Some students measure their school years by the number of credits and the grades on their report cards. Others measure them by lived experiences and memories. For grade 12 student Callum D., it has been both
Graduating this year with over 100 high school credits, Callum’s journey has been nothing short of faith-filled and character-defining.
“Homeschooling through HCOS has given me the flexibility to pursue my education while living out my calling to serve our Lord Jesus Christ,” Callum shares. “This balance has allowed me to grow both intellectually and spiritually, all while embracing an adventurous and purpose-driven life.”
- Serving Across Nations
Callum’s faith story began early. He started serving in missions with his family when he was just two years old, and by six, he was regularly helping in orphanages around the world.
One Christmas in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, his family served at Fundación Salvación. Fireworks are a major part of Christmas celebrations there, and Callum helped his dad put on a fireworks show for over 100 children.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” he recalls, one that formed lasting friendships.
Over the past decade, Callum has served in Thailand with YWAM, spending two months each year with the children at the Abundant Life Foundation. It was there, through a friendship with a boy named Peter, that something even deeper took place.
“It was through our friendship that I truly felt God working in my heart and made the decision to ask Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour.”
In Thailand, Callum’s stature tends to stand out, with people often asking to take photos with him. The children at Abundant Life affectionately call him “The Fat Giraffe,” a nickname inspired by his height and weightlifting-built arms: a title he carries with joy.
- Leading by Example
Closer to home, Callum serves faithfully at Lake of the Trees Bible Camp as both a cabin leader and lifeguard. He also works as a certified lifeguard and instructor for the City of Williams Lake, where he not only ensures safety but also mentors and leads by example.
“HCOS has provided me with the flexibility to serve God, work and earn wages, develop valuable skills, and fully embrace adventure,” he says. “It has allowed me to grow spiritually, academically, and practically—preparing me for both my career and my calling.”
This summer, he will once again return to Lake of the Trees to invest in young campers’ lives before attending Bible school at one of the Torchbearers locations, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of Scripture and continue seeking God’s direction for his future.
- Hands-On & Purpose Driven
Callum is currently a first-year electrical apprentice and is trained to operate a skid steer for the company where he apprentices. Through HCOS, he completed his BC Conservation Outdoor Recreation certification, allowing him to hunt elk, moose, and deer responsibly in remote regions of British Columbia.
He strengthened his carpentry skills by building a log bed through the HCOS Woodworking course. He earned high school credits by achieving the BC Provincial Rider Levels 1 through 3 as an accomplished equestrian.
He has snowboarded at some of British Columbia’s most incredible mountains, including Revelstoke, Powder King, and Sun Peaks. He has explored the BC West Coast fishing for trophy-sized catches with his family. He has rock climbed, hiked Northern BC terrain, explored the Tham Luang caves in Thailand, and competed in off-road and motocross dirt biking through the PNWMA.
And recently? He completed his first Strongman Competition — placing second and lifting weights up to 300 pounds.
“My education has extended far beyond the classroom,” he reflects.
- Strong in Body & Faith
In Grade 10, Callum became a certified lifeguard and instructor, earning credits for lifesaving and first aid while fulfilling Physical Education requirements through swim training. He later earned additional credits through HCOS WEX courses while gaining real-world work experience and saving toward his post-secondary education.
“HCOS has allowed me to learn at my own pace… working ahead in online courses, taking summer classes, and completing schoolwork on weekends and evenings around my schedule,” he explains.
This flexibility didn’t just create room for hobbies…it created space for a calling.
- Education Without Limits
As Callum prepares to graduate, he carries more than credits and certifications. He carries wisdom shaped by service, friendships formed across cultures, leadership developed through responsibility, and a faith strengthened through lived experience.
“I carry with me not only the knowledge gained from my online courses, but also the wisdom shaped through life experiences—opportunities that were only possible because my family chose HCOS.”
His next steps are clear in heart, even if still unfolding in detail: continue serving God, grow in Scripture, build his career, and walk faithfully wherever he is called.
Callum’s journey is a reminder that education is not simply about preparation for life — it is life. When given flexibility, mentorship, and purpose, students can thrive not only academically, but spiritually, practically, and courageously.
Callum, we celebrate you. Your faith, your servant heart, your values and the incredible person you have become!
Share Your Story
Do you or your child have a story of success to share? We’d love to hear it! Whether you’re excelling in academics, sports, the arts, or something entirely unique, we want to celebrate your achievements.
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Let’s continue celebrating the incredible students of HCOS who are redefining what education can look like.
