The Heroic HERons: Moms Helping Moms at Camp Scugog

At Camp Scugog, we believe in the power of community and the healing that happens when women support one another. This fall, we are witnessing something extraordinary: a group of moms—many of whom have faced poverty, violence, and isolation—are courageously sharing their stories and raising funds so that other women can experience the life-changing gift of Camp.

They call themselves the Heroic HERons. Their ambitious goal is to raise $17,400, enough to fund an entire session of Moms & Kids Camp for 20 women. Already, they have raised two-thirds of that goal.

What makes this so powerful is that these are not traditional donors. These are moms who know first-hand what it means to struggle, and what it means to find safety, dignity, and belonging at Camp. By stepping forward, they are not just helping to raise money, they are lifting up voices of resilience and hope for future moms who will walk through our gates.

Stories of Courage

Each of these women’s journeys is unique, but they share a common thread: the belief that Camp Scugog changes lives.

• Leah’s Story: From Survival to Strength

  
  

  Once told she was “without hope,” Leah overcame a childhood marked by violence and exploitation. Today, she is an advocate and a counsellor who brings her nieces and nephews to Camp Scugog. For them, Camp is a place of belonging and acceptance. For Leah, it is healing and hope. Read Leah’s story: https://camp-scugog-quest.raiselysite.com/mama-he-rons/posts/leahs-story-from-survival-to-strength

• Kathleen’s Story: From Camper to Counsellor, and Back Again

  
  

  Kathleen grew up coming to Camp Scugog with her mom. Decades later, she returned as a Moms’ counsellor. She now helps other women find rest, laughter, and dignity, experiences so often denied to them in daily life. Read Kathleen’s story: https://www.campscugog.org/post/kathleen-s-story-from-camper-to-counselor-and-back-again

• Abigail’s Story: Step by Step

  
  

  Abigail’s childhood was marked by hardship and abuse. But at Camp Scugog, she and her grandchildren found safety and healing. Her story reminds us that cycles can be broken, and futures rewritten. Read Abigail’s story: https://www.campscugog.org/post/step-by-step-abigail-s-story-of-strength-survival-and-hope

• Bani’s Story: “If You Want to Live Life, Go to Camp”

  
  

  A first-time mom, Bani found in Camp Scugog a place of resilience, healing, and joy. Her words—simple yet profound—capture what Camp offers: life, in all its fullness. Read Bani’s story: https://camp-scugog-quest.raiselysite.com/mama-he-rons/posts/if-you-want-to-live-life-go-to-camp

• Teresa and Rumi’s Story: Finding Safety, Finding Healing

  
  

  After escaping an abusive relationship, Teresa and her daughter Rumi arrived at Camp Scugog. That week became Teresa’s “springboard to healing.” Today, she is working, volunteering, and giving back as part of the Heroic HERons. Read Teresa and Rumi’s story: https://camp-scugog-quest.raiselysite.com/mama-he-rons/posts/teresa-and-rumis-story-finding-safety-finding-healing

Why Their Stories Matter

These stories are not easy to tell. They are raw, honest accounts of what it means to survive trauma, navigate poverty, and rebuild lives from the ground up. By sharing them, these women are breaking cycles of silence and shame. They are showing future moms that healing is possible.

And they are showing all of us what true generosity looks like: moms raising funds not for themselves, but for other moms who will one day need Camp Scugog just as much as they did.

How You Can Help

The Heroic HERons are nearly 70% of the way to their ambitious goal. With your help, they can get the rest of the way there.

You can support the Heroic HERons and help fund a full session of Moms & Kids Camp for moms who need it. Every gift, no matter the size, fuels their vision and ensures that moms and children across the GTA will have a safe, healing place to belong.

We are so proud of these courageous women. Their voices inspire us every day. Their determination lifts us higher. And their stories remind us why Camp Scugog exists: to create a community where everyone is seen, supported, and celebrated.

To the Heroic HERons: thank you for showing us what happens when women support women. Magic happens.