From August 15 to 17, 2025, the JRS Canada team spent a full weekend at Villa St-Michel in Wentworth North with a group of 19 refugees.

The group took a school bus from Maison Bellarmin on Friday evening to arrive on the property of the Jesuits of Canada which is located about 60 miles from Montreal. Once there, the group was welcomed with a hot meal prepared by the house cook, Chantale.

During the weekend, the schedule was flexible for participants. It included plenty of free time in nature to enjoy the beautiful weather and the private lake.

On Saturday morning, the group went on a hike around the lake, guided by our community worker, Jean Gardy Joseph.

“The hike lasted about three hours. Although people were tired at the end, they really enjoyed this walk in nature,” reported Norbert Piché, director of JRS Canada, who was present at the camp.

“In the afternoon, people were able to swim in the lake, go kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, and row boating. Some even managed to catch a few fish!” added Piché.

Matin Najafi is a refugee from Afghanistan and a father. He visited the camp for the first time with his three children and his wife. He sent us a comment about his experience at the camp.

” The most exciting part of the trip for me was the boat ride on the lake, which I did for the first time in my life. I enjoyed it a lot. It was a sense of freedom from the hustle and bustle of the world. It was just me and God and the sound of water drops dripping from the oars. On the second day, as soon as the rain stopped, I got on the boat and went out into the lake and rowed a much farther distance. Where I was lost from all the worries and problems of the world and it was as if I was going to meet God alone and lightly. I wish I could repeat that experience “, said Najafi.

Another camp participant, Anysie Mukacyubahiro, shared the following comment with us:

“This day filled with walking, swimming, and many other activities was a real source of relaxation, discovery, and well-being. These shared moments allow us not only to enjoy nature, but also to strengthen bonds, take care of our health, and leave with a renewed spirit,” wrote Mukacyubahiro.

The camp experience was a first for JRS Canada. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and came back with fond memories.

In addition, the JRS Canada team was accompanied by Louise Dufour, a JRS volunteer who shared her experience with refugees.

“For me, the exchanges with them were nourishing and enriching, in an atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and compassion,” said Dufour.

For many refugees, it was a new experience that left a deep impression on them.

“It was the first time I stayed in a beautiful villa. I had only seen such things in TV movies and pictures before. How great it was that we stayed there for two nights,” said Najafi.

“People really appreciated being able to take a mini-vacation outside Montreal in nature. It’s not something they have access to. Plus, they didn’t have to prepare food; it was a real vacation!” concluded Piché.