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