Bible School FAQ

There is no specific deadline for applications to be in. Rather, we have a certain number of spots available for male and female students. Once these places are filled, we will begin to waitlist applications. Acceptance for the following Fall begins each November. The earlier a completed application is received, the better one’s chances of not having to deal with a waitlist situation.

Of course, our number one prerequisite when considering a student’s application for Bible study is that the student desires to attend Bible School and wants to learn and grow in their relationship and understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ. We also require that students are 17 years of age or older and graduate high school.

See also “Do I need to be proficient in English for acceptance?”

All students enrolled whose first or primary language is not English must demonstrate a solid grasp of both spoken and written English. This is to ensure a successful, positive and enriching experience for the student as all classes are taught in English.

Bible School applicants are not required to verify academic credentials related to English language proficiency but are rather assessed by way of the written application process and subsequent follow-up phone calls/conversations and communication with the Bible School Registrar prior to acceptance into the Bible School Programme. Based on these assessments, suitability for the programme will be determined and the applicant advised of their acceptance status.

All non-Canadian Students must obtain a study permit for their time at Bible School. Students must include Capernwray Harbour’s Designated Learning institute Number (DLI#) and associated DLI name, as follows:

DLI Name: Torchbearers Capernwray Canada Society
DLI#: O19361274462

Americans can apply for this at the time and port of entry into Canada; appropriate documentation is required. All other international students must make an application for their study permits through their nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate or online at: www.cic.gc.ca. The application process takes from six to eight weeks. The cost of a Canadian study permit is $150 CAD (subject to change).

For further information, please refer to the CIC (Citizenship & Immigration Canada) website or contact Capernwray Harbour’s Main Office.

Men & Ladies are expected to wear ‘casual clean’ clothes on Sundays to local church meetings and to wear dresses/skirts/dress pants (ladies) or dress pants and a jacket or sweater, shirt & tie (men) to Sunday supper and Sunday evening worship meetings. This is an outward expression of our reverence and worship to the Lord as we begin a new week together as a Body, before Him.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a vehicle to Bible School with you. There is a parking lot near each of the student accommodations where you can keep your vehicle. If you do decide to bring a vehicle that is registered out-of-province, please check with your insurance company for details on coverage.

There are two types of accommodation for female students: Preedy Lodge and Preedy Hamlets. The Lodge accommodates up to thirty-four ladies in seven separate rooms with each room having four or six beds and either a designated or ensuite bathroom. The seven Hamlet cottages accommodate either four or six ladies each within a private wooded area. Each cottage has a bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet.

Male students are accommodated in the Upper Cottages. There are seven men accommodated in each of the eight Upper Cottages. Each cottage has a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, as well as a sink situated in the main room.

Each accommodation and room has a slightly different layout. All have bunk beds but some bunk beds have varying-sized drawers underneath the bed and some have an open space for storage. All accommodations are fully winterized and comfortable year-round, equipped with baseboard heating.

The Capernwray Harbour Food Services Department follows Canada’s Food Guide for menu planning. Most foods are prepared fresh each day, while incorporating a supply of fresh vegetables and fruits. There is a great variety within the menu.

We have an excellent kitchen staff, who love their work and it is evident in how and what they serve. Meals are served ‘family-style’ at tables for six. There is no assigned seating in the dining rooms.

There are several coin operated washing machines and dryers available in the laundromat on campus. Loonies ($1 coins) can be purchased from the office or onsite store. All washing machines use liquid laundry detergent. There is also a limited supply of hangers provided in each accommodation.

Bedding is provided including pillows and a comforter. If students bring their own personal bedding from home, it will be each individual’s responsibility to launder them regularly. Capernwray Harbour Bible School linen is washed on a regular rotation. Students do need to bring a sleeping bag for weekend trips, which can double as a quilt on their beds.

We are committed to assisting individuals with financing options, and are happy to offer a variety of payment plans to accommodate various needs. Please contact the Capernwray Harbour office for specific details on Bible School payment plans.

We suggest you budget $250 CAD per month for Bible School. This covers personal expenses such as ferry tickets, laundry, toiletries, entertainment, transportation, school breaks, optional outreach opportunities, etc.

We accept VISA, VISA Debit, MasterCard, & Amex, as well as bank transfers, e-transfers/TransferWise and cash. When considering the larger tuition fee payments due at Registration, please ensure that you are aware of your daily/monthly charge or withdrawal limits so there are no unforeseen surprises. It is recommended that you advise your credit card company ahead of time of the amount that will be processed, specifically on Registration Day.

The full tuition amount is also considered a charitable donation for income tax purposes for Canadians. This applies to anyone who makes a tuition payment on a Capernwray Harbour student’s behalf. Send your family, friends & church family the form below.

All non-Canadians are eligible for the Province of BC’s universal health care plan, Medical Services Plan of BC. Due to the accessibility, cost and coverage benefits, MSP is the preferred insurance for Capernwray Harbour’s non-Canadian students. MSP requires a three-month waiting period, during which time private insurance is available for emergency medical coverage. The total cost of medical insurance for a complete year of Bible School year is approximately $700 CAD.

There is a hospital and medical clinic located a short ferry ride away in Chemainus, within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Students with an illness or medical concern can see our medical staff, who can make the appropriate appointments, if necessary. Students should plan to bring their own personal supply of medication and general pain relievers. Some of these items are available in our onsite store, and can also be purchased from the Rexall Pharmacy in Chemainus. Students should have any medical or dental investigations done at home before Bible School, if there are any concerns ahead of time. There is also a 911 First Responders team on Thetis Island, in case of an emergency.

BC Ferry prices are subject to change. Please review current ferry prices at: BC Ferries.

Students can use a notebook/binder or a laptop/tablet to take notes based on personal preference. All assignments will be submitted and marked digitally using an online platform called Moodle. Students will need to have an appropriate computer or tablet (Mac or PC) available for the duration of the Bible School programme. Cell phones are not an appropriate device for this purpose. Wifi internet access is available in our Lecture Hall and Study Loft areas throughout the day during set student hours. Further details will be available at Registration. For cellphone service, check with your local mobile service provider for plans and service coverage.