Upcoming Events

Join us for a transformative two-day experience where we explore The Art of Hosting facilitation techniques to create gatherings that cultivate deep connection, bridge divides, and strengthen community. In a world that often feels disconnected, the way we come together matters. Whether you’re a community leader, facilitator, organizer, or simply someone who wants to host more intentional gatherings, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to:

✨ Design gatherings that foster trust and engagement

🤝 Facilitate conversations that build understanding across differences

🌍 Strengthen communities through meaningful participation

Led by experienced practitioners in The Art of Hosting, this event will be an immersive, participatory journey where we learn together by doing. Expect a blend of storytelling, dialogue, and real-time application that will shift the way you think about hosting and gathering. We will spend time in immersive exploration of Circle Practice, The Art of Powerful Questions, Proaction Café, Inclusive space design, Collective decision making.

📅 June 6th 10am-6pm, June 7th 9-3pm

⏳ Two days of interactive learning, meaningful dialogue, and hands-on practice

Space is limited to 20 participants, true cost of this training is $925+tx per person and we will work to offer a sliding scale to create accessibility to the best of our abilities. Please reach out to talk about making this gathering accessible for you.

A note about accommodations: a block of rooms has been reserved at the MicroTel Inn and Suites for a discounted rate. These rooms will be available to book until March 15th and after that rooms will be on an as-available basis. Camping is always available for free for brave souls at FireLoch too 😉

We look forward to gathering with you

– Jason Doiron, Julia Feltham, Jennifer DeCoste

Are you a changemaker, a social entrepreneur, a business leader, student, academic, activist or policy maker? We are excited to invite you to join us in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for a 3-day workshop on nonviolent economy. Our workshop offers and opportunity to journey together to rethink and re-envision an economy that is supportive of Gandhian principles of non-violence and redefining success beyond profit, to include sustainability, equity and community well-being.

This 3-day workshop will explore:

• Nonviolent Enterprises: what do they look like in practice?
• Principles & Practices: what makes an enterprise truly non-violent?
• Case Studies: learning from live examples in India and Nova Scotia
• Interactive and arts-based activities

Facilitators

1. David Fletcher works as an educator, action researcher and capacity building consultant specializing in community-driven development and transformative education. He has a PhD in community resilience.
2. Anuj Jain is a dynamic educator and advocate of learning inquiry, specialized in inclusive economies (including market systems, microfinance and urban economies) He holds an MBA in finance and marketing.
3. Reva Joshee is associate professor emerita from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto and an author on peace, diversity and policy.
4. Annie Luk is an adult educator and a lecturer at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She has published on education for social justice.
5. Jill Carr-Harris is a Gandhian organizer and community educator with over 30 years of experience working in India. She holds a PhD in educational leadership and policy from the University of Toronto.

What is the cost of the workshop?
We believe that the workshop is worth $750, but we ask participants to give what they can afford. All money collected will go to cover for the expenses for facility rental and refreshments during the workshop and also toward funding future mentorships.

For More Information and to REGISTER please visit: https://www.iginpcanada.org/building-nonviolent-economy.html

FireLoch’s Summer Campout: A Weekend of Local Adventure and Connection

Why cross the border when an unforgettable escape is waiting in your own backyard? FireLoch invites you to experience the ultimate weekend getaway with our Summer Campouts, where camping will become your favorite summer memory! Join us on our beautiful 50-acre property in Lochaber, Nova Scotia, just 15 minutes outside Antigonish but MILES away from “busy”.  Nestled in the pine forest on the edge of beautiful Lochaber Lake, FireLoch is a place where nature, community, and fun come together.

This two-night package includes a peaceful campsite with access to clean, indoor washroom facilities—no roughing it required. Your weekend begins with a Friday night community dinner at our wood-fired pizza oven, a chance to meet your fellow adventurers and settle into the land. Each morning, gather for a shared, laid-back breakfast to fuel your day of play. Saturday is packed with fun and friendly competition—a trifecta tournament of axe throwing, horseshoes, washer toss, and “fabulous prizes”—set against the backdrop of meadows, forest trails, and wide open skies. Feel free to set your own pace, enjoy the lake, explore all kinds of activities around Antigonish County this weekend too! 

Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a friend, or adventuring as a family, a FireLoch Summer Campout is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and explore what it means to travel meaningfully—right here at home.

Ready to adventure local? Join us for a weekend you won’t forget.

What’s Included:
• Designated tent camping space (BYO tent + gear)
• Wood-fired pizza dinner and communal breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients
• Axe throwing safety and tutorial for the lighthearted tournament
• Access to nature trails and shared retreat amenities (including campfires conditional on fire permits)

Price:

1. $75 per person
2. $115 for a couple
3. $225 for a family up to five

(if you would like to bring a trailer please contact us for more information)

Come for the calm. Stay for the adventure.

We aim for this to be a sober event.

🌟 Songwriter Serenade: An Unforgettable Night of Music! 🎶

Join us for an intimate evening of storytelling and soul-stirring melodies as our incredible songwriters take the stage in a one-of-a-kind venue at FireLoch! Experience the raw power of storytelling through song, performed by talented singer-songwriters in an intimate, alcohol free setting. No distractions, no filters—just pure music, real emotions, and a crowd that’s here for the same reason you are: to enjoy an incredible night out.

Who says you need a drink to have a good time? Come see for yourself how music, community, and good vibes can be all the entertainment you need.

Rocktails (the mock kind) and a killer snack bar available!

Come as you are, leave inspired.

🎤 Featuring:

🎶 Andre Pettipas – Andre is best known as the frontman for Andre Pettipas and The Giants. Andre has performed over 180 shows in 2024 across Canada; this is in large part due to his versatility and love for entertaining.
With an energetic live show and undeniable charisma, Andre’s songs touch on everything from finding the silver lining to finding the best version of yourself.
Andre has accumulated multiple ECMA nominations with the Giants, who have been establishing themselves as one of the top live outfits from the East Coast. Andre also spearheads the festival, “Giantstock” which takes place annually in Merigomish, Nova Scotia.

🎶 Taylor Jensen – Born and Raised in a quaint town of 1200 people on the Coast of Cape Breton Island, NS Canada, the songstress has found her voice and spot in the country music scene writing and performing. Having played at the ECMA award-winning Blueberry Jam Music Festival, and North of Nowhere Country Music Festival  Ontario, Jensen is now working with The Renaissance Music (Garrett Ward, Dan Botch) out of Vancouver and writing with CMA Ontario Award-winning producer Shawn Moore to bring her next chapter of storytelling to life.  “If it’s got an insane drum beat and storytelling that leaves you with imagery in your mind like none other, I’m probably listening to it…or if it gives you a good cry. Sappy Cowgirl with a little spicy is my motto right now in this chapter of my music journey”

📍 Where: FireLoch Gathering Place: 1442 Hwy 7 North Lochaber NS – 15 minutes outside Antigonish

📅 When: July 5 8-10pm

🎟️ Limited Seating – 35 attendees – RSVP Now!

BONUS – this is a sober show and we will be featuring fancy mocktails for purchase

BONUS #2 – want to stay and camp? Campers are welcome to stay over with a pay-what-you-can and a BYO tent 🙂

Don’t miss this chance to experience raw, authentic music in an unforgettable setting.

FireLoch’s Summer Campout: A Weekend of Local Waterfall Adventure and Camping Community Connection

Why cross the border when an unforgettable escape is waiting in your own backyard? FireLoch invites you to experience the ultimate weekend getaway with our Summer Campouts, where camping will become your favorite summer memory! Join us on our beautiful 50-acre property in Lochaber, Nova Scotia, just 15 minutes outside Antigonish but MILES away from “busy”.  Nestled in the pine forest on the edge of beautiful Lochaber Lake, FireLoch is a place where nature, community, and fun come together.

This two-night package includes a peaceful campsite with access to clean, indoor washroom facilities—no roughing it required. Your weekend begins with a Friday night community dinner at our wood-fired pizza oven, a chance to meet your fellow adventurers and settle into the land. Each morning, gather for a shared, laid-back breakfast to fuel your day of play. Saturday is packed with guided tours to 3 local waterfalls – explore the area like a local, hiking into swimming pools and beautiful forested waterfalls around Antigonish County.  Feel free to set your own pace and stay onsite at FireLoch, enjoy the lake, explore all kinds of other activities around Antigonish County this weekend too! 

What’s Included:
• Overnight camping spot (BYO tent and gear)
• Wood-fired pizza dinner and communal breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients
• Axe throwing session
• Guided waterfall visits (4-5 hours of travel time and swimming time!)
• Access to forest trails and shared retreat amenities (including campfires conditional on fire permits)

Price: Starting at $105 per person
Perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers. Group options available. (If you would like to bring a trailer please contact us for more information)

Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a friend, or adventuring as a family, a FireLoch Summer Campout is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and explore what it means to travel meaningfully—right here at home.

We aim for this to be a sober event.

Sign up for a nature immersion summer camp!

Reconnect. Create. Wonder.

Join us for a magical 4-day nature immersion experience where children reconnect with the land, their creativity, and their inner calm — all through play, exploration, and rest.

Each day we’ll follow the rhythm of the earth and the joy of curiosity, offering space for children to:

• Go on gentle nature walks and deepen their connection to the wild world

• Create nature crafts and art to take home

• Enjoy storytelling, seasonal celebration, and song

• Observe wildlife and spark ecological curiosity

• Experience mindfulness, gentle movement, and rest rituals

• Play community games that build confidence and connection

Magical Earth Nature Camp includes:

• Opening and closing circle time each day, filled with nature stories, songs, sharing, and a little magic

• Exploration of the natural world, including:

  • Moss journeys

  • Nature scavenger hunts

  • Imaginative games and free play

• Plastic-free nature-based arts & crafts, such as:

  • Dried flower wreaths

  • Dragonfly nature creations

  • Painted walking sticks & wands

  • Natural jewelry making

• A gentle rest ritual that invites calm, imagination, and connection to the earth

  • Magic of the Celtic Tree Yoga Nidra in the hammocks

  • Listen to the magical sleep stories at home

• Homemade pizza making and party on the final day of camp

Each child will receive a special calming bracelet at the beginning of camp—a little treasure to carry with them throughout the week.

Magical Earth Nature Camp is for children who…

• are 5 to 9 years old.

• love to play imaginatively.

• love creating art & crafting.

• appreciate being in nature to explore and wonder.

• are able to regulate in a developmentally appropriate way.

Please note that this is not a sports camp or high-intensity activity camp.

It is important to me that Magical Earth Nature Camp is a satisfying and enriching experience for the children attending.

If you wonder if Magical Earth Nature Camp is for your child or if you are ready to register please visit us here: https://karenperro.com/magical-earth-nature-camp

Tap into your creative side and connect with nature with our Craft & Camp Overnight Experience. Set at FireLoch’s tranquil forest retreat, you’ll bring your own tent and settle into a peaceful night under the stars — with just the right mix of relaxation, creativity, and good food.

This two-night package includes a peaceful campsite with access to clean, indoor washroom facilities—no roughing it required. Your weekend begins with a Friday night community dinner at our wood-fired pizza oven, a chance to meet your fellow adventurers and settle into the land. Each morning, gather for a shared, laid-back breakfast to fuel your day of play. Saturday is a unique opportunity to join a hands-on woodworking class where you’ll craft your very own charcuterie board to take home for yourself or to give. Play with powertools in the woods – learn new skills and develop greater confidence in the woodshop!

What’s Included:
• Overnight camping spot (BYO tent and gear)
• Wood-fired pizza dinner and communal breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients
• Axe throwing session
• Woodworking class on Saturday: Create your own charcuterie board
• Access to nature trails and shared retreat amenities (including campfires conditional on fire permits)

Price: Starting at $125 per person
No experience needed — just a sense of adventure and creativity.

Camp. Create. Connect. A weekend to remember in the heart of the wild.

We aim for this to be a sober event.

FireLoch’s Summer Campout: A Weekend of Music for Everyone!

Come experience the ultimate weekend getaway with our Summer Campouts, where camping will become your favorite summer memory! Join us on our beautiful 50-acre property in Lochaber, Nova Scotia, just 15 minutes outside Antigonish but MILES away from “busy”.  Nestled in the pine forest on the edge of beautiful Lochaber Lake, FireLoch is a place where nature, community, and fun come together.

This two-night package includes a peaceful campsite with access to clean, indoor washroom facilities—no roughing it required. Your weekend begins with a Friday night community dinner at our wood-fired pizza oven, a chance to meet your fellow adventurers and settle into the land. Each morning, gather for a shared, laid-back breakfast to fuel your day of play. Saturday is a day to explore the lake and the forest, gathering in the afternoon for our very own CHOIR!CHOIR!CHOIR! event in the forest – no skill required! Saturday night will be a rock concert of all your favorites featuring Inhale Affirmative – a concert in the stunning dome that will have you on your feet dancing!

What’s Included:

• Overnight camping spot (BYO tent and gear)
• Wood-fired pizza dinner and communal breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients
• Sat afternoon Forest CHOIR!CHOIR!CHOIR workshop
• Live Music Event – ticket included
• Access to forest trails and shared retreat amenities (including campfires conditional on fire permits)

Price: Starting at $140 per person
Perfect for families, couples, friends, or solo adventurers. Group options available. (If you would like to bring a trailer please contact us for more information)

Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a friend, or adventuring as a family, a FireLoch Summer Campout is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and explore what it means to travel meaningfully—right here at home.

We aim for this to be a sober event.