Women’s Retreat at Camp Qwanoes
A Spirit-filled weekend of worship, fellowship, and fun in God’s Creation.
Camp Qwanoes recently hosted a full and vibrant Women’s Retreat, welcoming women from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Krista Penner served as the speaker, and the camp was grateful for the ways God worked through her teaching, making the retreat a spiritually impactful experience for all.
The weekend offered a wide range of activities, from ocean kayaking and crafting, to soaring along the 1,000-foot Jet Stream zipline and enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea. Attendees also took part in many special worship times led by a team from Courtenay Fellowship, providing moments of communal praise and reflection.
Guest Testimonies:
"I recently attended the Ladies Retreat at Camp Qwanoes. It was a great blessing to be among such a great group of like-minded women. The sessions were brought by Krista Penner and were on Hannah from the book of 1 Samuel:1&2. What a blessing to realize that the God who she prayed to and received a miracle from, is the same God of miracles that we worship now! On another note, the food was spectacular and kept coming and coming! The schedule allowed for free time, which some of us older women certainly used differently than some of the more daring younger women. Overall it was a great weekend of Bible study, worship, and getting to know each other better." – DL
"Attending the Women’s Retreat at Camp Qwanoes was a truly eye-opening and refreshing experience for me. I joined not really knowing why, but God had a special reason for bringing me there. Through the story of Hannah’s Heart, I was reminded of the power of persistent prayer and the importance of being real with God. It was such a blessing to have uninterrupted time with the Lord, without thinking about daily responsibilities. This retreat renewed my faith and reminded me to keep showing up before God with honesty and trust." – AB
"Being part of the Women of Immanuel lead team, I went to ensure everything ran smoothly. But I also got to step back and take the sessions to heart personally. Out of nowhere, I decided to try all the outdoor adventure activities. Climbing a 60-foot pole, I paused near the top, exhausted and cold, much like Hannah in her struggles. With God’s help, I finished and let the harness carry me down, and it was incredible. Sometimes, like Hannah, we feel we can barely grip or pull any longer. But God sees us where we are, and even when the ride feels chaotic, He carries us safely back to rest." – HM
"Leading up to the Women’s Retreat, I was apprehensive at going. I felt needed at home, and wanted to stay in my comfort zone. God pushed me, and I went. I stepped out emotionally, socially, and physically. I was uncomfortable at first, but found peace and space to focus on God’s message. Reflecting on it, I remember again what has always been true: 'God’s got this.'" – SS
As we reflect on these testimonies, it is clear how meaningful and transformative these retreats can be. Fellowship Pacific and Camp Qwanoes encourage church teams to consider the value of participating in such experiences. Stepping away from daily routines, engaging in shared adventure, and spending intentional time in worship and reflection can strengthen relationships, renew faith, and create lasting memories, reminding everyone that God is at work in both the quiet moments and the bold leaps of faith.
