ACTIVATE NEXT GEN RETREAT
august 27-30, 2026
“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”
luke 2;18
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Promo card (8.5 x 5.5, 2 on)
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worship
setlist
What to Expect:
Activate is an extended-weekend retreat that launches students into the school year empowered by the Spirit to live out the gospel and make disciples.
AGES:
Best for youths aged 13-18 yrs old
DATES:
AUGUST 27- 30, 2026
TIME
Arrival: 4:00pm August 27
Departure: 12:30pm following our final session August 30th
LOCATION:
Braeside Camp 110 East River Rd. Paris, Ontario
meals & accommodations.
Groups are free to choose what works best for them. The Student Collective is not responsible for meals or lodging for groups.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stay at Braeside Camp
Cottages, dorms, trailers, and tent sites.
Local hotels
Local church
Visit the Braeside website to view accommodation options and pricing, and then CALL Braeside directly to book your accommodations: 519-442-3773.
MEALS
Prepare all or partial meals for your group.
Eat off-site.
Purchase lunch or dinner at the Braeside Tuck Shop, open throughout the retreat. Download the price list below.
Purchase a meal plan from Braeside Camp (meals in the dining hall, see details below). Braeside has THREE meal plan options to choose from.
Please CALL Braeside directly to order your meals: 519-442-3773. When ordering meals, you must notify Braeside of any serious dietary restrictions for members within your group.
ALLERGIES
Braeside Camp makes reasonable attempts to reduce the amount of known allergens when preparing foods and is committed to reducing the risk of food-related allergenic reactions among our registrants. Unfortunately, some food products that they serve will have been produced in processing plants that have come in contact with eggs, milk, soybean, wheat, food colouring, sulphites, nuts and/or seeds, and as such, it is possible that a student could be exposed to a known allergen(s).
Allergies must be specified when meal plans are purchased. There may be extra charges to accommodate dietary restrictions. Braeside doesn’t accommodate a vegan diet.
Meet the Team
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ALLEN DE JONG
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER - PM
Allen is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries Director with the BC/Yukon district of the PAOC (say that one 5 times really fast!). He loves travelling, loves renovating, loves the outdoors, and most of all, loves his Cocker Spaniel, ‘Lennon.’ He has spent over 18 years working with youth ministries across BC and Alberta, both in the local church and from the district level. Even if that means he might be getting a little older, he still loves being a part of youth ministry! He is a huge fan of young people and believes that students- empowered by the Holy Spirit- are truly the hope of the world. -
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LEAH BENNETT
MORNING GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
Leah is the Community Pastor AKA Playplace Pastor (yes you read that right 😆) at Peoples Church in Hamilton where she’s served in a variety of roles over the last 12 years. She loves serving in ministry alongside her husband Ryan and being mom to 2 cute and crazy girls. Leah loves books, puzzles, baking and going to the park with her kiddos. So yes, her life is super cool and exciting. But most of all, she loves helping others find the hope, peace, joy and purpose of Jesus in their everyday life.
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MATT LITOW
AM WORKSHOP SPEAKER
Matt is the Pastor at Hilltop Church in Aurora Ontario. He spent 6 years in Halifax Nova Scotia at Nova Church until stepping out in faith with his wife Emily and moving back to launch Hilltop Church. He is a father of three boys Leo (8) and Elis (5) and Josiah (4) and has been married to Emily for 12 years. Matt is passionate about his family, discipleship to Jesus, teaching the bible, seeing people come alive in their God-given identity and calling, and building the local church.
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PAUL BASTAIN
AM WORKSHOP SPEAKER
Paul has been working as a Youth Pastor for the past 6 years and has dedicated his life and passion to serving and equipping the next generation. His dream is to see young people from across the province on fire for Jesus and to partner with them as they mobilize to share the gospel to the ends of the world. God is moving in powerful ways in this generation. He loves One Piece, Coke zero and writing.
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TESSA DEBRUYNE
WORSHIP LEADER
Tessa serves in youth ministry, on the worship team, and on staff at Central Community Church in the Niagara Region. She’s passionate about helping the next generation encounter Christ through worship and loves serving alongside her husband, Nico, who works as the NextGen Experience Pastor at Central. Currently on maternity leave with baby boy #3, she’s soaking up life with her kids- usually with an iced coffee in hand and a good book nearby. -
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ETHAN JONES
GAMES TEAM
Ethan is the Youth Pastor at Bethel Pentecostal Church in Stratford, Ontario. He’s passionate about helping the next generation grow in their relationship with Jesus through discipleship, teaching, and intentional mentorship.When Ethan isn’t at the church, you’ll probably find him playing sports, watching the Blue Jays, playing music, or spending time with his fiancée, Dahlia. Ethan also has a pretty competitive side—so bring your energy, bring your game face… and let’s go!
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Victoria Breault
GAMES TEAM
Heyyy! My name is Victoria, people call me Tori, and lots of other fun nicknames. I love Jesus, serving people and making friends. I attend Glad Tidings Church in Burlington and I’m a bible college student/full-time ambassador. I like pretty much everything, except Brisk…I LOVE BRISK. Lastly, I’m really excited for Activate this year and I’m competitive so get ready :)
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NATHAN EGERT
GAMES TEAM
Nathan is the Jr. High and Interim Young Adults Pastor at Glad Tidings Church in Burlington. This is the second time he'll be helping lead games at Activate and he's excited to make it the best year yet, so get ready! He loves all things sports and appreciates the value of a good competition! Time to bring your A-game, and may the best team win!!
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BOSTON FITCH
GAMES TEAM
Boston is the Kids and Youth Pastor at Glad Tidings Church in Blenheim.
Boston fully believes that everything is a competition but on a more serious note he has a passion for Leading young to people have encounters with Jesus in their daily lives. Boston got married last year in October to his best friend Emily and they live with their two cats in Chatham Ontario. Boston coaches volleyball, basketball, and soccer he also plays hockey and baseball. He can’t wait to meet you guys and debate sports for hours.
Schedule
*
Schedule *
THURSDAY
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Arrival for those setting up camp sites
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Camp registration check-in - located near the dining hall
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Pre-service prayer in the tabernacle. All are welcome to join
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General session - tabernacle
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Late night / tribal games
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Curfew
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Breakfast
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Personal devos with your group
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General Session begins
Groups meet in the tabernacle for tribe games and worship.
10:45 AM Pastors and leaders will be dismissed to their seminarsPastors- Front of tabernacle
Graduating Gr 12 -Tuck shop
Called - Dining hall -
Lunch break - 1.5 hrs
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Tribal Games - 1.5hrs
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Free time / electives
PICKUP SOCCER - 1:30 - 4:30 PM — located near the parking lot
ULTIMATE FRISBEE - 1:30-4:30 PM — located near the parking lot
9-SQAURE - 1:30-4:30 PM — located near the tabernacle
TUCK SHOP
Available all weekend | Brought to you by Braeside CampGAGA BALL | 1:30–4:00 PM— Located behind the pool.
Play against other youth groupsPICKELBALL | 1:30-4:00 PM —Located near the parking lot
BEACH VOLLEYBALL| 1:30-4:00 PM —Located near the pool
MINI PUTT| 1:30 - 4:00 pm —Located near the parking lot
3-on-3 BASKETBALL | 1:30 - 4:00 PM — Located near the parking lot
SWIMMING
** supplies for pickup activities are located at the Braeside office at the front entrance.
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Pre service prayer- in the tabernacle
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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General session
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Break
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Late night tribal games
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Curfew
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
sunday
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Breakfast
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Personal devos with your group
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General Session
Final session with Pastor Blair!
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Event concludes - SEE YA NEXT YEAR!
Where to Find Us:
BRAESIDE CAMP
110 EAST RIVER ROAD
PARIS, Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Activate is targeted at students 13+
It is geared for students going into grade 9 through going into gap year or college…
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Yes. Activate is a group event, and students must be registered with their leaders.
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Yes! We are asking that the Drive-In crowd please register in advance, as space is limited and we may sell out. A few things to keep in mind:
Please don’t sit at the front — we’re reserving those spots for registered youth groups.
Consider making a donation if you’re attending any of the night services — your support helps make this possible!
If your youth group wants to attend more than one night, we’d love to have you — but please know we’re prioritizing space to give other groups a chance to come too. If we don’t sell out, absolutely, you’re welcome to come back!
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Sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, towel, one-piece bathing suit, sports/casual clothes, bandages, Bible, pen, notebook, alarm clock, and tuck shop money.
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Limited use of phones and electronic equipment will be permitted. Bringing valuables to Activate will be at your own risk. The Student Collective and Braeside Camp are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Braeside is a non-alcohol, non-smoking campground. While this is not a nut-free facility, out of courtesy for all campers, please do not bring nuts or items containing nuts.
While this is not a nut-free facility, out of courtesy for all campers, please do not bring nuts or items containing nuts.
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Groups can purchase a meal plan directly from Braeside Camp (different options available) , or choose to prepare their own meals, or eat offsite.
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Groups can choose to stay at Braeside Camp or offsite. Braeside has accommodation options at different price points, including cottages, dorms, trailers, and tent sites. Please visit Braeside's website for more info and contact them directly (519-442-3773) if you have any questions, and to book.
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Please visit Braeside's website for accommodation details and prices, and then call Braeside directly (519-442-3773) if you have any questions, and to book.
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Registration is available from June 1st to August 16th.
Onsite registration will be available on August 27, but we encourage you to get all your registrations in by the registration deadline (Aug 16).
THE PASTOR COMES FOR FREE! Each group will get ONE free pastor or leader registration. All other leaders must be registered.
DRIVE IN GROUPS-
We’re asking that the Drive-In crowd please register in advance, as space is limited and we may sell out.A few things to keep in mind:
Please don’t sit at the front — we’re reserving those spots for registered youth groups.
Consider making a donation if you’re attending any of the night services — your support helps make this possible!
If your youth group wants to attend more than one night, we’d love to have you — but please know we’re prioritizing space to give other groups a chance to come too. If we don’t sell out, absolutely, you’re welcome to come back!
PAYMENT OPTIONS
VISA
Mastercard
American Express
Cheque (payable to "Western Ontario District", until July 21).
Cheque payments must be received at our office within 10 business days of registration.
PLEASE NOTE:
All Registrations are NON-REFUNDABLE but transferable within this event.
Registrations must be made by a youth leader. Students (under 18) cannot register or attend this event without adult chaperones. This is a group event.
This event is not open to children under the age of 13. Anyone participating in the event activities or services MUST be registered.
All groups will be required to submit a security deposit. Please visit the event info page for more details.
steps to register:
$70
BY AUG 16 at 11:59pm
ADD ONS after aug 17, AVAILABLE ONLY ONSITE
AUg 27
WAIVER
Please note that in addition to the registration and waiver that your local church will be providing to parents and legal guardians for children to participate in Activate, you must also include a waiver for Western Ontario District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, as we are the organizers, hosts and facilitators of the event, which will be held on our campground property.
Whatever your format is for youth registration, online or hardcopy, you must include the attached Waiver for each child that is registered. Once you have received all of your completed registrations for your group, you must scan and email them to nswitzer@wodistrict.org by Friday, August 14th, 2026. Any youth without a completed waiver will not be permitted to participate in Activate 2026.
REGISTER:
All Registrations are completed online. It is both secure and immediate. If you need assistance to register, please contact the Student Collective and speak to Nicole (nswitzer@wodistrict.org).
You must register yourself, your leaders and students. More can be added to your registration if/when needed.
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BUDGET:
Don't forget to budget for meals and accommodations!
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SECURITY DEPOSIT FORM
Complete your security deposit form once you’ve finished registering.