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!
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!
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.
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!!
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
