Kaléo Program Adventures Begin!

Just a few days ago, our students returned from an incredible three day hike up Mt. Albert Edward.  

I know many of you have hear some stories, but I thought I would take the time to share with you some of the experiences we had together during our first Kaléo Program Adventure.

Due to unfortunate weather conditions we decided to move the trip a day early in order to have the best weather possible on the day we would attempt to summit Mt. Albert Edward.  

We were so thankful the rain ceased and it was safe enough for us to reach the top.  

The rest of the trip however, was wet. Very wet.  Although we experienced the heart of British Columbia in its true rainy form, the trip was not without a few beautiful surprises along the way!

As we woke up bright and early on Wednesday we were greeted by a beautiful morning sunshine to encourage us for the upcoming trek.  

After a hearty breakfast followed by a group prayer, we packed our bags and headed north to Strathcona Provincial Park.  We then geared up our packs, synched up our hiking boots, and ventured out into the (rainy) wilderness tasked with an eight kilometre hike to base camp.  

Although we had spent the day hiking in the rain, eating lunch in the rain, resting in the rain, setting up camp in the rain and even eating dinner in the rain; there was a certain beauty that we could not deny.  

God had given us this beautiful creation to enjoy and admire.

As daylight woke us up bright and early Thursday morning, we were greeted by exactly what we had been praying for, a break in the clouds and even some glimpses of blue sky.  Although the skies continued to stay cloudy, we climbed to the summit. 

In what was a mostly foggy day, we were still amazed at the many different landscapes that lead the way to the top.  

Once we reached our destination, there was nothing to see but clouds and rocks.  However, despite the lack of scenery, it didn't seem to bother us one bit because we had accomplished something that most of us had never imagine we could do: summit a 6,900ft mountain.  

But one last surprise was still in store for us.  As we sat down to pray and thank God for safely getting us to the top, it started to snow!  As the flakes fell, we couldn't help but smile and admire the little treat that God had just given us.  

After a few minutes of admiration, we turned around and headed back to base camp.

Tired from a full day of hiking, we crawled into our sleeping bags and fell asleep to the wonderful sound of rain on the roofs of our tents.  

The next morning we quickly ate breakfast, packed up camp, and begun our final hike back to the parking lot where warm vehicles awaited us.  

Adding to the entertainment was one brave soul (Justin Buhr) who decided to take an early morning dip in Circlet Lake to start off the day!

Although conditions were not ideal, we still made the best of our trip.  

We were proud of our students and their willingness to enjoy God’s creation despite the rain, mud and fog that greeted us at almost every corner.  

Regardless, it brought us closer as brothers and sisters in Christ and most of all, one big family.

In Him,

Dustin

Kaléo Program Intern, Camp Qwanoes

Kaléo Program 2015-2016

Welcome all, to the 2015/2016 Kaléo Program Blog.  My name is Dustin Smith and I am the Male Kaléo Program Intern.  This year I will be providing regular updates and info about what our students are doing during their time here at Qwanoes’ Kaléo Program.  This week we were delighted to welcome twenty-four Students from across the country to their new home at Camp Qwanoes.  While many of our students came to us from right here in British Columbia, others came from provinces across the country such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and even New Brunswick!  

With our trip to the summit of Mt. Albert Edward just a few days away, students had the opportunity to get acquainted with various areas of the camp.  After an orientation session Monday morning, both students and year-round staff headed out to the main field for some get-to-know-you games, as well as a beach party in the late afternoon!  With more orientation throughout Tuesday afternoon, the evening was packed with last minute shopping and a Packing Party for our three day trip up Mt. Albert Edward.

Throughout the year we hope that this blog will be a source that will allow you to be involved in our program through prayer and observation of the amazing things that God will be doing in the lives of our students here at Qwanoes.  We will be doing our best to share stories, thoughts and photos of our adventures on a regular basis so that you can be in constant prayer for our students. 

Later this week I will be posting about our trip to Mt. Albert Edward.  We are excited to share our pictures and stories with you all.

Please also be in prayer for our students as they prepare themselves for their first class on Monday: Intro to Spiritual Theology.  As they dive into their textbooks and memorization verses, our prayer is that God will give them an open heart to what he wants to teach them this week.

In Him,

Dustin

Kaléo Program Intern

Camp Qwanoes

A word from last year's valedictorian.

      Dear future Qwanoes students, I hope you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Are you nervous? Don’t worry; God will prepare you for whatever He has in store for you this year.

     When I think back to the beginning of the program, I remember my fears and misconceptions about every aspect of the program. Who was I going to meet? What would the adventures be like? How was I going to do in the academic part of the program? However, the ideas and notions I had about each aspect of Kaléo changed as soon as I got there. The community turned out to be amazing, the academics weren’t too hard, the ministry was fun, the leadership was challenging, and the adventures were awesome. Each aspect pushed me closer to Jesus and closer to my community during the year. If you’re worried about how you will do spiritually, academically, and relationally; don’t be. Just trust in Christ and He will get you through each aspect of the program.

Here are some tips for getting through each aspect of the program:

1.    Community - Get ready for an awesome community this year. It will take a lot of time, a lot of love, and a lot of intentionality. With enough effort you can build an amazing community. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, step out of your comfort zone, and be open.

2.    Academics – The academics of the program are challenging. The books are hard, the projects are long, and the hours are limited. However, the academics are completely possible with good time management, some prayer, and lots of help from others.  

3.    Leadership – Leadership is one of the best parts of the program. You will get to lead your peers, kids, and youth throughout the year. Remember that you can learn more from them as you lead them. Let Jesus transform you in this area of your life.

4.    Ministry – Ministry is such an important part of this program. You will be plugged into churches where you will have the chance to lead up front and behind the scenes. Stay humble and you can learn a lot. The churches are ready to serve, so get ready for an awesome balance of serving, learning, and receiving from your church community.

5.    Adventure – Adventure is a favorite part of the program for many. You may be pushed out of your comfort zone more than ever before. Don’t worry, through adventure you can experience God’s faithfulness and see the glory of His creation. Find what works for you during those nerve-racking adventures and they can be great for you. For me, prayer and encouragement from my friends was necessary. Find what works for you during the adventures and seek it.

     So, as you prepare for the program, don’t worry. God will blow your mind a million times over by the people and the experiences throughout the program. He’s got great things planned for you this year if you’re ready to take hold of them. Good luck to you all!

Blessings,

Julia