Searching for Surf - Catching Waves in Tofino

This weeks blog post brings you along with us for our adventures on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It's been a while since I've written to you and the only excuse I dare to offer is… we've been busy making awesome memories together! 

But honestly we have, and this week I am excited to share this post with some photography from our students mixed in, as well as Sarah Groat sharing about what it was like surfing for the first time.

Vancouver Island doesn't offer it all, but it does offer a ton. 

There could not be a more unique place to go to school in Canada, I mean that sincerely. I might have a 'BC born biased' to that statement, but I think most of our students from across the country will agree that they are loving their new island home. Where else in the country can you summit epic mountains one week, only to go surfing a few weeks later. 

On this trip we set out to surf in the most accessible area in Canada, Tofino! This little surf town has a legendary reputation  and the drive from Camp Qwanoes to Tofino certainly only builds the anticipation. 

Above is a quick video showing a portion of our epic drive.

We made a few pit stops along the way. One of the places we visited was called Cathedral Grove and features some of the largest old growth trees on the island. 

Takes quite a few arm lengths to reach around these huge trees. 

We stayed in a community called Uculet which is just 25 or so minutes south of where we went surfing. In Uculet there is a wonderful little Church which graciously let us stay and make our meals at. It was huge blessing that we didn't have to camp in the rain.

The first night on the west coast provided us with an epic sunset that a few of the students got to see. (This picture was taken by Caleb.)

Our first day of surfing started properly with an awesome devo from Andrew at an epic beach just minutes from where we were staying. 

Denver journaling some thoughts during our reflection time.

Definitely no shortage of surfboards

We had some awesome guides from Tofino Surf Adventures, keeping us safe, and showing us the ropes!

Heading to the waves!

The first day of surfing it rained buckets upon buckets. Everyone still had a blast experiencing the surf though.

We surfed two days while filling our evenings with great community time at the Church. Everyone had their go at standing up, and there was definitely a majority that started to develop some strong abilities at catching waves.

Our guides were alongside us the whole time in the water. Giving us tips, encouraging us, and catching waves with us. 

We asked one of the students Sarah Groat to share about her experience surfing and also how the program was going so far.

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I had the incredible opportunity to go surfing for the first time, and overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The first day of surfing we had some smaller, more manageable waves that I faced with a fierce determination, never allowing the salt-water in the face to phase me. First thing the following day, I went out deeper where the waves were bigger and next thing I knew, I was being tossed about by waves that were much larger than I expected. The experience taught me about knowing my limits and showed me a tiny glimpse of the raw power of God who spoke the oceans into existence.

I have found the Kaléo program to be a huge learning experience, on more than an academic level.  Through living in community, I have been challenged to learn how to live with integrity; a challenge that I will no doubt be learning and refining for the rest of my life.  It is incredibly encouraging to know that everyone here loves and supports each other and that we will be growing as a community throughout the year.

Sarah Groat,

The entire crew on our last day surfing

I hope you enjoyed catching up on our great times in the ocean. More stories from the Kaleo program coming soon! 

Until next time,

Levi Allen

Kaléo Program Intern

Sailing the Gulf Islands - Life on the Sea

Woah! It's been a while since I've shared what we have been up to and a ton has definitely happened in the past weeks. Before I get ahead of myself into sharing our latest adventure together, here is some pictures from their first class.

The classroom setup and atmosphere lends its self to a conversational style of learning. Dustin Resch especially encouraged this type of environment and it was so excited to see everyone get so excited about learning together. 

The monday directly following their last day of class, we headed out on a highly anticipated adventure on the sea.

This picture was taken by myself during our sailing trip. The boat we were on (pictured above) is called the Pacific Grace, and it is a very similar boat to the famous Canadian fishing Schooner the Bluenose.

Getting our first briefing before boarding our new ocean home.

Learning how to put on the survival suits turned to be more funny than we anticipated. 

Lots of community time aboard the boat together, we definitely grew closer as a group. 

The program we were sailing with is called the Sail and Life Training Society, or SALTS for short. The organization shares similar values as a Christian Non-forprofit and it was so fantastic to share our time together. We spent a lot of time aboard the boat, but we also would take occasional trips to different islands to explore!

Everything is more beautiful from a sail boat. 

Lots of time for reading aboard the boat as the students prepare for their next class. 

We got to see two beautiful Humpback whales

During our time aboard we learned a lot about how to operate the sailboat, but we learned even more from the crew about Christian leadership. They shared with us from their own lives and how we can grow as leaders ourselves.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing some pictures of our time together. I look forward to writing you all again soon. Feel free to comment any questions you may have bellow.

Until next time,

Levi 

Kaléo Program Intern

Hiking Mt. Albert Edward - Adventures in the Mountains

Hiking in on day one, pictured you can see the peak of Mt. Albert Edward in the distance.

Our first out trip together did not start small

Hiking over 35 kilometres, gaining over 1,000 meters of elevation, and summiting the peak of Albert Edward is how we decided to spend our first trip together. 

We spent three days hiking in one of the most beautiful and accessible parks on Vancouver Island. Everywhere we went there was absolutely stunning views; from gorgeous lakes to beautiful forest trails, this hike left us in awe the entire way. 

Divide and conquer ‘get to know’

Our group divided into 4 smaller hiking groups on the outset of the trip. This was great because it provided awesome opportunities to get to know each other without being overwhelmed by the numbers of whole group. Two teams camped the first night at Kwai Lake, while the other two teams spent the night at Circlet Lake. 

The day we summited had some serious elevation gain

Here is a Snapshot video of our time on the mountain.

More than just a good time outside

A large vision behind the Kaléo program that flows through everything we do is helping the students to grow in their walk with God, and grow as leaders. Our time together didn't happen because we wanted to ‘just go hike a mountain,’ we had purpose behind what we did. We were seeking to grow from every moment and opportunity. Frequently we would stop and reflect together and engage in intentional discussions. So in this way we have so many more memories than just a good view and a hard hike, but rather now we have memories of where we met with God and grew as a group.

Andrew sharing a principal about how to lead in risky environments

Our trip was all about team work

This was about working together, and encouraging each other along the way. It wasn’t about getting up the mountain the quickest, it was about getting up the mountain together. 

After summiting we had an opportunity to respond in worship with a guitar that was brought to the top. 

 The whole crew at the top of Albert Edwards!

The Ladies

The Men

The trip was an absolute blast

The weather thankfully was fantastic and there was a cool breeze at times which made for awesome hiking conditions. Our group definitely grew together immensely on this trip and we are certainly looking forward to the rest of the year together. 

Team D in the parking lot!

Thanks for dropping in for this weeks post. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and hearing about our great times in God's creation. Feel free to comment any questions you might have.

The students are wrapping up their first class tomorrow called Spiritual Theology. I look forward to sharing more about it next week! 

Until next time,

Levi Allen

Kaléo Program Intern