Welcome to Calbreak 2025
Dear Calbreak Staff Team:
We’re about to embark on something truly historic — the 45th edition of California Breakaway, and, as you’ve likely heard, the final trip for the foreseeable future.
This is more than just a road trip — it’s the culmination of decades of ministry, thousands of students’ lives impacted, and a legacy of life-changing moments that have shaped the hearts of a generation. And now, you are part of this incredible final chapter.
Thank you for stepping in and giving your time, your heart, and your energy to invest in the youth of our province. We know you come from busy lives and carry many commitments, which makes your “yes” even more meaningful.
Though we come from different towns and walks of life — and may even be in different places on our spiritual journeys — we are united around the mission of Calbreak.
California Breakaway has 2 main goals:
First, we want to give students the best trip of their lives.
2. That every student would connect with a deeper purpose for their life as they consider who God created them to be.
Remember, even though we come from different areas and are on different places in our spiritual journey, we are all on the same team. A great verse to remember for this is
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As a team, we’ll laugh together, learn together, grow together, and yes — face a few bumps along the way. Let’s commit to staying positive, supportive, and encouraging even when the unexpected happens. That unity among staff will trickle down and shape the entire tone of the trip.
Please begin praying now — for the students, for the staff team, and for your own heart. Get others around you praying too. Prayer is the foundation for everything God wants to do through us.
We’re so thankful you said yes. This is going to be a trip to remember.
Welcome to Calbreak 2025 - The Last Ride.
Corwin Thiessen
California Breakaway Trip Director
TOUR AGENDA
*this sample agenda is a guide. times / schedule are subject to change.
Thursday, Apr 17
Load up Buses
Supper in Swift Current
Drive through the night
Good Friday Apr 18
Shower Stop / Breakfast - Idaho Falls
Lunch / Shop - Idaho Falls
Supper / Shop - Salt Lake City
Drive through the night
Saturday Apr 19
Huntington Beach / Sidewalk Sale
Hotel / Banquet (Meal #1)
CLUB CALI #1
Easter Sunday Apr 20
Hollywood Tour
Universal Studios Hollywood
Small Group Event at City Walk
Free Time at Hotel
Monday, April 21
Disneyland / California Adventure
Tuesday April 22
OPTION DAY #1
• Project Serve
• Newport Beach
SMALL GROUP MEAL - $10 each
CLUB CALI #2
Wednesday April 23
OPTION DAY #2
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Laguna Beach/Outlets at Orange
CLUB CALI #3
Free Time / Small Group
Thursday April 24
Leave for San Diego
• Outlet Mall Shopping
• Mission Beach/Belmont Park
Coaster Terrace - Meal #3
CLUB CALI #4 - Dance Party
Friday April 25
Leave Hotel
In-N-Out Burger
Outlet Mall Shopping
SPECIAL ACTIVITY
Drive through the night
Saturday April 26
Breakfast / Shower - Lehi/Orem UT
Lunch / Shop - Salt Lake City
Supper - Idaho Falls
Drive through the night
Sunday April 27
Cross Border
Arrive home mid-afternoon
Small Room Group Lists
GUYS
ANTENAH
Thayne Benoit – Saskatoon, 16
Carson Bradley – Saskatoon, 16
Kasiah Fountaine – Saskatoon, 17
Hudson Irwin – Saskatoon, 16
Ben Kennedy – Saskatoon, 17
Ben Leroux – Saskatoon, 17
Kyler Lone – Lanigan, 17
Braxton Lone – Lanigan, 14
Keegan Merz – Warman, 16
ISAAC
Hunter Cronan – Strasbourg, 13
Tyler Funk – Delisle, 17
Owen Johnson Sydow – Saskatoon, 14
Ami Neufeld – Saskatoon, 14
Cade Ringdal – Outlook, 15
Ethan Kolisnek – Delisle, 15
Hunter Woodley – Saskatoon, 15
MARSHALL
Jackson Bilow – Swan River, 17
Kyle Broughton – Pilot Butte, 17
Maddox Fehr – Altona, 17
Deacon LaRose – Pilot Butte, 17
OWEN
Solomon Dickhoff – Saskatoon, 15
Brandon LaFond – Clavet, 14
Roman Rokytskyi – RM of Dundurn, 16
Alex Smith – Clavet, 14
Jonah Smith – Saskatoon, 16
Tristan Sylvestre – Alberta, 14
Henry Tomaz – Saskatoon, 16
TJ
Kingston Belly – Saskatoon, 16
CJ Block – Saskatoon, 15
CJ Cardinal – Saskatoon, 18
Miles Dowdeswell – Saskatoon, 17
Russell Paskimen – Regina, 15
Gerrett Toutsaint – Saskatoon, 16
GIRLS
ALYSSA
Liz Derbyshire – Saskatoon, 15
Kaitlyn Giesbrecht – Warman, 17
Kalyn Kanz – Battleford, 15
Gabriella McNeil – Dalmeny, 16
Mira Patola – Saskatoon, 15
Belle Ringdal – Outlook, 16
Adanna Tiedjens – Saskatoon, 15
Aliya Wiens-Agarand – Dalmeny, 17
JENNA
Kylie Chase – Saskatoon, 16
Mya Duhaime – Shell Lake, 15
Lanaya Hoskins – Saskatoon, 16
Eden Moffat – Lloydminster, 14
Eden Turgeon – Spiritwood, 15
BECCA
Jorgia Bilow – Swan River, 14
Harlee Bishop – Wolseley, 13
Danielle Cabuten – Saskatoon, 14
Antoinette Cabuten – Saskatoon, 16
Niemi Paskimen – Regina, 14
Maelle Siemens – Saskatoon, 14
GRACE
Rosalie Dembele – Winnipeg, 15
Kara Groshong – Torquay, 17
Lily Knoll – Estevan, 17
Tatum MacCallum – Balgone, 17
Molly Penny – Radville, 17
Haylie Peters – Langham, 17
Brenna Simmons – RM of Blucher, 18
CALBREAK STAFF JOB DESCRIPTION
YFC SASKATOON | YOUTH UNLIMITED
We follow Jesus, and serve with excellence, to bring HOPE and offer belonging to young people.
Our 2 goals for the trip: To give students the best spring break trip of their lives, and to introduce them to Jesus.
A. Ministry Commitment.
1. Pre-Trip Responsibilities
Mandatory staff training weekend
Personal prayer and preparation
2. Trip Responsibilities:
Lead a small group of youth (approx. 4-8 per group)
Make sure they are in their room at curfew, and have an idea where they are during their free time.
Spend as much time as possible with your small group
Walk through the student evaluation form with each member of your group before we get back to Canada.
Enforce rules and guidelines on the bus, in the hotel and at the parks.
Make sure all the young people feel welcome and are having the best time possible.
Attend all staff meetings during the trip.
Be a team player and support other staff.
3. Post-trip
Calbreak Movie Premiere and Awards show
If possible, connect with small group at a local youth group.
Contact each student after the trip, (phone calls, social media, coffee)
Send a Christmas card (we will design and print, you just personalize)
Disciple youth by continuing a relationship with them once we are home.
B. Prayer Support
Ask people to pray for you and your kids during the trip
C. Financial Support
To keep the cost low for students and to help cover the expenses of the staff during the trip, we ask staff to contribute/fundraise $700.
We will provide letters and links for people to easily donate towards staff support.
Room Lists
GUYS
Room 274
Thayne Benoit
Carson Bradley
Hudson Irwin
Kasiah Fountaine
Room 254
Kyler Lone
Braxton Lone
Ben Leroux
Keegan Merz
Room 256
Antenah Miller
Isaac Driscoll
Room 258
Ami Neufeld
Owen Johnson Sydow
Hunter Cronan
Cade Ringdal
Room 270
Hunter Woodley
Tyler Funk
Ethan Kolisnek
Ben Kennedy
Room 272
CJ Cardinal
Miles Dowdeswell
Gerrett Toutsaint
Kingston Belly
Room 253
TJ
Room 257
Russell Paskimen
CJ Block
Room 260
Solomon Dickhoff
Brandon LaFond
Alexandre Smith
Tristan Sylvestre
Room 262
Henry Tomaz
Jonah Smith
Roman Rokytskyi
Room 264
Kyle Broughton
Deacon LaRose
Jackson Bilow
Maddox Fehr
Room 259
Mitch Diesen
Jenna Diesen
Room 251
Owen Sudom
Grace Sudom
GIRLS
Room 352
Kaitlyn Giesbrecht
Belle Ringdal
Aliya Wiens-Agarand
Gabriella McNeil
Room 354
Adanna Tiedjens
Mira Patola
Elizabeth Derbyshire
Rosalie Dembele
Room 357
Becca Shepherd
Alyssa Peterson
Room 356
Eden Turgeon
Mya Duhaime
Eden Moffat
Kalyn Kanz
Room 359
Danielle Cabuten
Antoinette Cabuten
Kylie Chase
Lanaya Hoskins
Room 372
Jorgia Bilow
Maelle Siemens
Harlee Bishop
Niemi Paskimen
Room 360
Brenna Simmons
Haylie Peters
Tatum MacCallum
Room 362
Kara Groshong
Lily Knoll
Molly Penny
OTHER STAFF
Room 265
Jeff
Room 269
Jordan
Marshall
Room 369
Amanda
Kristin
Room 271
Steven
Room 423
SCRIBE MUSIC FAMILY
Room 471
Corwin
Room 174
FLOWRIDER BUS DRIVER - SCOTT
FLOWRIDER BUS DRIVER - MIKE
Room 275
SUNCHASER BUS DRIVER - BRIAN
SUNCHASER BUS DRIVER - GUIDO
Small Group - Sat Night Options
INTRODUCTION
Explain the purpose of small group
Explain and emphasize the rules
Honest or silent
Confidentiality is important
Respect each other, one person speaks at a time
Share your excitement at the potential of your small group times.
Getting to Know Each other
Ask each person to decide on 2 hidden talents.
Finish the Sentence
It is often good if in the beginning the leader is the first one to go and makes every effort to be totally honest. The leader is setting the pace. Please use leader discretion in which questions are asked. Go with the flow of the group.
Sample Questions:
One fear I had in coming on this trip is...
My Biggest pet peeve is…
Last show I binge watched
Hear Me Out cards or Soularium Cards
Leader Sharing
The leader could share a little about why he/she is a leader on the trip this year. The leader could also share a little bit of their story (only 2 or 3 min.) - don't preach.
Listening Check
(This is a real key to the first meeting). This group is both for sharing and listening. Now is the time to determine how we did at listening. Focus on one person at a time and tell the person what the group remembers them saying. It will be an encouragement to everyone (including the staff) to see how much is remembered.
BASICS OF RUNNING SMALL GROUP
RULES: (What makes the group work?)
One of the key factors to make the group work is the four rules that all group members and the leader follow. These rules help the leader build an environment in which honest sharing and learning will take place. The rules are:
1. BE HONEST OR BE SILENT:
The group will never try to force anyone to share. An individual is always allowed to not answer (say "I pass"). Silence becomes a form of honesty by simply saying I'm not willing to be honest on that, yet. The group is continually challenged to share at more honest levels. Three levels of honesty are talked about. The levels are honest, more honest, and most honest.
2. BE TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL:
Practising confidentiality is the only way anything of importance and honesty can be shared by the group. Sharing things outside the group which are shared within may cause someone to no longer be allowed in the group. Trust is vital.
3. BE COMMITTED TO THE MEETING:
The commitment of the group members to each other will make this a special time each evening.
4. ONE PERSON TALKS AT A TIME.
THE LEADER: (What does the leader do?)
The leader is an equal participant in the group. Members of the group will look to the leader as they decide how honest, vulnerable and open they will be. By example the leader will teach members how to listen and care.
THE LEADER MUST BE:
ADAPTABLE
PRAYERFUL
ENTHUSIASTIC
HONEST
VULNERABLE
CONFIDENT
FLEXIBLE
THE SWEET RULES OF CALBREAK
1. You will be assigned a staff person to whom you will be responsible to during this trip. This means when leaving the hotel, etc. you must tell this person where you will be and when you will return.
REMEMBER...THIS STAFF PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU AND WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO YOUR PARENTS, SO PLEASE COOPERATE WITH US.
2. No smoking will be allowed on the bus, in hotel rooms, or other places it is publicly banned.
*You are allowed to smoke in designated areas IF your parents sign the rules form
3. No alcohol/drugs (purchasing, possessing or using) at any time during this trip. Vaping is included.
*This is a ZERO TOLERANCE rule, and will result in immediate expulsion from the trip at the expense of your parents/guardians.
4. Abide by the curfew set for every evening.
5. Out of respect for everyone’s personal property, you may only visit hotel rooms of students in your small group.
6. All scheduled events are compulsory, including the evening group meetings and small group discussions. It is important to follow the itinerary so everyone can have a good time.
7. No visiting of friends or relatives in California, unless previously arranged by parent/guardian and the Calbreak Director
8. Be on time for all bus departures and scheduled events: You will be charged $1 US for every minute you are late.
9. Respect the authorities who are here to make this a pleasant, fun-filled trip:
Bus drivers
Calbreak Staff
Border-Crossing Personnel
Hotel Staff
Other students - Everyone on this trip is here for a fun time. COOPERATION IS KEY.
Any violation of our community guidelines will result in a discussion with the trip director, and could also involve a phone call to the parents/guardians. If the issues cannot be resolved and the behaviour continues, at the discretion of the trip director, the student could be sent home at the expense of the parent/guardian. The one exception is the drugs/alcohol rule, which would result in the student’s immediate expulsion from the trip at the expense of the parent/guardian.
IMPORTANT TIPS
BUS TIPS
Hard candy and chewing gum help the ears and throat.
On stops go for a walk or jog around the bus
Be sure to have a pillow and blanket and change of clothes for bed. A thin foam or strip of carpet underlay is also helpful (but keep it 2 inch thick or less - or it won’t fit in the overhead compartments).
Know the kids by name before we arrive in the US.
Don't feel guilty for getting sleep or finding a comfortable spot to sleep.
Bring cards, music, or something to read to help pass the time.
There is a bunk in the back of each bus for the bus drivers. Please help to keep kids away from the bunk, and keep the noise down while a driver is trying to sleep.
NO students movies or music is to be played over the bus system. We will provide each bus with music and movies.
Keep your carry-on to a minimum - the overhead compartments are small and so is the space underneath your seat. Make sure you have all that you need in you carry-on as we will not be allowed to access our suitcases until we arrive at the hotel Saturday night (ie. Beach stuff, change of clothes, etc.)
Pack your ID and some Canadian and US money in your carry-on.
US prepaid visa cards are awesome (Air Canada AC Conversion Card)
https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/prepaid/ac-conversion-card.htmlTry and spread the staff throughout the bus, making sure that there is at least one staff at the back of the bus.
Bring a travel mug and a water bottle with a screw top lid. To-go cups are not allowed on the bus.
OTHER TIPS
Try and hang out with kids as much as possible.
To ensure confidence, always act like you know what you’re doing. If you are confident and ready to make a plan for the day, your kids will want to hang out with you.
Download the apps to the various theme parks, this will help you out.
First Aid kits will be kept on each bus, and in the head nurses room once we’re in California. If you need anything for yourself or one of your kids talk to the medical staff on your bus. We strongly discourage kids to bring or take medicine without informing the medical staff on their bus.
Our biggest medical problem is usually sun burns. You can help by keeping an eye on your kids, and STRONGLY encouraging them to apply sun screen regularly.
Take care of yourself on the trip. We recommend that you take an hour of personal time each day.
FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE
TOUGH QUESTIONS - WHICH WOULD BE BETTER?
Which Would Be Better? – 2025 Edition
Which would be better: being known for your kindness or your creativity?
Which would be better: living one week in the world of your favourite movie or your favourite video game?
Which would be better: always knowing the truth or always making people feel better with your words?
Which would be better: being famous for something you didn’t do or never getting credit for something amazing you did?
Which would be better: getting unlimited free travel or free concerts for life?
Which would be better: being a leader everyone follows or a friend everyone trusts?
Which would be better: being completely fearless or completely content?
Which would be better: speaking five languages or playing five instruments?
Which would be better: having a rewind button or a pause button for your life?
Which would be better: being known for your honesty or your loyalty?
Which would be better: making one best friend for life or having a big group of friends that changes every few years?
Which would be better: spending a day at the beach or a night under the stars in the mountains?
Which would be better: having God answer every prayer with “yes” or having Him sit with you in every struggle?
Which would be better: being remembered for how you made people feel or for what you accomplished?
Which would be better: having unlimited time or unlimited energy?
Which would be better: doing one big thing for God or a thousand small unnoticed things for Him?
Which would be better: losing your phone for a week or being without music for a week?
Which would be better: being the funniest person in the room or the most understanding?
Which would be better: being invited to every party or being the person people come to for real talk?
Which would be better: being the main character in your story or the guide in someone else's?
Which would be better: experiencing one big miracle or seeing small ones every day?
Which would be better: being in control or being at peace?
Which would be better: having a future full of success or one full of purpose?
Which would be better: giving hope or receiving it when you need it most?
Which would be better: going viral on TikTok or winning $1,000 quietly?
TOUGH QUESTIONS - WHICH WOULD BE WORSE?
Which Would Be Worse? – 2025 Edition
Which would be worse: your phone dying in a new city or losing your wallet in your hometown?
Which would be worse: sneezing uncontrollably during a serious prayer moment or your stomach growling loudly during a quiet classroom exam?
Which would be worse: being left on read for a week or accidentally liking someone’s post from 6 years ago?
Which would be worse: being cancelled for something you didn’t do or being celebrated for something you regret?
Which would be worse: living without music or living without dessert?
Which would be worse: dropping your phone in the ocean or losing all your photos forever?
Which would be worse: finding out you’ve been lied to for years or finding out you’ve hurt someone deeply without realizing it?
Which would be worse: having a dream and never pursuing it, or pursuing it and failing?
Which would be worse: tripping on stage during graduation or tripping on a first date?
Which would be worse: being the only one without a costume at a party or the only one with a costume?
Which would be worse: having no one notice your success or everyone notice your failure?
Which would be worse: saying something you regret or not saying something you should’ve?
Which would be worse: realizing your best friend isn’t who you thought they were or realizing you’re not who you thought you were?
Which would be worse: having Wi-Fi but no people, or people but no Wi-Fi?
Which would be worse: waking up late on a big day or not being able to sleep the night before?
Which would be worse: having to relive your most embarrassing moment every day or forgetting all your happiest memories?
Which would be worse: everyone knowing your biggest mistake or no one knowing the good you've done?
Which would be worse: being known as lazy or known as fake?
Which would be worse: a fractured friendship or a fake friendship?
Which would be worse: being honest and hurting someone or hiding the truth and protecting their feelings?
Which would be worse: having everyone talk about you behind your back or no one talk to you at all?
Which would be worse: never feeling pain or never feeling joy?
Which would be worse: a perfect life with no love or a messy life with real love?
Which would be worse: always being second choice or always being the one who has to choose?
Which would be worse: living with guilt or living with regret?
Small Group - CITYWALK
Universal CityWalk Hollywood – Dining Guide
Panda Express
Cuisine: Chinese, Fast Food · Price: $ · Quick-service favorites like orange chicken and chow mein
Reservations: Not requiredFirehouse Subs
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Fast Food · Price: $ · Hearty subs and salads made fresh to order
Reservations: Not requiredTaco Bell
Cuisine: Mexican, Fast Food · Price: $ · Classic Tex-Mex items with quick service
Reservations: Not requiredPink's Famous Hot Dogs
Cuisine: American, Fast Food · Price: $ · Iconic LA hot dog stand with creative toppings
Reservations: Not requiredJohnny Rockets
Cuisine: American, Diner · Price: $–$$ · Retro-style burgers, fries, and milkshakes
Reservations: Not requiredVoodoo Doughnut
Cuisine: Bakery, Desserts · Price: $–$$ · Unique, quirky doughnuts with bold flavors
Reservations: Not requiredBubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Cuisine: Seafood, American · Price: $$ · Shrimp-focused menu inspired by Forrest Gump
Reservations: Recommended
Reservation Link: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. ReservationsAntojitos Cocina Mexicana
Cuisine: Mexican · Price: $$ · Bold and authentic Mexican cuisine with a festive vibe
Reservations: Recommended
Reservation Link: Antojitos Cocina Mexicana ReservationsVIVO Italian Kitchen
Cuisine: Italian · Price: $$–$$$ · Handcrafted pastas and fresh Italian classics
Reservations: Recommended
Reservation Link: VIVO Italian Kitchen ReservationsThe Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Cuisine: American, Desserts · Price: $$–$$$ · Steampunk-themed dining with decadent treats
Reservations: Recommended
Reservation Link: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Reservations