ACF Ontario Winter Retreat

He Became Flesh & Dwelt Among Us

You're invited to this year's ACF Ontario Winter Retreat. It's going to be a fun and Spirit-filled weekend as we rediscover God's awesome presence in our journeys on campus. The retreat will start with getting acquainted with our keynote speaker, and other students across Ontario. Then the fun continues throughout the weekend, with socials, games, workshops, and outdoor activities. We'll spend time with God and each other as we fellowship, network and grow together. Our hope is that you'll leave this retreat feeling refreshed and reassured that God is with us always - in our faith, relationships, and communities.

Day Passes Now Available for Purchase!

You're invited to this year's ACF Ontario Winter Retreat. It's going to be a fun and Spirit-filled weekend as we rediscover God's awesome presence in our journeys on campus. The retreat will start with getting acquainted with our keynote speaker, and other students across Ontario. Then the fun continues throughout the weekend, with socials, games, workshops, and outdoor activities. We'll spend time with God and each other as we fellowship, network and grow together. Our hope is that you'll leave this retreat feeling refreshed and reassured that God is with us always - in our faith, relationships, and communities.

Theme Song

I Am Not Alone - Psalm 23

Location

Muskoka Woods Camp

Weekend Playlist

Check it out on Spotify!

WEEKEND PRESENTERS

Keynote Speaker

Pastor Samson Sembeba

Pastor Samson, born and raised in Michigan, currently serves as lead Pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The message for this retreat centers on "God With Us", which speaks to the personal life experiences he has had throughout 2023. He will combine engaging stories with practical Biblical guidance for growth in the world. An author of "More Than a Degree" and soon-to-be-released "Changing the Story," Pastor Samson is passionate about empowering students to thrive spiritually and professionally.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Pastor Samson's heart beats for University & College students, seeking to facilitate transformative experiences. Whether on the basketball court, studying scripture, in-between-classes, or spending time with his amazing and beautiful wife, Natali, he finds joy in connecting with God and others. His resounding message is "You are not alone. God is with you. Move in faith!"

Pastor Joseph Martin

Morning Devotionals

Pastor Emily Kuchurivski

Personal Reflections

Shannon Martin

Retreat Mentor

Comedy in Motion with Bob Cates

Bob, a professional comedy juggler and variety entertainer based in Cambridge, Ontario, embarked on his show business journey in 1995 after winning the Canadian Juggling Championships. Despite growing up on a pig farm near Forest, Ontario, Bob's passion for juggling and performing led him to develop advanced skills during his post-secondary education, earning diplomas from the Baptist Leadership Education Centre and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. He ventured into cruise ship performances in 2000, entertaining audiences for Holland America, Disney, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity. 

Bob, who married Jane in 2007, currently juggles his professional performances, often headlining on cruise ships and entertaining at corporate events, galas, and ministry functions. Jane, a former teacher and children's ministry director at two large churches, joined Bob's entertainment business after they married. Now, business partners in their family enterprise, they also homeschool their 12-year-old son. Their shared love for travel has taken them worldwide, and they both actively serve in their church. Besides juggling, Bob enjoys hobbies like snowboarding, rollerblading, motorcycling, and video games, while Jane is passionate about decorating, home renovations, shopping, and being a mother. 

Together, they cherish garage sale adventures, thrift store searches, and outings on their Can Am Spyders. If you find yourself backstage with them, Bob appreciates Jumbo Sour Keys, Ruffles Salt n Vinegar chips, and cold Diet Coke, while Jane prefers Smartfood Popcorn, Smarties, and Tim Hortons Coffee.

MANDATORY FORMS TO BE COMPLETED

Release Form - ACF 2024.pdf

Permission Form

All Attendees under the age of 18 must fill out this form and email it back to us at acfontario@gmail.com

Attendees Retreat Schedule 2024

Weekend Schedule

Check out the schedule for the weekend.

Packing List

Our suggested packing list keeps you warm!

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS

Windsor/London/Kitchener

Departure - Feb 16, 2024

- - - - - -

Return - Feb 19, 2024

Brock/McMaster/Mississauga SDA/York University

Departure - Feb 16, 2024

- - - - - -

Return - Feb 19, 2024

UofT/Crawford/Scarborough SDA/Oshawa Route

Departure - Feb 16, 2024

- - - - - -

Return - Feb 19, 2024

Ottawa/Kingston/Peterborough Route

Departure - Feb 16, 2024

Bus 1

Bus 2

- - - - - -

Return - Feb 19, 2024

Bus 1

Bus 2

Northern Ontario - Not Updated

Departure - Feb 17, 2023
From Thunder Bay Only

Departure - Feb 17, 2023
From Sudbury Only

- - - - - -

Return - Feb 17, 2023
To Thunder Bay Only

Return - Feb 17, 2023
To Sudbury Only

Every year, students from around Ontario gather for a four-day weekend retreat where students are rejuvenated in their spiritual walk, and build lifelong friendships while building up the ACF network. This retreat has been occurring for over 20 years! The weekend features a student-led service of dynamic preaching, powerful testimonies and uplifting praise & worship. Meals are deliciously prepared onsite while there are also workshops and free activity times. By the end of their retreat, students are not only closer to Christ, but they leave the retreat with a renewed commitment to serving God with everything they have on their public campuses. Our mission of building, engaging and empowering chapters on campus are attained realized through this annual retreat.

Past Themes: