Week 1
August 13 to August 15
Segment 1 of Upward Bound in 2025 will be spent at the facilities of Heidelberg Bible Fellowship, near Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and is centred around an intensive schedule of Bible teaching seminars. The seminar leaders are excellent, experienced teachers and the ministry is focused on topics that are particularly helpful and appropriate for a younger demographic.
As well as the teaching, there are a number of fellowship activities in the afternoons/evenings that give attendees an opportunity to make new friendships and enhance existing ones. Some of the activities include: mini golf, a “Sunday School Picnic” afternoon, sports and games. There are also evening chapel times, campfires and lots of singing.
This year, attendees will be billeted with a local family who will provide bedding and towels. Breakfast will be provided by the hosts, and all other meals will be eaten at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship. You’ll of course need your Bible and a notebook is recommended. A binder will be provided with all of the speakers’ outlines.
The dress code for the first week is informal. A number of active activities are held during the week, so it is helpful to have suitable clothing and footwear. We have a closing dinner on our last night, Friday after the camping trip, and some people dress up for that. However, it is up to you.
Week 2
August 16 to August 22
The second week of Upward Bound is a 5-day canoe trip into Algonquin Park. Algonquin Park is a stunningly beautiful place and has over 2,200 km of canoe routes. We travel to an island deep in the interior of this Provincial Park and get an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of this amazing part of God’s creation. There are Bible teaching sessions along the way, campfires, times for reflection and also the chance to get to know your fellow travellers better. It is an experience that you will never forget.
All the necessary camping gear is provided except for sleeping bags and personal items. However, if you have some good gear, bring it along and it may be able to be used. Light packing is essential so you will not need to bring something for every social occasion that occurs on the trip.
Here are the suggested items and their number:
A few special notes. Jeans are not recommended for the trip as they take a long time to dry out and believe it or not, there is a good chance you may get wet at some point – sweat pants work best. Wool socks are excellent for warmth. The things you bring will take a beating so it is best to leave anything you may not be able to use again – forever – behind. Remember that we will be dealing with temperature and weather extremes. It is often quite hot during the day but can cool considerably at night and we almost always experience some rain. Discretionary items include – cameras, sunhats, sunblock, sunglasses, bug spray (not as bad as you might think but there are still a few around) and also a toque for sleeping at night (helps keep your head warm).
For those who have been there for Week One, any clothes and personal effects you do not take along will be left behind in a safe place for the week and will be picked up when we return.
