Ever wondered what a week at Classic ReBoot looks like for young adult missionary kids (MKs) returning to Canada? It’s a whirlwind of laughter, learning, deep conversations, and moments that tug at your heart. From team-building games and Amazing Race adventures through Toronto, to heartfelt sessions on identity, transition, and faith, each day is packed with experiences that help MKs process their unique journey and build meaningful connections.
We wanted to give you a glimpse “behind the scenes” of Classic ReBoot 2025—through the eyes of participants, staff, and yes, plenty of photos that capture the joy, challenges, and breakthroughs of the week. Here’s an inside look at how God moved, friendships were formed, and MKs were equipped for the next season of life in Canada.
Day 0 + 1
Staff Orientation, Intros, Canadian culture
Staff arrived on Friday and we were off to the races with room setup, food prep, and getting MK binders ready for sessions. We had some sweet time to connect, pray and share a meal together before wrapping up for the night.
Saturday we completed the final touches on prep and waited with anticipation for the first ReBooters to show up! Airport runs were smooth, and just like that we were all there.
We kicked it off with ice breakers + team building games and whoosh it was a tight fit with 37 people (staff included)!
Next up was Canadian Culture 101 and a jeopardy game! They were quick learners!
Day 2 + 3
MK Identity, Relationships, and the AMAZING RACE
It was eye opening for all the MKs to learn about some of the unique aspects of their MK identity. Recognizing that relationships in Canada are built more with time as a main factor was a learning for many.
At the beginning of the week each MK was asked to pick a picture card and share how it highlights what they’re feeling in their transition to Canada.
This is an important part of “cracking the door of their heart open” and giving them a simple way to engage and share where they’re at.
These cards are used throughout the week to engage in topics of identity, grief, and transition.
We had our good friends Wil and Steevens join us to educate the MKs on services offered by our police and emergency departments.
And one of our staff demonstrated “how to cooperate with law enforcement” 😂 #fakearrest
The AMAZING RACE took the participants all over downtown Toronto in their small group teams.
They took public transit, completed tasks, and followed the directions to end up at Queen’s Park, Toronto… except for the two teams that got lost 🤦♀️🤷♂️ but we found ’em.
The amazing race is ALWAYS a highlight!
Day 4 + 5
The Transition Journey, Relationships expanded, Christian Sexuality, Grief & Loss…
Locating “where you are” in the transition is vital. Participants begin to identify some of the challenges they’ve faced and face ahead… Now they can invite God to show them what is going on under the surface, and we can move towards healing…
During this part of the week we were going deeper, talking about some intense parts of life – relationships, sexuality, and facing loss.
They do an activity called the transition relay where they have to go on a journey carrying a bunch of random items to complicate their travels.
Embracing the Journey is an activity we do at the river. Each person picks two stones and writes something they’re leaving behind (i.e. fear, shame), and something they’re taking with them (love, connection, a bible verse), etc.
They then throw the first rock into the river to symbolize letting go.
It’s a big moment in the week for participants, a chance to say,
“I’m moving forward with Jesus & others beside me.”
Day 6 + 7
Employment, Finances, How do Canadians think?, MKs Got Talent, Mental Health, Tree Top Trekking, and “What’s Next?”
This is the final movement of the week. Here we are looking at how do we approach the next season with wisdom, knowledge, and confidence.
We cover basics of the themes above, and just have a BUNCH of fun.
I’m always surprised by the incredible talents of these young people.
At our MKs Got Talent, we had ribbon dancing, acting, stories, videos of unbelievable aerial performance, art displays, incredible musical acts, rubik’s cube mastery, scripture memorization, and the best memes you ever did see!
Oh, and so much Karaoke!
Our last full day consists of sessions on mental health, “What’s Next?” – sort of a vision session – and an outing to Treetop Trekking out in Brampton.
Oh, and Chic Fil-A!
There is SO much taught at ReBoot… it’s like drinking from a fire hose, and yet, truly it’s just a primer. Many of the lessons learned at ReBoot are vital today for these MKs, and some will come into play in 2, 5, or even 10 years.
Our hope is send these MKs out as life long learners with tools in their tool belt, trust in Jesus, and hope in their hearts.
Day 8
Goodbyes
Worship, Celebration, Goodbyes, and tears … and a bunch of clean up
When we get to the end of the week we think “whoa, how did the time fly so fast?” Our hearts are full, our bags are packed, and the smiles and tears are the most beautiful juxtaposition.
On the last day we have a celebration time followed by a chance for each staff to pray, and spend time with the MKs they’ve been praying for all week (we each pick 2 MKs). We get to pray for them, give them a card, and encourage them. It’s very meaningful. And then we start to say goodbyes.
Final Reflections
But it’s not the end. Many of these MKs will stay in touch, many will be mentored and one day, Lord willing, become mentors themselves.
These MKs are moving forward CONNECTED to others. They’re connected to God, and connected to a network of people across Canada who want to see them thrive. They will find new challenges ahead and new opportunities. And they’ll face them with the tools they need to thrive!
We praise JESUS for all He did at ReBoot, and we praise Him for the good things He will continue to do, because, that’s what He does!!
Classic ReBoot
“The vision of ReBoot is to provide a safe and enriching place for Canadian MKs of all ages to deepen their understanding of their MK/TCK experience. At ReBoot they are refreshed through relationships with fellow MKs, and to be encouraged to press into the hope and opportunities in front of them. Reboot is about processing the past, understanding our present, and developing a healthy vision for the future.” -Canadian MK Network
Find out more about the next Classic ReBoot here: Canadian MK Network | Classic ReBoot
Josh Gamble is the Director of the Canadian Missionary Kid Network and an MK who grew up in Bangladesh and India. Now based in Calgary with his wife Reaghan and their son, Josh is passionate about seeing people become dedicated disciples of Jesus, so they can help others do the same.