A unique setting, a unique combination and all done in a unique way…what’s the result? A life-transforming year growing as a Christ-follower and Christian leader.
Started in 2003, the Kaléo program combines Christian College and Christian camp where students experience the best of both worlds. This highly effective partnership of Camp Qwanoes and Briercrest College provides a foundational leadership college program that seeks to develop young Christian leaders. The current group of students are about to graduate in April – it’s now been well over 500 students who come from across Canada every year. In the Kaléo program, five components fuse together powerfully to create an ideal setting for significant growth and leadership development. Students experience caring community, fully accredited academics, front-line ministry, and the best of west coast adventure like multi-day sailing, surfing, and skiing or snowboarding excursions. Leadership training is woven into all aspects of the program.
Students put into practice what they are learning through serving in a dynamic camp ministry setting, church ministry, outreach events, and a missions trip. Sid Koop, a Kaléo program professor and Executive Director of Youth Worker Community, says, “The holistic element of the learning is fantastic.” Sid teaches one of classes. Students who come to the Kaléo program grow more than they thought was possible. Through everything they gain a strong foundation for more education, work, ministry, and whatever is next in their lives.
In the words of current students: “Coming to Kaléo was the best decision I ever made.” “Nothing could have prepared me for how transformational this year would be.” “The adventures have been absolutely unreal. Whether climbing a mountain or living on a tall ship, the out-trips have been experiences of bonding, connecting to God’s creation, and fun.” “I’ve loved all the classes and professors… and gained a deeper understanding of the Bible, and the character of God.” “This year’s been full of incredible growth, opportunity, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Here’s what a student shared in the final month of the program: “It’s wild how God places specific people at a particular place at a certain time. Kaléo is one place God uses to push believers together to promote spiritual growth. Living in a tight-knit community for eight months means that your new-found friends will hold you accountable, cry with you and ultimately walk alongside you in the many challenges life hurls at you.
For every burdensome thing that comes with being human, God gifts you so much more. Navigating dark trials doesn’t appear so treacherous when you have 25 people who continually guide and encourage you through life. Kaléo is a place where God presents you with these solid friendships. An eight-month program stuffed with adventure, education and service that pushes young adults towards God is a beautiful way to spend a year. The Kaléo program is about seeing each student advance in their faith while creating lasting friendships, experiencing new things and exploring God’s creation. At Kaléo, I learned what it means to genuinely live a life worthy of the calling I have received from God and to lead like Jesus and serve in Christ’s example. I am so grateful for the gift of Kaléo God has given me.”
The years right after high school are proven to be an extremely formative and pivotal time in a young person’s life. It is a time when young adults find themselves leaving home for the first time and learning in a whole new way about their faith and life. Kaléo is Greek for ‘I Call’ and Hawaiian for ‘voice.’ The Kaléo program provides a very unique opportunity to listen to God’s voice and discover His call on your life. Are you an aspiring leader looking for a year that will lay a strong foundation for the next part of your life, whether it’s more school, work, ministry, travel or unknown? Are you interested in doing your first year of post-secondary education in a unique setting before heading off to a typical college campus? Or finding your first post-high school job?
A solid foundation of faith, character and leadership abilities is very valuable to have as a stepping point to whatever is next in life. The Kaléo program has proven to provide that foundation of faith as students study, serve, are stretched in outdoor adventures and ministry opportunities and focus on godly leadership. The leaders are committed to helping you build a strong foundation for life – no matter what’s next!
There is no typical weekly schedule for the Kaléo program! The five components of the program seamlessly work together in a very intentional schedule. Some weeks you are in class, while others you are on an outdoor adventure, on a missions trip, doing ministry in a church or at camp, or working on course assignments. The program schedule is put together in a holistic approach with every component supporting one another. To take a closer look go to www.kaleo.ca and discover how one year could change the rest of your life.
~ Written by Scott & Julie Bayley, Director’s at Camp Qwanoes
Press Release
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