Category Archives: Summer Camp

Camp Staff, Leadership Training, Q-Town & Music, Summer Camp

It All Begins TODAY!

Here at Qwanoes we’ve just completed Staff Training and we can’t wait to welcome our first campers of the summer this afternoon!

Welcoming campers to Qwanoes in summer 2011 - 1st summer 2012 welcome happening today!!

Jr. High #1 begins today and campers are on our their way to camp right now.

Some Facts About Staff Training 2012…

• About 185 leaders have been part of Staff Training this past week. Those in attendance included a full range of ages from high school students and 2012 grads to our much-loved Food Purchaser Norm Cardiff (who turns 80 today!!).

• The staff team bravely got in the water at Qwanoes Beach last Saturday (on a not-so-nice weather day) and learned how to do a water search in case someone ever goes missing at the waterfront.

• Staff training included taking everyone to Central Baptist in Victoria on Sunday morning followed by an afternoon of team-building in a park by the ocean.

• Randy Carter, a long-time speaker at Qwanoes, was our speaker for Staff Training. Randy was a big part of our week and he could be seen in afternoons working with crews painting where needed during Camp Prep!

• Sessions included Capturing A Vision, Activities In Action, Risk Management, Providing Quality Health Care, and much more.

Learning dryland training techniques during the Waterski/Wakeboard instructor training clinic.

• Over 25 activity clinics were offered over the course of the week – training staff how to lead everything from Challenge Course to Artrageous Crafts to Skateboarding to RC Speedway to Waterskiing/Wakeboarding and the other activities we offer.

• Our Quixotic music team led by  Russ (the Squirrel) spent much time practicing Q-Town songs and getting ready for our first Surf-O-Rama Concert of the summer happening at Jr. High #1! What’s Surf-O-Rama?

• Our staff team this summer includes people from the United Kingdom (Ireland, Scotland, England), Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Brazil, France, the United States, other countries, and of course Canada – all united for the purpose of loving kids to life!

Special Highlight Of Jr. High #1

Speaking of Canada, it’s Canada Day tomorrow and a special highlight of Jr. High #1 is a giant Canada Day party! We’ll be celebrating the day with all our campers and staff and look forward to blasting tunes from the qrok Tower, eating cake, and hopefully even seeing the sky light up!

School’s out and summer’s here… so let the fun begin!!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

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

Club Coco is being invaded!

Summer staff team 2012 unites

New staff have been arriving every day over the last two months, but now TODAY is the biggest day with new arrivals almost every minute! Staff Training starts today and staff from far and wide are descending on Qwanoes to prepare for an amazing summer together! One week left until Junior High #1 and then soon campers will come rolling into camp in cars and buses! Fireworks will be going off, the qrok tower will be pumping out the tunes and summer 2012 will underway!

Who is going to get the Skee Ball high score this summer? Maybe you!!

Club Coco is being invaded with brand-new games for Summer 2012

Summer staff couldn’t wait to try out the new games in Club Coco! Earlier this year the Giant Connect Four joined popular games like Battle Top Arena already in Club Coco – and now Club Coco just got three brand-new games for summer 2012! That’s right – four new games to try out just as soon as you arrive!

Bumper Pool – Fresh out of the box (literally)… Defend or attack?! That’s the big question when playing this game. Who will be first to score all their balls and be declared the winner??? Campers this summer will love this new game! It’s Carpetball with a twist!

Take a rest in style with the Club Coco giant bean-bag chairs!

Skee Ball – Step on up and try your skills at another new game. It’s like bowling mixed it in with a little target practice! Challenge your friends all week long and see who gets the high score for the week!

Massive bean-bag chairs – You will never see a pillow any bigger than this! Need a break? How about settling back in one of our three giant bean-bag chairs! There is always plenty of room to fit one more!

Giant Connect Four – New to summer 2012! It has been a big hit all spring and now it’s time for our summer campers to try it out for the very first time.


Try Bumper Pool - this awesome new twist to carpetball! Defend or attack, what are you going to do??

 

While in Club Coco this summer be sure to try an old-fashioned milkshake, tasty smoothie, or another treat from the Coco-Hut… come and enjoy!

~ Written by Jay Kennedy (Qwanoes’ Assistant Director)

 

 

Activities, Summer Camp

What…?

With 75 activities in the summer at Qwanoes, it’s a challenge to choose what to do! But it just got even harder!

Yes, it’s true – we’re already adding LOTS for this summer. At Qwanoes Beach… Paddle Surfing, a Freefall Slide, a brand-new Super Slide and Super Totter, an Aqua Rope Swing. Plus even more fun in Club Coco. There’s tons!

But now – there’s one more brand-new choice! …Ready? 

Debuting summer 2012 is Qwanoes RC Speedway!

What…? Yes, we’re adding high-end, high-action outdoor super-sized RC car racing! Join a friend and race against four other teams at the same time! Each car is over two feet long – “this ain’t no Mario Cart video game” – these cars are real, fast, and built for racing!

Think you have the skills? Well – put them to the test against all your friends and the rest of the camp. Don’t even think of googling for the cheat codes… ’cause there are none. Just you, your pit-crew partner, and the track.

At Qwanoes we always seek to make a week at camp one of the greatest weeks ever in the lives of our campers! Around here there is always more fun and always new adventures every year. No summer is ever the same at Camp Qwanoes!

Come and experience Qwanoes’ RC Speedway for yourself. We can’t wait to welcome you!

See more about our new activities for summer 2012 here.

~ Written by Scott Bayley (Qwanoes’ Executive Director) & Julie Bayley (Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director)

 

 

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

Summer Is Almost Here!

It’s June! That means that school is almost out and summer camp is about to begin! Lots is happening at camp every day at this point as we gear up for summer. Staff in every area at camp are hard at work getting ready – setting the stage for the adventure that is going to be lived out in the weeks ahead!

Enjoying the sunshine in a session on the Guest House lawn!

Last weekend, we had Staff Leadership Orientation with almost 40 leaders on our staff team. It is an exciting thing to see staff come together from diverse backgrounds and unite for the common purpose of helping kids discover, live, and share life like no other! Our team of Advance Crew staff is growing every week and we look forward to the arrival of many others on the summer staff team on June 22, the first day of Staff Training.

Now we’re only one week away from our annual Open House and everyone’s invited! Our brand-new Qwanoes Beach activities for summer 2012 will be available for the very first time including the Aqua Rope Swing and Freefall Slide… or be one of the first to try Paddle Surfing at Qwanoes!

The latest surf sensation... get ready to glide and explore!

Find out more about what’s new for summer 2012 here.

Speaking of new activities, another new activity is coming to Qwanoes this summer – in addition to the ones already announced earlier this year! We’re always seeking to make a week at camp one of the greatest weeks ever. Around Qwanoes there is always more fun and new adventure every year. No summer is ever the same! If you want to be one of the first to know what new activity is being introduced, be sure to follow Qwanoes on Twitter!

We can't wait to welcome everyone!

 

Just under 30 days until the camp buses and many cars roll down the road filled with campers and summer 2012 at Qwanoes begins!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Social Media, Summer Camp

Leave Summer Alone…?

At Qwanoes, it’s really starting to feel like summer is almost here! Today’s a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day. Blossoms and new leaves are everywhere – and the grass is growing quickly. It’s so exciting to realize that our first camp of the summer, Jr. High #1, will be starting in 50 days!

We Love Summer!

Kids enjoying Qwanoes Beach in the summer!

At Qwanoes, we are in support of a school calendar that includes a traditional, full-length summer break. We believe so strongly in what happens in the summer when kids come to camp that we want to do everything we can to protect the summer break. Our hope is that as many kids as possible would be able to attend camp in the summer, the best time of year for kids and families to be enjoying the great outdoors of B.C.!

A Shorter Summer Vacation?

Last month, the B.C. government introduced Bill 36 (“School Amendment Act, 2012”). If Bill 36 goes through, it will eliminate mandatory school calendars in B.C. School districts may choose to have a more “balanced” schedule than what they have now.

But “balanced” unfortunately means a shorter summer vacation! Year-round schooling has the potential to change summer camp as we know it in B.C. For more information on this and what you could do to help, please see What’s This All About?

A Very Worthwhile Day In Victoria

Scott (Qwanoes’ Executive Director) and I went to Victoria on Monday to try to find out more about the thinking behind Bill 36, plus to share our concerns about year-round schooling. We had good meetings with the Director of Legislation for the Ministry of Education and with the Deputy Minister of Education.

Scott with the MLA's

Then we were sitting on the front steps of the B.C. Parliament Buildings when suddenly we realized we were surrounded by all the MLA’s of B.C. It was just the two of us, some photographers, and the MLA’s who had come out for a group picture. Scott and I took this unexpected opportunity to have a very good conversation with Doug Routley (MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan) about the implications of Bill 36.

Have You Seen “Leave Summer Alone” Yet?!

Meanwhile this past weekend Russ (a.k.a. The Squirrel) wrote a brand-new short song “Leave Summer Alone” on behalf of kids who love summer the way it is! Then a quick video shoot took place and a video was made for this new song.

Watch the video then share it with everyone! Facebook, Twitter, email, whatever way you want to… please help spread the word! #LeaveSummerAlone

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Camp Staff, Summer Camp

What Makes A Week At Camp So Special?

In just 4 more days, Qwanoes is going to be gearing up a notch as we get ready for summer! A number of summer staff will arrive at Qwanoes to be part of “Advance Crew” and more will be arriving on a weekly basis as summer approaches. We are so excited to welcome all of them!

We love to welcome people to camp!

What Is Advance Crew?

From late April to the start of Staff Training, Advance Crew summer staff join with the year-round staff team to be involved in all aspects of preparing Qwanoes for the summer, running Qwanoes spring events and retreats, and working with pre-summer guest groups. Together this vital group of leaders will be part of laying the foundations for Qwanoes “Live It Up” summer 2012!

So Much More Than Just Fun & Games!

To many people, a week at summer camp may seem like it’s all fun and games.

Playing some All-Star Games!

That is definitely a big part of camp – playing games in the outdoors with friends, trying new activities, singing songs around the campfire, experiencing parties and concerts – but camp is so much more than that. Camp is a place where kids gain hope, feel true acceptance, and make life-changing decisions.

Check out what some Qwanoes campers have to say for themselves…

“I came here because of the skiing and wakeboarding and stuff…but I discovered so much more. I found hope! I discovered a vision for my life. It’s been amazing.”

“I could see that you REALLY love kids here!”

“This was the best week of my whole life. Can you be my counselors forever?”

“This camp has really changed my life. I’d like to thank everyone who made this happen, who made this camp happen.”

“I used to be worried about everything and then I came here. Here I’ve been myself. This week has been the best.”

Enjoying summer together at Qwanoes.

Experience camp for yourself this summer! Or do you know someone that would benefit from being at camp this summer? Click here for more info about summer and how to sign up!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Leadership Training, Summer Camp

Summer Camp In Canada – Part Of Our Country’s DNA

Summer at Qwanoes can be a soapy experience! Especially when on BIG BLUE!

 

 

Summer camp is quickly approaching for thousands of kids across Vancouver Island and the Greater Vancouver area!

Things come and go in our Canadian history and culture, but it seems that summer camp for kids will be with us forever. This summer like many summers before, thousands of children and youth across this country will leave the everyday behind, pack their bags and discover a life-changing adventure at a Christian summer camp! We have the privilege here at Qwanoes to be one of those camps.

Qwanoes provides a great opportunity for kids to take a step back from the pressures of this world, and step into a world of discovery, adventure and pure raw fun! Beyond that campers will experience so much more and leave changed!

From caring counselors and warm campfires to awesome activities and new friendships, summer just isn’t summer without a week at summer camp. In the safe and wonder-filled setting of Qwanoes, kids find acceptance, they grow in confidence, learn new skills, gain an understanding of others, experience teamwork, and enjoy the pure joy of fun in the outdoors with new friends.

Thank you to all our past and new campers for making Qwanoes so special. We can’t wait to see you this summer! Or for some lucky campers – in just one week as the Spring Juniors retreat is quickly approaching. It’s not too late to register and come by yourself or bring a friend!

Kaléo Program

Students hanging out at Mystic Beach on the camping/backpacking trip!

The students just returned from a 3-day backpacking/camping trip at Mystic Beach on the Juan De Fuca Trailhead right here on Vancouver Island. Lots of stories of cooking meals on the beach, doing team building initiatives, and sharing around the campfire. Sounded like an awesome trip from all the stories I heard!

It’s hard to believe that it’s only three weeks away until graduation. It seems like just yesterday when our students arrived at camp, and were wide-eyed and ready for an 8-month long adventure. While we are going to miss our students, we are excited about the growth that has taken place and the strong foundation that has been laid for wherever next is for them. Now, saying that… it’s not over yet! There is still lots more time left. The students will be taking a

There are many adventures in the Kaléo program and this is just one of the beautiful locations!

course next week titled “Christian Worldview” and helping run the Juniors Retreat. Following that they will be going real rock climbing, and doing a day of kayaking and a closing trip at a forest retreat! Imagine living at Qwanoes in an 8-month leadership program designed for college students! To learn more about the Kaléo program please visit us online.

~ Written by Jay Kennedy, Qwanoes’ Assistant Director

 

 

 

Camp Staff, Summer Camp

Share Life Like No Other This Summer!

Are you 15 or turning 15 this year? Have you looked forward for years to when you will be old enough to serve on staff at Qwanoes?

You’re invited to join the team!

Qwanoes invites those who are 15 (or who will be 15 by Dec. 31, 2012) to apply for one special week of  Operations Support Crew and serve in a vital food services role (dishwashing, dining room set- up, etc). Leaders will offer you spiritual discipleship and there will be opportunities to assist in the camp program.

Reach for more this summer!

If you’re coming on staff as a 15 year-old, you will be part of the first weekend of Staff Training in late June. During this weekend, you’ll learn more about the heart of Qwanoes and what it means to be part of the staff team. You can choose the week in the summer you’d like to join us on staff except for Youth Camp (note that some weeks may fill so please apply soon). See Staff Opportunity For 15 Year-Olds for more info.

Whether you’ve been a camper before or not, see what camp ministry is all about and enjoy the friendship and support of other staff! You’ll be encouraged and challenged to grow closer to God and as the leader God has called you to be. Discover more about living and sharing life like no other this summer and put your faith into action!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director.

 

 

Events, Leadership Training, Summer Camp

On The Road Again!

Jay & Andrew with the wakeboard winner on the big stage at Youth Quake!

It’s a busy time right now as many Qwanoes staff are out and about spreading the news about the opportunities at Qwanoes this summer!

Youth Quake 2012

Last week, Jay Kennedy (Assistant Director) and Andrew Macdonald (Kaléo & CIT/LIT Program Leader) were at Youth Quake at Briercrest College & Seminary in Saskatchewan. Qwanoes teamed up with HO Sports Canada and Rocky Mountain Bicycles once again to give away a wakeboard and mountain bike at this huge Prairie youth event.

Missions Fest Alberta

This weekend, Ken Bayley (Director of Public Relations) and Matt Flemming (Recreation Coordinator) are in Edmonton representing Qwanoes at Missions Fest Alberta. This is always a great time of meeting new people and renewing friendships!

Quixotic leading Q-Town songs at Duncan Christian School!

Duncan Christian School

Yesterday, a team from Qwanoes was at Duncan Christian School talking to elementary-age kids about camp. Our band Quixotic led the students in singing some Q-Town songs and the Live It Up Summer 2012 Full-Length Slideshow was shown. Every year at this time, Qwanoes makes lots of visits to schools, youth groups, and churches to give as many people as possible the chance to hear about camp!

Vancouver & Mexico Ministry Trips

Meanwhile, two teams of Qwanoes students in our Kaléo Program and several staff members are in still Vancouver and Mexico on ministry trips right now. These trips will be wrapping up this next week and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Qwanoes and hearing all about what happened!

Excitement Is Building!

Excitement is building at camp as we are just about 18 weeks away from the first camp of the summer, Jr. High #1! Summer registrations are continuing to come in as we prepare to welcome thousands of kids to camp in the summer ahead! We look forward to meeting each and every one. Meanwhile, the summer staff team is coming together and we continue to look for people who are excited about loving kids to life this summer… helping them discover, live and share life like no other!

Who do you know that should be a camper or a staff member at Qwanoes this summer? Join with us in getting the word out!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes Associate Program Director

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

Qwanoes is covered with snow! But summer sun is coming soon!

Now that's a little different look of the qrok Tower! The Squirrel is hibernating coming up with all new songs!

We woke up Wednesday morning like many of you around Vancouver Island and Greater Vancouver area to a blanket of fresh snow! From our entrance sign all the way to the end of the dock, there was snow everywhere. The year-round staff gathered together in Club Coco for our Wednesday staff meeting and shared stories of how we all got to camp. I live close by, so I put on my snow boarding boots and followed Stevie-G’s trail all the way to Club Coco. Thanks Stevie-G for breaking the path! Check out more Qwanoes winter pictures on our Facebook page.

Snow is here now, but summer sun is coming soon!! We have had many campers reserve their spot for a week at Qwanoes. Every day now registrations are coming in of past campers, and brand-new kids who have never been here before. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Qwanoes this summer!

Here’s an update for you on the new full length CD that the Squirrel is working on. He last reported writing 6 brand-new songs, and there are only 4 to go! I love the new theme song “Live It Up”, but another new favorite one of mine is a new song called “At Last I’m Home.” It is an awesome song and you will be able to listen to the song and watch our new video online real soon! Stand by on FB and Twitter for when it goes live! You’re going to love it! For now take a listen to the new theme song and watch a brand new mini slide show!

Qwanoes students heading up the chair lift at Mt. Washington!

Our students in our Kaléo program can’t wait for the summer too, but they are all loving the snow right now on Mt Washington. They headed up to the mountain bright and early on Monday morning at 5:00 am! You really have to love snowboarding and skiing to do that. They all stayed together in a mountain chalet right at the base of the ski hill. It’s been an awesome time of hanging out together, chapels in the evening, and just enjoying God’s creation. They are coming back to camp tonight, and heading out to the youth groups they help out with. You can go online to learn more about our Kaléo program for college-age students and follow the journey through the program blog. We are now accepting registrations for next year’s program.

We hope to see you at Missions Fest in Vancouver next weekend! We will have our camp booth up in the same spot as last year. Stop on by, we would love to see you!

Summer sun will soon be here at Qwanoes! We can't wait for giant water fights once again!

 

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