from the heart
retreat for moms
Connect, Discover, EnJOY!
April 11-13, 2025
“… you have given me a space that feels like the comfort of coming ‘home’ - 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!”
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 housing in Cottage or Farmhouse.
Bring your waterproof hiking shoes, yoga mat, comfy clothes, journal or doodle book, a lap blanket, warm layers, waterproof jacket and closed toe water shoes. More details about the art/creative project on Saturday will be posted once it has been decided.
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 yin yoga and 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 (April/25 TBA), 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 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 Neerava’s original and introspective music at our Fircom Heart & Soul Spa. To end the evening (weather permitting) participants may choose to enjoy star gazing from the field, Cottage deck, or 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, oatmeal with all the toppings, yogurt, 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 $70+ return water taxi fee from Horseshoe Bay, all meals and snacks, accommodation and programming.
2025 Prices: $495.00 - double occupancy in Cottage or Farmhouse. Maximum 12 participants.
photos of accommodations
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 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 weekend’s activities will be designed for everyone to participate, although some adjustments may need to be made based on each person’s needs. Programming may include silent meditation and yoga nidra, creative expression (April/25: TBD), 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 doctor’s 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
Neerava loves to spend her time expressing creatively from her silent centre. 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 women’s healing circles.
Continuing to delve into the realms of self-growth, Neerava explored many paths and modalities to deepen her understanding of navigating her spiritual journey, while also raising her two 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 Mada’s wisdom, she officially became a certified Dalian Method facilitator in 2015. Neerava has facilitated numerous Dalian Method classes, workshops and retreats in her Tsawwassen home studio, as well as other places in Canada and Europe, and now at Camp Fircom.
After opening to her musical gifts, Neerava began sharing them and has offered and led music for countless events from 2004 onwards. Neerava was music director for CSL Vancouver (2007-2008), Tsawwassen United (2009-2014) and United Churches of Langley (2021-2022). In early 2019 after 14 months of supporting both her parents through their dying process, 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 Fircom’s 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.
