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.
Afternoon 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.
Parenting with Presence at Every Age and Stage (Pre-Teen/Teen Focus)
Barb Egan
We are raising children in a world that is loud, fast, and constantly pulling at their attention and at ours. Grounded in Barbara’s clinical experience as a Christian therapist and clinic owner and her daily life as a homeschooling mom of four, parents will walk away with practical tools for the hard moments, a clear picture of what their children need at every age and stage, and the grace-filled reminder that the goal is not a perfect parent but a present one.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” — 3 John 1:4
3:35-3:40
Transition
3:40-4:25
Workshop 2
Parenting with Presence at Every Age and Stage (Elementary Focus)
Barb Egan
We are raising children in a world that is loud, fast, and constantly pulling at their attention and at ours. Grounded in Barbara’s clinical experience as a Christian therapist and clinic owner and her daily life as a homeschooling mom of four, parents will walk away with practical tools for the hard moments, a clear picture of what their children need at every age and stage, and the grace-filled reminder that the goal is not a perfect parent but a present one.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” — 3 John 1:4
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
Prizes and Closing
Regional Leadership Team
Please return to the main gathering space for prizes and closing, and then pick up your K-Grade 7 students.
5:00-6:00
Connect BBQ
Join us for the Connect BBQ! We’ll be firing up the grill for a time of food and fellowship just outside the main church entrance.
RSVP: Please sign up through the registration form.
Cost: $8 for a burger or hot dog, chips, and a drink.
Payment: Both cash and cards are accepted.
Evening Schedule
6:15-6:30
Please come to sign-in and drop off your students for the event!
6:30-6:45
Worship and Welcome!
Bri Dyck
6:45-7:45
Keynote: Practice Matters: Forming Faith in Our Kids
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.
7:45-8:00
Prizes and Closing
Bri Dyck
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.
Barb Egan
Approved Clinical Supervisor
Barbara Egan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and the founder and owner of the award-winning Alive Counselling, an 18-therapist mental health clinic in Kelowna, British Columbia. She is a former elite athlete and professional hockey coach.
Before any of those credentials, Barbara is a wife, a homeschooling mom of four children ages 3-10, and a committed Christ-follower. She and her husband Taylor can be found coaching any of their kids’ hockey teams.