J-VAN

J-Van brings life, hope, and joy to families in Nanaimo.

Vision

J-Van brings life-giving experiences to families living in affordable housing. We create spaces filled with joy, hope, and connection—because we believe every family deserves the chance to thrive!

About Us

J-Van is a vibrant Christian-based ministry on wheels that is dedicated to bringing life, hope, and joy to families in Nanaimo. As a matter of fact J-Van is short for, Jesus Van. Our team is made up of passionate Christian volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from churches across the city—and even around the world! We’re united by a desire to share the abundant life and love of Jesus in practical, meaningful ways. Therefore, we strive to create uplifting spaces where families feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether it’s through a kids day camp, a community BBQ, or simply showing up with care and a listening ear, we want families to know they’re not alone. So, with our van packed full of supplies, activities, and snacks, we create pop-up events right in the heart of communities—because that’s what J-Van is all about: Jesus, joy, and showing up where it matters most.

J-Van Summer – Summer of Joy

Every summer, J-Van rolls into neighbourhoods with one big goal: to bring a Summer of Joy to kids and families! We host a free, on-site day camp full of exciting games, creative crafts, and tasty snacks—right in the neighborhoods where families live. Kids get to laugh, play, and make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment, and caregivers are always invited to hang out and connect with our team.
Learn more below about our Summer of Joy schedule and how to get involved!

J-Van BBQs – More Than a Meal

Throughout the year, even after summer ends, J-Van keeps showing up! We host monthly pop-up BBQs in the same neighborhoods where we’ve held Summer of Joy camps.
These gatherings help us stay connected with families and build lasting relationships. Around the BBQ and fire pit, we share food, stories, and encouragement. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy, we bring the grill, the shelter, the chairs—and the love.
Check out our BBQ calendar below to see when we’ll be in your neighborhood next!

What's Ahead – And How You Can Help

J-Van is now being carried forward by the dedicated team at YWAM (Youth With A Mission), who are committed to continuing this meaningful outreach to families in affordable housing. But the vision of J-Van is bigger than one church, team, or organization. It belongs to the community—and it needs the community to keep going. To keep J-Van rolling into neighbourhoods, we need volunteers, donations, and partnerships from local churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in what we’re doing.
Whether you’re able to give your time, offer financial support, or simply spread the word, your help makes a real impact.
Find out how you can partner with J-Van today.

Together, we can bring joy, hope, and Jesus to the streets of Nanaimo—one neighborhood at a time!

Ways to Partner

Here's what you can expect from J-Van's Summer of Joy!

J-Van's Summer of Joy is coming to your neighbourhood!

Our bright and friendly J-Van team will roll into your neighborhood ready to bring the fun! Using a pop-up style, we bring everything needed—from crafts and games to snacks and supplies—so kids can jump right into a joyful afternoon of activities. We’ll set up a special area right on-site where the fun will happen. Our team includes caring adults to supervise and energetic young leaders to play games and run activities with the kids.
The program runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and families are welcome to bring their kids 10 minutes early to check in. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers—you’re invited too! Come say hello, enjoy some refreshments, and connect with our team while your kids play and create. There will be free snacks and drinks for everyone, and we love getting to know the whole family.

J-Van’s Summer of Joy is more than just a day camp—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and hope!

1. How it works when J-Van Arrives

You’ll spot us rolling into the neighborhood in our big grey J-Van—you can’t miss us! Once we arrive, we’ll need about 20 minutes to set up our activity area.
After that, one of our friendly team members will be at our check-in table to welcome families. Before your child can join in the fun, we’ll need a J-Van Permission Form signed by a parent or guardian.
We’ll have paper copies available on site, or you can fill it out online and send it to us ahead of time—whatever works best for you!
If you don’t catch us driving in, no problem! Some of our team members will be walking around the complex going door-to-door to personally invite families to join the fun.

2. Check-In & let the Fun Begin

As your child checks in, they’ll receive a name tag, and one of our team members will come by to personally say hello and help them feel at home.
We’ll offer a variety of games, crafts, and fun activities for your child to choose from—there’s something for everyone! And if your child isn’t quite ready to join a group activity, that’s totally okay. Our team is ready to connect with kids one-on-one and help them have fun in their own way.
Snacks and drinks will be provided during the program. We do our best to consider common allergies, but if your child has any serious or life-threatening allergies, please let us know at check-in or on the permission form so we can keep them safe.

3. Wrapping Up the Day

As we finish up the fun and games, we’ll invite the kids to help us tidy up the area before we pack up the van—it's a great way to end the day together!
Although our program officially runs until 6:00 PM, kids are welcome to head home earlier if needed. A parent, guardian, or older sibling is welcome to pick them up at any time during the program.
If your child stays with us until 6:00 PM, some of our team members will gladly walk them back home before we leave the site.
Please note: J-Van does not provide transportation or shuttle services.

J-Van Permission Form

Event Title

Event Time

Event Date

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July 2025

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What is the BBQ day about?

This is a free BBQ event that is open for everyone that lives in the community. We'll arrive before 4pm to set up and start serving food at 4:30pm. We'll be around until 6pm but supplies may be limited so don't wait too long to grab a hot dog, a drink and some sides. This is an opportunity for families to meet the J-Van Team and mingle so we'll have chairs and shelter set up– we'll even bring a fire pit to sit around! A few things to keep in mind: we won't have all of the games, crafts and activities that we normally bring and we aren't setting up a check-in table for the kids. That just means the kids won't be under our direct supervision and our team will have more time to spend with you!
Do parents or guardians have to be present during J-Van?

We need a parent or guardian to be available in the complex or your home at all times. However, you don’t need to stay with your child during the J-Van program.
Where does J-Van go for their summer program?

In Summer 2025, we will set up our pop up day camp in two housing complexes in the Harewood neighbourhood. Our hope is to return back and add the complexes that J-Van has served in the past.
What if my child gets hurt?

Our team is equipped to treat minor injuries on site. In the event of an incident, we will complete an incident report and promptly inform the parent or guardian. If professional medical care is required, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to seek and arrange that care.
What are photos of my child used for if I sign the permission slip?

With your permission, photos may be used in newsletters, shared with sponsors, or included in promotional material. We will never use or publish photos without your consent.
Are there costs involved if my child attends J-Van?

No, the J-Van program is completely free! We’re grateful to our sponsors who make this possible.
What if my child has food allergies?

Allergies can be listed on the signed permission form. We’ll review each form carefully and ensure that safe, allergy-friendly snacks are provided for your child.
What if I can only volunteer for one or two days?

Our goal is to build relationships with the kids we’re serving. For the sake of consistency we ask that each volunteer commits to either Monday or Wednesday for the duration of the program. If you are willing and able to commit to both days for all four weeks, you are more than welcome!
What does my role look like?

At this time, your role as a volunteer is called a Day Assistant. This role entails work that happens on the day, such as: attending the prayer and planning meeting before the program, packing and unloading the van, prepping the area for the activities, running check in, going door-to-door to invite youth, facilitating games & crafts, tidying up the area, and debriefing the day. Thank you for choosing J-Van to volunteer your time and effort!
Where do we meet?

Volunteers will meet at 170 Wakesiah Ave, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3J9, at 3pm every Mon, Wed, and Fri. The Wakesiah Church has been a gracious and generous host allowing us to store all of our program materials and supplies. Please look up the address before-hand so that you can plan your travel time accordingly.
Do I need to bring anything when I volunteer?

Yes, we recommend each volunteer bring personal snacks, a hat for sun protection and a water bottle. Please be aware that there are no public restrooms available.
How long is a typical day for a volunteer?

A typical volunteer day starts from 3pm until 6:30pm, so plan around 3.5 per volunteer day. This includes Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

J-Van Values

Life-Giving

In everything we do, we strive to create life-giving experiences and spaces that radiate life and hope. We use words and actions that uplift our friends, infused with Godly truth and wisdom. This manifests in love in action, such as dedicating time to meet the needs of families.

Hope-Filled

We strive to create nurturing and supportive environments where we can be fully present and attentive to our friends as they share their joys and struggles. We actively engage in conversations and take action to build and maintain strong relationships. We genuinely value our friends and demonstrate interest, empathy, and compassion for their lives and aspirations.

Joyful Attitudes

We believe that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound expression of deep gladness and contentment found in the love and presence of Jesus. This joy is unshakable by external circumstances and can be shared through our words and actions.

Serve Families

We hold families, caregivers, and children in high esteem and respect. We view our friends as image-bearers of God and recognize their inherent value as created beings of a holy and loving God. Our goal is to nurture long-term relationships with the communities we serve.

These core values are what we strive to express throughout all J-Van related work. We believe that it is through these values that families will be blessed and encouraged by how we share God's transforming love!

“May the Lord cause you to flourish,

Both you and your children.

May you be blessed by the Lord,

The maker of heaven and earth.”

- Psalm 115:14-15

J-Van