from the heart
retreat for moms
Connect, Discover, EnJOY!
May 3-5, 2024
ββ¦ you have given me a space that feels like the comfort of coming βhomeβ - where you curl up in your sweats, are fed so well and are just loved for who you are. I have never felt so accepted and welcomed into a space and into the lives of others. After Mom and Kids Camp, I knew we had a new family tradition. I wasn't sure why I didn't think 'From the Heart' wouldn't be the same thing. I had in my head that it was something to experience once (like a workshop) but silly me - it's a Fircom experience - one to return to and feel things that are new and familiar each time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most magical weekend!β
Danielle, November, 2023
A dream of Executive Director, Terra McKenzie came to fruition with this special weekend created for moms.
The inaugural retreat in September 2022 was a huge success, as well as the second and third retreat in February & November 2023! We are really looking forward to creating this next retreat in May 2024, with the energy of renewal! This will be a time for moms (and other caregivers) of all kinds to connect, discover things about themselves and enjoy the natural beauty of Camp Fircom. Pajamas all weekend? No problem! Bring your coziest clothes! A time to pause, connect to our hearts, laugh and fill our cups to overflow! This restorative retreat will include time for nourishing coversations, yin yoga, time for creativity and self reflection, meditation, Neerava's ethereal crystal singing bowls and live original music (piano/voice) during a Heart & Soul Spa, a campfire, star gazing and silent forest bathing. With this next retreat being in spring, rather than winter, we anticipate some time out on the water paddling and/or hiking in the forest.
The retreat package includes your return water taxi trip between Horseshoe Bay and Camp Fircom, delicious and healthy meals and snacks, all programming and your choice of housing in Craigcroft or Cottage.
Bring your waterproof hiking shoes, yoga props, comfy clothes, journal or doodle book, a lap blanket, warm layers, waterproof jacket and closed toe water shoes. Self-taught Artist Kathryn Beals will be offering an optional 90 min acrylic painting class on Saturday afternoon. If you wish to participate, please bring clothes you donβt mind getting paint on (just in case!). We are excited to learn from Kathryn! She has painted gorgeous art for Camp Fircomβs Craigcroft, Farmhouse and Cottage. More details about this will be sent to registrants.
Connect
After getting settled in your accommodations, your retreat will begin with some fun time engaging with other moms, sharing our intentions for the weekend and some great food... charcuterie and appy's anyone? Perhaps a glass of something bubbly?
Be your authentic self and relax in a supportive community of wonderful women. After connecting around an evening campfire, enjoy a yoga nidra practice with Neerava, to relax your body, release some tension and rest in your silence before crawling into bed.
Discover
On Saturday we will focus inside ourselves, making space to truly rest in nature, follow our flow and explore our creativity. What does it mean to really be present? The day will offer time for artistic expression (May/24 acrylic painting taught by Kathryn Beals), active meditation, a hike in the forest and/or paddle in Halkett Bay (even in the rain this is wonderful if dressed appropriately!) The day will include nourishing food and free time as you need it. After a scrumptious dinner, your evening will be filled with the opportunity for self-reflection/journaling continuing your creative project or simply resting inside yourself as you enjoy the crystal singing bowls and Neeravaβs original and introspective music at our Fircom Heart & Soul Spa. To end the evening (weather permitting) we may gather again under the stars down at Campfire Rock.
EnJOY!
On our last day together we will enJOY the beautiful nature of Gambier! Start the day with another jump in the ocean (for the adventurous), be cozy together over scones, eggs fruit and coffee, connect with our hearts and each other in a guided heart meditation. and simply BE together. Before the mid-afternoon departure there will be opportunities for lounging together, getting our feet on the earth, a fantastic lunch, a closing circle and more time to enjoy outdoor activities or quiet time in the nature of Fircom.
Details
The Details
Program fees include return water taxi from Horseshoe Bay, all meals and snacks, accommodation and programming.
Prices:
Cottage Double Occupancy (2 single beds): $470
Craigcroft Private Room: $470
photos of accommodations
Stay an extra day: not available for May 3-5 retreat
Getting here:
Check-in at Horseshoe Bay: 4:30 pm Friday (tbc)
Check-out at Horseshoe Bay: 3:30 pm Sunday (tbc)
Check in will take place at the Public Dock in Horseshoe Bay Village. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and meet the group. Please be on the dock with your luggage no later than 15 mins prior to boat departure.
Activities:
The weekendβs activities will be designed for everyone to participate, although some adjustments may need to be made based on each personβs needs. Programming may include silent meditation and yoga nidra, creative expression (May/24: acrylic painting with Kathryn Beals), gathering circles and these physical activities: yin yoga, active meditation (all bodies can be accommodated), paddling (in warmer weather), hiking, gentle hatha yoga. Please bring rain gear and appropriate footwear for walking in the forest, and wading into the ocean. We ask that if you are attending this retreat, that you participate in the programming and engage with others as you are able. A glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverages will be offered on Friday evening.
Cancellation Policy:
Once payment has been made, there is a $100 cancellation fee up until 30 days prior to the start of the retreat. With fewer than 30 days notice, there are no refunds. If there is a medical emergency, a positive COVID-19 test, or illness with a doctorβs note with less than 30 days notice, then a camp credit minus a $100 cancellation fee will be applied to the account, to be used within one year.
Retreat Facilitators:
Neerava S. Kroeger
Camp Fircom Community Engagement Director
Neeravaβs greatest joy is expressing her creativity and drawing inspiration from her inner self. Although she has pondered big questions about life and spirit since she was a child, she began a deeper journey in 1998 when moving to BC. At that time, numerous synchronicities unfolded to rapidly change the course of her life. In late 2001, Neerava began leading yoga and meditation sessions in her home studio, schools and businesses. She also began leading womenβs healing circles.
Continuing to delve into the realms of healing, Neerava explored various modalities and underwent many trainings and workshops to deepen her understanding of navigating her spiritual journey, while also raising her two precious daughters. From 2003-2009 she worked for InspireHealth, and 2005-2009 as a Palliative Outreach Practitioner. In 2013, Neerava found the transformative Dalian Method, created by Mada Eliza Dalian. This discovery profoundly impacted her life. Fully embracing this method, guided by Madaβs wisdom, she officially became a certified Dalian Method facilitator in 2015. Neerava has facilitated Dalian Method classes, workshops and retreats in her Tsawwassen home studio, as well as other places in Canada and Europe.
From 1999 to 2006 Neerava overcame tremendous personal blocks in order to open her voice and transform her fears. Since then she fine-tuned her musical gifts of singing, playing the piano, and has offered and led music for countless events from 2004 onwards. Neerava was music director for CSL Vancouver (2006-2008), Tsawwassen United (2009-2014) and briefly at UCOL in Langley (2021-2022). In early 2019 after 14 months of supporting both her parents through their cancer battles, she began writing her own music, with a strong desire to express her own experience pondering this journey called LIFE.
In June, 2022 Neerava met Camp Fircomβs Executive Director, Terra McKenzie. Intuitively she knew they were destined to work together, and has since been devoting herself full-time to Fircom, sharing her communication skills, facilitation techniques, and creativity in many ways. Leading Fircom retreats allows Neerava to weave together all her passions and talents, providing guests with a welcoming, holistic, and transformative experience.
