Lili Thornton-Nickerson’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when a young person is given the chance to experience Muskoka Woods.
Lili first came as a guest through the Canadian Heroes Fund while her family was walking through the uncertainty of her stepfather serving overseas. Camp became a place she could breathe, belong, and look forward to each year. Over time, that experience grew into something deeper. She returned as a summer staff member. She discovered her gifts. She built lifelong friendships. And today, she serves on the full-time Guest Relations team where she now helps welcome foundation guests just like she once was.
It is a full-circle story that reflects what this community makes possible. When a young person is supported through the Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation (MWYF), the impact does not end after one week. It keeps growing. It shapes confidence. It shapes purpose. And sometimes, it leads right back to helping the next generation step into the same life changing experience.
We had a chance to catch up with Lili to find out exactly how Muskoka Woods has shaped her journey.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey with Muskoka Woods and how you first got involved?
I first became involved with Muskoka Woods as a guest in 2012 through the MWYF Canadian Heroes Fund, as my stepfather was on active duty at the time, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Over the years, I fell in love with camp, it gave me something truly special to look forward to during those difficult and uncertain times for our family. From there, I became a summer staff member in 2017, starting as a Culinary Instructor. In the years that followed, I went on to lead Girl Power Camp, serve as the Fine Arts Instructor, become the Arts Area Head, and eventually take on the role of Staff Coach in 2022. In 2023, I joined the full-time team in Guest Relations.
What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time at camp?
Some of my favourite moments at camp were during my time as an Art Instructor, watching children create sculptures for the first time and seeing their faces light up with joy at what they had made. They were so thrilled and proud to take something home to show their parents, realizing the potential within their own hands. Another favourite memory is from when I ran Girl Power Camp for Venture-aged campers. One evening, I had all the staff agree to pretend the girls were invisible. That night, the counselors and I used some “magic fairy dust” (glitter) to turn them invisible so we could sneak out for one more evening snack. The girls squealed with excitement as we walked outside at dusk and everyone on property pretended not to see us. It truly felt magical for them, and it reminded me just how special camp is and the incredible experiences we get to create for these kids.
How did your experience at Muskoka Woods impact you growing up?
Muskoka Woods has truly shaped the woman I am today. It was the first place I encountered God and, years later, where I was baptized. There is not a part of who I am today that has not been influenced in some way by my experience there. I have made my closest friends at camp, discovered my passion for fine arts, and went on to pursue it at university after my summer as an Arts instructor. It is also where I learned how to live independently, how to teach, and how to lead.
What made you want to come back and work at Muskoka Woods?
It was the people, and the infectious joy that radiated from the staff, that made it so clear I had to come back and work here. And I was right. Through my time on staff, I have seen year after year how love and joy are used to shape campers, families, and fellow staff members alike. Not in loud or flashy ways, and not for recognition, but in quiet, faithful, and deeply intentional ways that truly change lives.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Muskoka Woods community today?
It sounds cheesy, but being a part of the Muskoka Woods community today means that I have family everywhere I go, in every corner of the world. The peace that comes with that feeling is indescribable.
Your support makes stories like these possible. Donate today and help open the door to a summer that could change everything.
