FAQ’s – Switch (Grade 6-12)

What age group is Switch for?

We don’t go by age but rather by grade. Switch is designed for grade 6-12 and we are firm on this as we already have a large age span and the larger it gets the more challenging it is to cover some of the topics that we like to tackle.

How often does Switch run?

Switch runs every second Sunday from 10:30 – 11:30. Our service is always followed up with lunch and an event that typically runs for about 3 hours.
Over the summer we don’t hold services, but we do hold a variety of connection events on various days of the week.

Why doesn’t it run every week?

This is for a couple of reasons. A Switch weekend takes a lot of planning and manpower. It also gives our teens an opportunity to experience different aspects of Friends Church like going to the main service or volunteering with our kid’s program, both valuable opportunities to connect to the larger community.

What is the cost to attend Switch?

There is no charge for our Sunday service but our lunch and events typically have a cost associated with them. We attempt to just cover our costs and so events would range from $5 – $20. We make an effort to space out the more expensive events.
If cost is ever an issue we are happy to help out. We never want teens missing out.

What does Switch stand for?

We are asked this occasionally and although we have given it some thought, we actually just liked the name.

Who can volunteer?

Our volunteers are regular people who have a desire to help teens discover their strengths and make their world a better place. They are not perfect, they have varied beliefs, backgrounds, and range in age. It is their uniqueness that makes our team awesome. So if you are graduated and want to work with teens and have a great time you should check us out.
For more info contact Ryan Doggart at [email protected] or on his cell at 587-581-3255

What are you guys all about?

Switch is about empowering and equipping teens. We strive to provide a place that is safe for teens to question, explore, wrestle with life’s questions and the beliefs they will choose to hold. We don’t shy away from tough topics and encourage each teen to discover the strengths and talents that they possess. It is a place where teens have the opportunity to make a difference and build confidence in their ability to make a difference in their world. We exist to help teens thrive and make a difference.

Where is Switch held?

We meet in the social hall of a Jewish Temple (Bhai Tikvah) 900 47 Ave SW, Calgary at 10:30 am every second Sunday. Our events typically start at the church but often end up offsite.

What does a typical Sunday look like?

10:30-10:45 hang out and catch up. Free snacks, slurpee, and ice cream. Games and music
10:45 – 11:20 interactive topic & experiential learning, engaging teens in topics focused on life skills, relationships, and how we can make our world a better place. We explore what it means to have a unique spiritual journey.. We focus on making a difference in our world and believe that this is indeed spiritual. We Don’t shy away from topics that matter.

What sort of topics do you cover?

We tackle all sorts of topics. Things like: relationships, consent, life skills, addiction, spirituality, stress, making a difference, purpose and so much more.
We have a love your neighbor series which consists of an interview with people from different faiths, sexual orientations, races. People with mental health issues, eating disorders, and more because the things we don’t understand or hold inaccurate beliefs about, impact our ability to love those around us.

What is a Switch event?

Switch events are broken into 2 categories. We run one of each over the course of a month. The first has a focus on giving back and making a difference in our world. The second is fun, relational events which also help teens learn a skill that will help them be more effective at making a difference.

Big events

Each year we host a couple of larger events.

Project Mexico in which we take a team of grade 9 and up to Tijuana to build homes (March – spring break) this is currently on hold until March 2023
Fall Retreat – this is a weekend in September when we take the teens to Camp Evergreen. It helps our group connect and set our intentions for the coming season of impact and making a difference.
Ski & Snowboard trip (late January or Early February)

Getting information about what is going on at Switch