Tag Archives: Kaléo Program

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, 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

 

 

 

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

Summer 2013 Registration Has Begun!

Happy New Year to everyone! We lit up the sky at Qwanoes!

It’s January 3rd  and registration for summer 2013 is happening now! Ever since last summer ended, we’ve been getting ready for this date. We love summer and kids – and just can’t wait to start it all up again! Even though it’s winter, things have been going full speed ahead at Qwanoes in the past week! Here’s a taste of what has been going on…

 

What’s New For 2013?!

On Dec. 29, we announced our lineup of new activities for summer 2013! Always more fun, always more adventures! Have you heard yet about the Sky Station – inspired by the legend and spirit of our Screamer and SkyScraper?! We so excited about this upcoming major addition to our Challenge Course  plus Outdoor Laser Tag and everything else coming in 2013! Find out all about our new activities here.

It's the staff's turn to ride the SkyScraper at Staff Retreat!

Staff Retreat

On Dec. 30, our Staff Retreat started and it was great to welcome so many staff members back to Qwanoes for a reunion “weekend” of fun, reflection, and celebration! From the Fireside Inspirationals to brunch at the Qwanoes Inn to the SkyScraper to an amazing banquet to our New Year’s Party to the Qwanoes Polar Bear Swim, it was an unforgettable time together and the perfect way to bring in the New Year.

The brave ones at the Qwanoes Polar Bear Swim!

Brand-New Summer Theme Unveiled

Another highlight of the Staff Retreat was that on Dec. 31, the brand-new summer 2013 theme was announced! Here’s a peek at the unveiling of our summer theme RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW (plus hear a bit of our brand-new theme song!)…

Escape To Summer Now

The start of summer registration means that the Escape To Summer Now Contest has begun. Can’t wait for the heat of summer? Then let us fly you to into a hot spot for FREE right now! Please note that you can triple your chances of winning by registering for summer camp from January 3-9. Register now!

Kaléo Program Resumes Today

We are so excited to welcome our students back to Qwanoes today for the second part of the Kaléo program! Looking forward to all that’s ahead in the next number of months!

Bring on summer!!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

 

Activities, Adult Retreats, Camp Staff, Leadership Training, Social Media, Summer Camp

Qwanoes Happenings Here And Far Away

Men’s Retreat On Now

Our annual Men’s Retreat is on at Qwanoes right now! It started on Friday night when about 100 men descended on the camp. Mark Buchanan, author and pastor at New Life church in Duncan is the main speaker. The theme for the weekend is “One Thing.” It has been a powerful time together discovering what our “one thing” is and how it should be impacting our lives. The worship band from The Meeting Place church in Nanaimo has joined us for the weekend, and they are doing a fantastic job leading everyone in song.

Enjoying breakfast together at the Men's Retreat

I just got back from walking around the camp, checking out what everyone is up to. It is an incredible day here, with the sun shining so bright, and clear blue skies up above. There are guys enjoying the hot tub, cooking S’mores at the fireside overlooking the ocean, playing floor hockey, and of course hanging from ropes and swings in the Challenge Course!

I asked a few of the men what their favourite things are about being at Qwanoes for the Men’s Retreat, and this is what one gentleman had to say: “I love the fellowship and just being with my friends having fun at camp. It is so great to just get away and think about the things that truly matter in life.”

The retreat still has lots left with another great session together tonight, followed by a movie and games night including popcorn, chicken wings, and nachos!

Heading deeper into the cave!

Latest Kaléo Program Happenings

Our students are between classes right now, having had their Foundation of Church Ministry course a week ago and with Gospels coming up next week. Just a couple of days ago they all went on a caving adventure together where they truly discovered how dark darkness can really be! Check out the Kaléo program blog for the latest journeys of our Qwanoes students.

Birthday Surprises!

Anna and Byron, two of our Qwanoes staff members, have been up and down the Island lately and all over Greater Vancouver! Why, you ask? Well it has been all about visiting campers and summer staff, and celebrating some past campers’ birthdays with a surprise party – that’s right, Qwanoes style!

Anna & Bryon celebrating with Gabby at MEI in Abbotsford!

We’ve shown up at a couple of schools that our campers attend (with permission of course) having some games planned, Live It Up balloons, and a giant birthday cake along with us. We’ve made sure to gather a bunch of people who sing happy birthday while tossing the lucky camper up in the air, just like what happens at Qwanoes… and it has been one great birthday surprise! We miss our campers so much when they aren’t at camp, so we love to think up all sorts of reasons to visit them and let them know we’re thinking of them!

Qwanoes in Brazil 

A gathering of Qwanoes staff-alumni in Brazil on Nov. 20

Our Qwanoes staff family can be found all over the world, and one country in particular we have a lot of staff that join us for a season is Brazil!  Right now we have two Qwanoes staff members, Kevin and Mel Way and their little daughter Rose, reconnecting with alumni staff and meeting new ones who will be on our summer staff team in 2013. Mel, Kevin, and Rose are experiencing all sorts of adventures and even visiting summer camps in Brazil, seeing how they do camp down there!

Merry Christmas from Qwanoes!

Christmas is getting closer and that means the announcement of the summer 2013 theme is right around the corner! Be sure you are following us on Twitter and Facebook to be the first ones to hear what it is! Russ (“The Squirrel”) was in the studio all last week coming up with the new theme song!

~ Written by Jay Kennedy, Qwanoes’ Assistant Director

 

 


Activities, Adult Retreats, Events, Leadership Training, Youth Retreats

Retreat Season at Qwanoes Happening Now!

A Glimpse Into A Few Of Our Retreats

Campers, campers and more campers! We have had many retreats during this busy fall season, and it has been so great to see first-hand so many having such a special time here at camp. We have had Women’s, Juniors, Junior High, and Senior High retreats so far and coming up next weekend is our last retreat of the fall with men coming in for the grand finale!

Our theme for the Juniors Retreat was “UNSTOPPABLE” and our very own Russ Smith (the “Squirrel”) was the speaker and music leader for the weekend. The campers and staff had so much fun together playing crazy All Star games including toilet paper wars, trying out many activities like archery and challenge course, and invading a local swimming pool!

Together at the Juniors Retreat!

A couple of weeks later, Junior High youth came in from far and wide to have one fantastic weekend together with the theme “NO MATTER WHAT.” Jon Morrison (“Jonny Mo”) one of our camp speakers was back again talking all about how God’s love won’t stop “no matter what”. Here is a highlight video from the weekend that gives you a glimpse at the fun!

The Senior High Retreat was just this past weekend and it was so good to see so many of our older campers make it back to camp. And of course whenever Senior Highs are at Qwanoes, we pull out lots of surprises!

The foam pit first seen at Youth Camp was back for the Sr. High Retreat!

My favorite surprises were the afternoon activity additions – one being our new foam machine! Yes that’s right, it is exactly how it sounds… a machine with a sole purpose of making FOAM! And LOTS of it! We also had a warm fire happening with s’mores and a Nerf-gun war right in Q-Town… now that’s something different! And of course all the much-loved Qwanoes activities from the Skate Park to the SkyScraper and much more were going on!

Kaléo Program Update

Part of being a student at Qwanoes in the Kaléo program is “learning and doing” and one way our students do this is by helping make the retreats happen. So here’s a big shout out to all our students for doing such an amazing job in whatever role you played!

Out on one of the many adventures the Kaléo program has to offer!

On top of all these retreats, the students are busy doing lots of other things from rigorous academics to swinging from the trees! The students are always up to something and the best way to catch the latest happenings of the Kaléo program is by visiting the weekly blog.

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner! Let us be the first ones to wish you Merry Christmas if you haven’t already heard it!

~ Written by Jay Kennedy, Qwanoes’ Assistant Director

 

 

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

What A Summer!

It is a gorgeous sunny day at Qwanoes today and it really feels like summer camp should still be going on here! Today, we’re hosting a large high school guest group, Brentwood College, and it’s great having students here with us again at Qwanoes.

Celebrating An Amazing Summer

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who was part of “Live It Up” summer 2012! Over 3,500 campers came to Qwanoes this summer and we loved having each one here. Our staff team of almost 400 people came together from across B.C. and Canada and over 10 different countries – all for the purpose of loving kids to life. Thanks to all our staff for your dedication, your love for kids, your servant hearts, and for being sold out to making a difference in the lives of kids!

In front of the transformed qrok Tower at our "Shine" Youth Camp banquet!

Each week of the summer was filled with highlights and special memories, from the start of Junior High #1 and the giant Canada Day party, all the way to the grand finale week of the summer… Youth Camp! Our theme “Live It Up” was made a reality as campers tried new activities like Paddle Surfing and RC Speedway, went on our giant slip ‘n’ slide called Big Blue, played games like Castle Conquest, went to the Surf-O-Rama concert or carnival, sang energetic songs and listened to a great speaker in Q-Town, spent time with friends and made new ones, enjoyed barbeques and other tasty food, hung out with incredible counselors and other staff, and so much more.

A fun glimpse of what went on can be seen by taking a look at our Facebook timeline and our tweets throughout the summer on Twitter. You can also see many photos from each week in the summer plus the Summer Family Retreat by taking a look at our Summer Photo Galleries page.

Kaléo Program Off & Running!

Students & staff gathered together in front of Club Coco last Thursday.

Last week, we were very excited to welcome 22 students to Qwanoes for the 2012/13 Kaléo program year! On Thursday, we had a staff & student beach party at Qwanoes Beach that included fun on the Aqua-Park, Paddle Surfing, and Rocket Plus activities behind the boat. On Friday and Saturday, the students received some practical training as challenge ropes course instructors – as well as getting to try some challenges out for themselves! Right now, they are on their first out-trip of the year  to Mt. Albert-Edward, the sixth highest peak on Vancouver Island, in Strathcona Provincial Park near Courtenay.

Staff & students having fun together on the field!

A Look Ahead Into Fall

We miss everyone and are so glad we don’t have to wait until next summer to see many of you! Lots of ways to stay connected are happening in the fall. Next week, the Qwanoes Road Tour will be coming to a location near many of you. We’re getting ready to bring the excitement of summer to Greater Vancouver, Victoria, and Parksville! Click here for full details including dates and locations… and to invite your friends. We can’t wait to see you there!!

Enjoy a typical Qwanoes evening at the Road Tour - from the energy of Q-Town to many crazy, interactive events!

In October and November, we have youth retreats – Juniors, Jr. High, Sr. High – as well as Women’s and Men’s retreats. Our retreats offer a weekend escape from the everyday, and a perfect chance to connect with God and others while experiencing the fun and energy of Qwanoes. Whether you were here in the summer or not, we would love to welcome you! To find out more about the fall retreats or to register, please see this link.

We wish everyone the best as the new school year has begun. Wherever you may be, we encourage you to live up this life that Jesus came for us to have to the very full the whole year through!

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director

 

 

Adult Retreats, Leadership Training

Congratulations To Our Students!

Kaléo Program Grad

There’s a lot of excitement mixed with sadness at Qwanoes today as the Kaléo program for 2011/12 is coming to a close! Today is the last full day of the program and the graduation ceremony and banquet is happening tomorrow. It is a beautiful blue-sky day outside as parents and friends of the students are arriving. Take a quick peek into the last week of the program in the latest post – “Scaling the heights of truth” – on the Kaléo 2012 program blog. At Qwanoes, we’re very proud of our students and are very excited to see what’s ahead for each one! Time to celebrate!

Pausing for a group photo on a rock climbing adventure!

Women’s Retreat

Coming up in just two weeks is our Spring Women’s Retreat! Many are already signed up, but there’s still room for more. Women are invited to escape to the great outdoors and connect with God and others.

Krista Penner

Features include music and our guest speaker Krista Penner, Saturday morning workshops, excellent meals including a banquet, great free time options, activity options including the Challenge Course, an on-site hot tub, and even a special Chemainus Theatre option. Click here for full details on this weekend and to register.

In the words of someone coming to the retreat: “I am so excited to attend my second ladies retreat at the end of April! The 2011 Spring Retreat was soooo much fun!”

Challenge Course Workshop

The same weekend as the Women’s Retreat, we are going to be running our Challenge Course Workshop  – part of our pre-summer training series – for anyone at least age 17 (by the end of the year) that would love to serve in this dynamic high-adventure setting.

There's nothing quite like the SkyScraper!

Those attending will learn to lead rock-wall climbing and ropes course activities, while having lots of fun and making new friends.

It is truly rewarding to offer challenges to people of all ages that will build their self-confidence, communication, problem-solving, and team-work abilities. No previous experience is necessary! Please contact the Staffing Team if you’d like to take part.

~ Written by Julie Bayley, Qwanoes’ Associate Program Director