As we move into the Advent season and begin looking ahead to 2027, there are several opportunities, resources, and ministry updates we’d like to share with youth leaders across CBOQ.

Whether you’re planning retreats, mentoring students, preparing graduates for their next chapter, or helping young people find their place within the life of the church, we hope these tools and events encourage and support your ministry.

Ascent Retreats 2027 Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for all four Ascent Retreat locations taking place in April and May 2027.

Ascent Retreats are designed to help students and leaders deepen their relationship with Jesus while connecting with others from across our churches. Groups are welcome to attend the location nearest them or choose another retreat site that best fits their schedule.

Three of our speakers have already been confirmed, with additional details and one remaining speaker announcement coming soon.

Learn more and register at cboqyouth.ca/ascent27.

New Resource: Individual Growth Plan

One of the most exciting resources we’re releasing this year is our newly redeveloped Individual Growth Plan.

This discipleship tool is designed for youth leaders, mentors, and students who are seeking to discern God’s direction and identify practical next steps for spiritual growth and leadership development.

The resource includes:

  • A comprehensive Leader’s Guide
  • A reusable Participant Workbook
  • A simple framework for ongoing mentoring conversations
  • Tools that can be revisited multiple times throughout different seasons of life

Whether you’re mentoring a student who is exploring leadership, post-secondary options, vocational ministry, or their next step of faith, this resource can help facilitate meaningful conversations.

This will be released by end of November.

Find out more at cboqyouth.ca/growthplan.

Supporting High School Graduates

The transition out of high school can be one of the most significant moments in a young person’s faith journey.

To help churches support graduates well, CBOQ Youth offers two resources:

Grad Support Guide

A resource for youth leaders to facilitate conversations and intentional check-ins with graduating students.

Grad Mentor Kit

A mentoring resource designed to guide monthly conversations between graduates and trusted adults as they prepare for life after high school.

Topics include:

  • Faith during transition
  • Entering post-secondary life
  • Navigating new responsibilities
  • Finishing their current season well
  • Maintaining spiritual habits and healthy relationships

Access both resources at cboqyouth.ca/postsecondary.

Looking Ahead to the Next Generation

Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference

You may wonder what a children’s ministry conference has to do with youth ministry.

The reality is that today’s children are tomorrow’s youth ministry students. Understanding how children are being discipled today helps us prepare for the young people who will enter our ministries in the coming years.

The Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference offers valuable insight into ministry with the next generation and can help youth leaders better understand the developmental and spiritual experiences of children before they enter youth ministry.

Learn more at torontochildrensministryconference.ca.

Today’s Teens Conference

Registration is now open for Today’s Teens, taking place in February in Brampton.

This remains one of the longest-running youth ministry conferences in Canada and provides practical training, encouragement, and networking opportunities for those serving young people.

Consider bringing:

  • Volunteer youth leaders
  • Adult mentors
  • Church staff
  • Senior church leadership

Learning together often leads to stronger conversations and clearer ministry direction back home.

Find out more at todaysteens.ca.

Kwasind Registration is Open

November marks the beginning of registration season for Kwasind.

Whether you’re encouraging students to attend camp, exploring the LIT (Leader-in-Training) program, or helping young adults discern summer ministry opportunities, now is a great time to explore what’s available.

For some students, camp becomes a significant milestone in their faith journey and leadership development.

Visit kwasind.com for more information.

ECHO: Exploring a Call to Ministry

This January, CBOQ is launching ECHO, a new initiative designed for people exploring a call to vocational ministry.

ECHO is intended for those at various stages of discernment:

  • High school students
  • College and university students
  • Emerging leaders
  • Adults considering ministry as a second career

If you are currently walking alongside someone who is asking questions about ministry, leadership, or calling, this may be an excellent next step for them.

Learn more at baptist.ca/echo.

Advent Resources for Your Church

As Advent approaches, CBOQ has assembled resources to help churches, leaders, families, and ministry teams prepare for the Christmas season.

Whether used across an entire congregation or within specific ministries, these resources can help create opportunities for reflection, discipleship, and spiritual growth.

Find resources at baptist.ca/advent.

A New Chapter for CBOQ

This December, CBOQ will be relocating its office and entering a new season of shared space with our friends at Canadian Baptist Ministries in Mississauga.

Updated contact information, including mailing details and a new P.O. Box, will be available through our website during the transition.

Visit cboqyouth.ca/contact for the latest information.

Thank you for the ways you continue to serve the next generation. We are grateful for your faithfulness and the impact you have in your churches, communities, and neighbourhoods.

As always, if there is a way that we can support or pray for you, please reach out. We would be honoured to walk alongside you in that ministry.