First Retreat Experience - Learning through Service

It has been an amazing week here on the island with fantastic weather almost every day. This past weekend was the Students first opportunity to help run activities at Qwanoes for a retreat. Trinity Western University brought over its student leaders to Qwanoes to experience all that Camp has to offer, and it was a fantastic first opportunity for Qwanoes Students to get involved. 

Students forming a welcome tunnel showing Trinity what a Qwanoes welcome is all about!

There is always time for a quick photo! Smiles all around as the retreat is kicked off.

Putting all the training into practice this last weekend at TWU retreat.

 The students got to help run activities in the challenge course, waterfront, and many other aspects of camp. It was a unique experience for them being able to serve young adults and see first hand what Camp Activities are like to run. As we move into the fall the students will get to be involved lots of other Qwanoes retreats, which provides lots of opportunities to practically apply what they have been learning in the classroom.

Heather and Sarah belaying in the Challenge Course!

Riley showing us how to through a rope properly to the Qwanoes dock. 

To close off the weekend Students and staff got to enjoy the Qwanoes waterfront with activities like boating and the giant Blob. It was great to just hangout with each other and enjoy the company of some good friends. The community is really starting to shape and take a vibrant life as students are realizing the potential this year has in store.

The students are currently in the midst of Spiritual Formations, and at the moment are experiencing a solo time of reflection with 24 hours of silence and solitude. This class is an awesome way to begin the year--students spend a lot of time reflecting and learning about their own spiritual journey and what it means to deepen and grow in their faith. Discovering what discipleship is all about and how everything they are taking part in this year is all an outflow of a desire to follow Jesus. Stay tuned this weekend for more updates from this course, and what the students had to say about it. 

Until next time, 

Levi