanoes Board is meeting, and Qwanoes is part of the Relevant Faith conference being put on by Apologetics Canada and Campbell River Baptist Church!

Qwanoes shirts from the early 90's through to our 2013 "Right Here, Right Now" shirts appeared on the Canada-wide "Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day"

“Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day”

This past Wednesday was the second annual Canada-wide “Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day.” Advance Crew has just started here at Qwanoes and we had fun taking photos at camp – plus seeing all the photos you and others posted on Facebook and Twitter from as far away as Brazil and New Zealand. It was great to see Qwanoes shirts appear from the early 90’s through to our 2013 “Right Here, Right Now” shirts.

Thanks to everyone that joined with us and other Canadian camps in showing the world how much we love camp! To see catch a glimpse of those that took part, click here.

Showing some Qwanoes spirit in New Zealand on "Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day!"

Advance Crew Is Here

Earlier this week, all of us on the year-round staff team were very excited to welcome our first members of our 2013 Advance Crew. Once Advance Crew begins, we know that summer is going to arrive very quickly! During Advance Crew each year, the foundations for summer are laid as this vital group of leaders is involved in all aspects of getting ready for the summer and working with pre-summer guest groups.

Spotlight On Youth Camp

Youth Camp, for ages 15-18, is happening this year from August 25 to September 1. For many years now, it has been the perfect way to end your summer in style! Here’s a small sampling what was heard on Twitter at the end of Youth Camp last summer:

The Ultimate Qwanoes Week!

“Back from camp. Was the most amazing week of my life #Qwanoes #awesome”

“Had the most life changing amazing week at @Qwanoes this week and I can’t wait to come back for more!”

“DEFINITELY one of the best weeks of my life at @Qwanoes. Can’t wait for next summer!”

Find out more about Youth Camp.

Coming Up…

• May 10-12: CIT Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop. This workshop is designed for those coming to our CIT (counselor-in-training) program this summer who would like to learn to serve in a dynamic high-adventure setting. More info about this exciting opportunity for CIT’s is on the CIT Pre-Summer page on our website.

Try out the brand-new Sky Station at the Spring Family Retreat!

• May 17-20: Spring Family Retreat. Families are invited to go on a memorable weekend adventure together this May long weekend! You will experience a well-rounded program with something for everyone in your family. We’ll even be having our first Billy Blue’s Western Carnival featuring “Challenge the Duck Hunt,” “Them’s A Snake In My Boot,” and much more. We really look forward to having Paul Johnson, the Lead Pastor at South Delta Baptist Church, as our speaker for the weekend. And you’re hearing it here first… we’ll be opening our brand-new Sky Station to our guests for the very first time at the Spring Family Retreat! We’d love to have you and your family join us. Details and to register.

Even "Future Staff" were showing some Qwanoes spirit on "Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day!"

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Leadership Training

Time To Celebrate

Can't wait for all of you to be around the qrok Tower!

Just over 9 more weeks until Jr. High #1 begins! Summer is coming and we can’t wait for when this place is filled up again with all of you!

Time to celebrate!

Our Students Are Now Grads!

What a fantastic celebration it was this past weekend for our Kaléo program graduation! On Saturday we enjoyed the graduation ceremony in Club Coco with many family members, friends, Qwanoes staff members, Briercrest representatives, and local church leaders in attendance. Then we moved down to the dining hall for a very special banquet.

Through the afternoon, a huge highlight was hearing a variety of people – from students to parents to a pastor to a grandma and one of the students’ profs – share what the Kaléo program has meant to them. Those of us who were there would definitely agree with grad Levi Allen that, “I can’t help be be fired up for all the amazing potential that will be moving out of this program from just this year alone.”

Congratulations to all the grads of our Kaléo program for 2012/13! We are so proud of you, plus excited about what God has done in your lives this year and what he will do through you in the days ahead!

At the Kaléo program grad reception last Friday

Coming Up…

• Apr. 30: Advance Crew Begins. All of us on the year-round staff team are very excited to welcome our first members of Advance Crew in just 4 more days. During Advance Crew, the foundations for summer  2013 will be laid as this vital group of leaders is involved in all aspects of getting ready for the summer and working with pre-summer guest groups.

• May 3-5: Spring Women’s Retreat. It’s not too late! There is still space available. Experience the perfect break from the everyday! Enjoy freedom from responsibilities, excellent meals, and a great program planned with your needs in mind. You’ll love our speaker, Tina Ury of Seattle. Details & to register.

Qwanoes' Recreation Coordinator, Matt Flemming, trying out the brand-new Sky Station for the very first time!

• May 3-5: Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop. This workshop is designed for those who would like to serve in a dynamic high-adventure setting. More info here. Call or email us to register – space is limited (priority to summer staff applicants age 17 & up). Please note that our CIT Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop will be happening the following weekend, May 10-12!

Quote Of The Week

Here’s what one of our students, Lokadia Leeson, has to say about her experience in the Kaléo program this year:

At the Kaléo program grad reception last Friday

“Thank you to all the students, Camp Qwanoes staff, and various others who have encouraged me to pursue greater things and to seek (God’s) glory and joy… This year has been by far the best decision of my life…. From the encouragement and the support that I was surrounded with along with the deepening of faith through academics and community I could not be more blessed…. You helped me find the joy in my life that I was missing for so long and in that see how great that joy is and allow it to impact every area of my life.”

 

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Leadership Training

Loving Springtime

A look at our students' outdoor rock climbing excursion in Nanaimo last week

Today, we are celebrating the graduation of our students in the Kaléo program for 2012/13! We want to give a huge congratulations to them for completing our 8-month foundational leadership college program, offered in partnership with Briercrest College and Seminary.

Getting ready to head out on the Sky Station for the very first time!

New Sky Station In Action!

On Wednesday a group of staff had the privilege of trying out our brand-new Sky Station in the challenge course for the very first time, as our instructor training took place.

Reaching higher... heading up to adventure on Level 2 of our Sky Station for the first time

The Sky Station, inspired by the legend and spirit of our Screamer & Skyscraper, gives  you the chance to climb way up and then zig-zag and criss-cross the heights on what may seem like endless challenges! You can find out more about it and our other new activities for summer 2013 here.

Qwanoes recreation leadership staff trying out Level 2 of the Sky Station

Coming Up…

  • April 30: Advance Crew Begins! All of us on the year-round staff team are very excited to welcome our first members of Advance Crew this coming week. During Advance Crew, the foundations for summer  2013 will be laid as this vital group of leaders is involved in all aspects of getting ready for the summer and working with pre-summer guest groups.
  • May 3-5: Spring Women’s Retreat. Experience the perfect break from the everyday! Enjoy freedom from responsibilities, excellent meals, and a great program planned with your needs in mind. Our speaker will be Tina Ury of Seattle. Details & to register.
  • May 3-5: Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop. This workshop is designed for those who would like to serve in a dynamic high-adventure setting. More info here. Call or email us to register – space is limited (priority to summer staff applicants age 17 & up).

Quote Of The Week

Here’s what one of our students, Levi Allen, has to say about his experience in the Kaléo program this year:

“This has been the most shaping and formative year of my entire life and I know many others here have experienced the same growth. This program is set up to help you grow at a rate I wouldn’t have ever thought possible.”

We’re loving springtime here at Camp Qwanoes and look forward to seeing many of you here in the days ahead!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Camp Staff, Events, Leadership Training, Social Media, Summer Camp

Adventures On The Mountain & In The City!

Mt. Washington Snow Trip

Last week was a wonderful week on the mountain for the Qwanoes students in our Kaléo program! The week was full of skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures. I was very fortunate as I got to go up myself on Wednesday to be with the students and join in the fun. Here is an excerpt from the Kaléo program blog:

At Mt. Washington last week!

“Nights also brought some really special times as we had the opportunity to get to spend some amazing bonding time together. Some nights were spent encouraging each other, and some were spent talking about what God is doing. I can truly say that one of the hugest benefits of this trip is how close it makes us as a group. We can truly see the bonding and closeness being magnified after this trip. I think we definitely grew together with the quality time we were able to spend.”

To read about the whole experience, see pictures and hear about other happenings in our Kaléo leadership  college program, please visit the blog! The students put together a great video of their time on the ski hill as well.

Missions Fest Vancouver

I’m on the ferry right now with a group of Qwanoes staff heading over to Missions Fest in downtown Vancouver! It’s a fantastic weekend of connecting with lots of past, current, and future staff and campers. If you don’t know what Missions Fest is, you can visit their website and get lots of good information. Basically, it’s lots and lots of people coming together and sharing about what God is doing all over the world!

We hope to see you at Missions Fest this weekend!

Our camp display is right in the middle of the big exhibit hall under the sails in the Vancouver Convention Centre, so be sure to stop by and see the new “Right Here, Right Now” video and 2013 theme song on our very large flat screen TV!

Coming Up…

Summer staff team 2013 – Right now we’re in the season of actively building our summer 2013 staff team! We are so excited for all that’s ahead and who will be on the team. The building of our team takes place in a number of ways from visiting colleges near and far, to connecting with past staff, and to people like you letting your friends know about Qwanoes! If you want more information on how to share the Qwanoes summer staff opportunity with someone, a great place to start is right on our website at www.qwanoes.ca. Last weekend a couple of Qwanoes staff  members made a fun little video while at a camp fair at Briercrest College & Seminary in Saskatchewan! It was very cold, especially for one of our staff members from Brazil! Check it out, you will love this! 

There is no better place for you to be on Feb. 1-2!

LiftOff Getaway Weekend – This will be an awesome weekend of going up to Mt. Washington! But this time it’s our campers and youth groups turn. There is no better place for you to be on Feb 1-2 than the LIFTOFF Getaway Weekend in Campbell River and at Mt. Washington! Vancouver Island youth groups and Camp Qwanoes are coming together for a one night adventure that includes a giant night game, music with Qwanoes’ band Quixotic, a challenge from a speaker, a pool invasion, a pizza party, plus skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Mt. Washington and more! Visit www.liftoff.ca for more info.

“Escape To Summer Now” contest winner to be announced next week – There’s just one week left in our “Escape To Summer Now” contest! Thanks to everyone that has registered for summer camp and entered the contest so far! You still have time to enter for a chance to win two round-trip flights to Hawaii, Mexico, Florida, or Jamaica! The prize draw will be made on Feb. 1 during our “LiftOff Getaway” event. We’ll announce the winner on Facebook and Twitter by posting a video of the big draw. (Be sure to follow us on Twitter and ‘like’ our Qwanoes Facebook page!)

~ Written by Jay Kennedy, Qwanoes’ Assistant Director