A new ministry year is here, and we’re excited about what God has in store for students, leaders, and churches across CBOQ.

Whether you’re planning weekly youth gatherings, preparing for retreats, or looking for ways to empower young leaders, here are a few key updates to help you start the year strong.

Up Close: Our 2026-27 Theme

This year’s theme is Up Close: Moving One Step Closer to Him.

The idea is simple: helping students take one more step toward Jesus.

You’ll see this theme woven throughout our four Ascent retreats this spring, but our hope is bigger than a retreat theme. We want to encourage every church to think about how they can help students grow closer to Christ through conversations, relationships, service, worship, and discipleship.

Resources, graphics, and theme materials are available at the Up Close resource hub.

If your church hasn’t received the annual mailing yet, keep an eye on your church mailbox. It includes the theme poster and additional resources for the year ahead.

Ascent Retreats 2027: Save the Dates

We’re looking forward to gathering students from across Ontario for our four Ascent retreats:

  • April 2-4 – Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp (near Ottawa)
  • April 23-25 – Circle Square Ranch (Brantford)
  • April 30-May 2 – Camp Kwasind (Muskoka)
  • May 14-16 – Pearce Williams Camp (near London)

Registration details will be released before Thanksgiving.

But remember: Ascent isn’t the only retreat happening this year. If your church is planning a retreat of its own, we’d love to hear about it. Whether you’re opening it up to other churches or simply looking for support, resources, or ideas, we’re eager to help strengthen youth retreats happening across our CBOQ family.

What Would You Do With $1,000?

Imagine asking a student:

“If you had $1,000, how would you help your friends know Jesus better?”

That’s the heart behind our Student-Led Microgrant Program.

Through this initiative, youth and young adults can receive up to $1,000 to launch a ministry idea, outreach project, or community initiative that they feel called to lead.

We’ve been amazed by the creativity, leadership, and faith we’ve seen through past projects, and we’re excited to see what students dream up this year.

Applications are due October 15.

If you know a student with a great idea, now is the time to encourage them.

Next Gen Pastors Retreat Is Coming Soon

Youth and kids ministry leaders are invited to the Next Gen Pastors Retreat, taking place October 19-21 at Camp Kwasind.

This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Ken Castor, who will help us explore a topic many churches are wrestling with:

How do we develop healthy student leadership teams?

Student leaders play an important role in both children’s and youth ministries. Learning how to identify, equip, and empower them can have a lasting impact on your church.

Registration is still open, and financial assistance may be available for those who need it.

New Resources Are On the Way

Over the coming months, we’ll be releasing several new resources designed to support churches and ministry leaders.

Some of these resources will focus on:

We’re excited to share more as these projects are completed.

Thank You for Investing in Students

As a new ministry year begins, we’re grateful for every volunteer, pastor, mentor, and leader who is investing in young people.

Your work matters.

Every conversation, Bible study, retreat, coffee chat, and prayer is helping shape the next generation to know and follow Jesus.

We’re praying that this year will be one filled with growth, encouragement, and moments where students take that next step closer to Christ.

And as always, if there’s a way we can support or pray for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Blessings as you begin this new ministry year.