Prince George
Tuesday, April 28
College Heights Baptist Church, 5401 Moriarty Crescent Prince George, BC, V2N 4C5
K-12 student activity capacity is full for Kelowna Connect. If you would like to add your children to a waitlist, please fill out this form.
Detailed Schedule
1:00-1:15
Please come to sign-in and drop off your students for the events!
1:15-1:35
Sara Kraushar & Craig Kwiatkowski
1:35-2:35
AJ Crocker
Practice Matters: Forming Faith in Our Kids is a practical, hope-filled session designed to help parents understand how everyday habits shape their children’s faith. Drawing on the wisdom of spiritual formation thinkers like Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and John Mark Comer, it invites families to move beyond belief alone and pay attention to the practices, rhythms, and desires that are forming their children. Rather than adding more pressure or programs, this approach helps parents notice what is already shaping their kids and encourages small, intentional practices that slowly and faithfully orient the heart toward Jesus over time.
2:35-2:50
Break
Grade 8-12 students will be dismissed to join you in the workshops. K-Grade 7 students will continue with student activities.
2:50-3:35
Workshop 1
AJ Crocker
What actually forms faith in children? This breakout unpacks some essential pillars of faith formation for elementary-aged kids and explains why each one matters. Designed for parents, the session connects theology with practice, offering concrete examples and clear practices to help families intentionally cultivate spiritual habits, biblical understanding, and a growing relationship with God throughout the elementary years.
Shepherding through the Shift: Anchoring Teens in Identity and Truth
Shya Harvey
Adolescence is a powerful and often challenging season, as teens begin to wrestle with who they are, what they believe, and where they belong. This workshop invites parents to thoughtfully navigate that shift, learning how to stay connected while giving space for their teens to develop their own identity and values. Through a Christ-centered lens, we’ll explore how technology, social media, and cultural pressures shape this process, and offers ways that parents can gently anchor their teens in truth while keeping them near. Together, we’ll focus on relational, grace-filled ways to shepherd teens with grounded presence and trust during these formative years.
3:35-3:40
Transition
3:40-4:25
Workshop 2
Shepherding the Heart: A Christ-Centered Approach to Emotional Wellness in the Home
Shya Harvey
This workshop gently invites homeschool parents into the sacred, everyday work of shepherding their children’s hearts, not just their learning. Through a Christ-centered lens, we’ll explore how connection, nervous system awareness, and co-regulation create a sense of safety where children can truly grow and learn. Together, we’ll reflect on grace-filled, practical ways to respond to big emotions, build peaceful rhythms at home, and lean into the support of a community. My hope is that you leave feeling encouraged, grounded, and reminded that God meets you right in the middle of this work.
AJ Crocker
Drawing on recent Canadian research, this session explores five practices that make a lasting difference in a teenager’s faith. Together, students and parents will consider how these foundations can shape a faith that will remain strong into young adulthood.
4:25-4:30
Transition
4:30-4:45
Sara Kraushar & Craig Kwiatkowski
Please return to the main gathering space for prizes and closing, and then pick up your K-Grade 7 students.
Speakers
AJ Crocker
Executive Director, ACSI Western Canada
AJ Crocker is the Executive Director of ACSI Western Canada, serving and resourcing Christian schools across the region. AJ spent the previous 17 years serving in Christian education, primarily at Briercrest Christian Academy, College & Seminary, where he has led high school discipleship, conferences like Youth Quake, public relations, and marketing. For the past six years, he has served as Vice-President, guiding organizational design, budget processes, and strategic communication. On the side, AJ has enjoyed being a conference speaker and organizer with various associations and ministries such as Youth Worker Community. With a BA in Youth Ministry and an MBA in Digital Marketing, AJ is passionate about helping Christian schools thrive as places of spiritual transformation.
He and his wife, Cheryl—an ACSI high school teacher—have three kids. AJ is a devoted (and long-suffering) Toronto Maple Leafs fan, a sneaker-head on a budget, and a proud hockey and dance dad.
Shya Harvey
Registered Social Worker | Registered Clinical Counsellor
Shya Harvey is a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Counsellor with over 15 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families through complex and often high-stress situations. With a background in both social work and counselling, her work is rooted in helping people feel safe, understood, and supported. She has worked alongside schools, families, and community organizations to create collaborative, practical approaches to care, with a focus on connection, emotional well-being, and helping children grow and thrive.
In her work within the school system and in private practice, Shya supports individuals and families in navigating emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. She brings a compassionate, human-centered approach grounded in the belief that every person is created with purpose and value. Shya is passionate about equipping families with practical tools, encouragement, and insight so they can feel more confident and connected in raising and supporting their children.
At home, Shya lives on a cattle farm with her family and is a mom to two kids, ages 10 and 13—so life is full, busy, and rarely quiet. This time of year, you’ll likely find her helping with calving season, where she jokes that she’s not only supporting families through big moments, but cows too. 🙂