WHO WE ARE
The South Coast Beach Project is a Christian summer program for young adults seeking to grow in their faith while experiencing life in a supportive and intentional community.
Through shared living, meaningful work, and spiritual discipleship, we create a space where participants can discover purpose, build lasting relationships, and deepen their walk with God.
Our Mission
SOCO’s mission is to provides young adults with a Christ-centred kingdom imagination through:
Intentional Christian community living
Mentors who integrate faith and vocation
Meaningful connection to a local congregation
Local seasonal employment
And all this… within 15 – 20 minutes of Ontario’s south coast!
LIFE IN COMMUNITY
Community is at the heart of everything we do. Participants live together, share meals, support one another, and grow through both everyday moments and shared experiences.
It’s not just about spending a summer together — it’s about building connections that last far beyond it.
Willemina Zwart
PROJECT FOUNDER
25 years ago, Willemina worked as a staff mentor at the Ocean City Beach Project. Little did she know at that time that God would ignite a dream for a beach project on the south coast of Ontario! She is an ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church and has been called by Immanuel CRC, Simcoe as the missional pastor of the SCBP. Her ministry experience includes six years campus ministry with the Coalition for Christian Outreach and almost 17 years CRC congregational ministry. She moved in October to Port Dover along with her recently retired husband, Kelly Sibthorpe, who previously worked in CRC campus ministry and grew up in Norfolk County.
“Our Home on the South Coast”
We are so thankful to God’s grace and the generosity of his people that we have a permanent home in Port Dover. We were able to purchase is February 2023. Immediately a team of volunteers came in and did some amazing renovations on the first floor. Thus, we were able to host our first summer cohort there in May 2023. Then the following year, with more volunteer work and donations, we were able to complete the basement, where Willemina (Executive Director) and Kelly live. They moved in April 2024 and live there year round.
It has been a delight to be a permanent part of Port Dover with this home. We look forward to growing positive relationships with our neighbours. We want to add to the common good of this community and the thriving of Norfolk County.
And in our search for a property, this site checked all our boxes.
within walking distance of downtown
within easy lake access
enough space for 6-7 participants
large common gathering space
a separate on-site living space for the Executive Director (Kelly & me)
enough bathrooms
a spacious kitchen
good parking (for additional cars)
lots of outdoor space – 450 ft depth that backs onto a ravine
Deepen your faith. Get work experience. And do this all while living on Ontario’s beautiful south coast of Lake Erie.
Hope to See You on the South Coast!