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.
There has been 4 retreats since our inaugural weekend in September 2022. We are really looking forward to creating this next retreat in April 2025, 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), a campfire, star gazing and silent forest bathing. With this next retreat being in early spring rather than winter, we hope for good weather to spend 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. There will be a creative art project on Saturday which will be shared in the preparation email sent out 2-3 weeks before the retreat.
Connect
Be your authentic self and relax in a supportive community of wonderful women! After getting settled in your accommodations, your retreat will begin with some fun time engaging with other moms in our opening circle, followed by a special dinner and dessert. Perhaps a glass of something bubbly?
After dinner we’ll enjoy time at Campfire Rock with some intention setting. Back in Cottage, you’ll experience an active meditation practice with Neerava to relax your body, release tension and rest in stillness 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? For our 2025 retreat, the day will offer a hike in the forest and/or paddle in Halkett Bay (even in the rain this is wonderful if dressed appropriately!). A meditative creative project partly outdoors, partly indoors. The day will also have some free time for you to do as you please. After a scrumptious dinner, your evening will be an opportunity for self-reflection in a sharing circle, followed by a chance to deeply rest inside yourself for a Crystal Sound Bath and Neerava’s introspective music. 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 an optional jump in the ocean (for the adventurous) or a walk in the forest, be cozy together in Cottage over scones, oatmeal with all the toppings, yogurt, fruit and coffee, connect to our hearts and each other in a guided heart meditation. Before the mid-afternoon departure there will be free time an optional inner exploration experience with Neerava, a fantastic late lunch, a closing circle and a few more moments to relish the peaceful energy of Gambier Island.
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. Maximum 12 participants.
Photos of accommodation
Getting here:
Check-in at Horseshoe Bay: 4:10 pm Friday, water taxi will promptly depart at 4:30pm.
Check-out at Horseshoe Bay: 3:50 pm Sunday, water taxi will depart Camp Fircom, Gambier Island at 3:30pm.
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 can be made based on each person’s needs. Programming may include silent meditation and Yoga Nidra, creative art project, 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 this experience is community building. A glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage) may be offered on Friday evening during dinner.
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 Facilitator:
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 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.
