Family Foundations Institute

08/18/2026

Anchor Camp for Girls is underway at the John Paul II Family Centre!

On Sunday, campers and staff gathered to begin a week filled with friendship, outdoor activities, creativity, and opportunities to grow in virtue.

Please keep our campers, leaders and staff in your prayers throughout the week. May each girl experience the joy of new friendships and return home with many happy memories.

07/27/2026

Check out this reflection by Lisa Canning, guest speaker at one of our past Women's Conferences!

The celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 26 is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all and that, at any age, it is always possible to recognize ourselves as sons and daughters of God, writes Pope Leo XIV in his message for the sixth annual celebration. “May this day, therefore, be an inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them.”

On our blog, Lisa Canning, a Catholic author and mom raising 11 kids under the age of 16, reflects on the importance of the grandparent relationship to her: https://bit.ly/blog-GrandparentsElderly

07/27/2026

That’s a wrap on Chipnee Trails Girls Camp!

This year, Chipnee welcomed 42 campers and 30 staff for a full week of friendship, faith, and fun. Inspired by a FIFA theme, teamwork was at the centre of the week, from sports and games to cooking, crafts, drama, team-building activities, and campfires.

That same spirit of teamwork carried into daily Mass, the Rosary, virtue talks, and the Guardian Angel program, where campers and staff were encouraged to serve others and make sure each girl felt seen and cared for.

Thank you to the staff who gave so generously of their time and energy, and to all the families who entrusted their daughters to Chipnee. It was a joyful and memorable week!

07/16/2026

On July 15, 2026, Brian Simpson passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family.

Alongside his wife, Joanna, Brian co-founded Family Foundations Institute (FFI) with the goal of strengthening families in faith and relationships. Over the next 30 years as Executive Director, he transformed FFI from a small group of families gathering regularly for prayer and fellowship into a thriving ministry serving more than 800 families through camps, conferences, family catechism, and other faith-filled initiatives.

In addition to building up families, Brian also worked hard building up the life of the Church through his ever-willing involvement in his parish and diocese. With his big-heart and down-to-earth attitude, Brian had a uniquely unifying gift that always bore fruit wherever he went.

Brian was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and served them with his whole heart.

Above all, Brian placed Jesus Christ at the centre of his life. Through every struggle and through every success, Brian would be the first to admit “all for the Glory of God” if not out loud then through the undeniable joy found in his beaming smile and big hug.

We are grateful for his leadership, and honoured to continue on with the joyful mission of serving families.

Read Brian Simpson’s obituary from Van Heck Funeral Home: https://www.vanheckfuneralhome.ca/brian-simpson

07/11/2026

FFI is excited to be sponsoring Campalooza 2026 - check out all the fun on offer and register for free here ➡ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/campalooza-2026-tickets-1986983011676

07/11/2026

Another Knight's Quest is in the books.

Thank you to our campers for embracing every challenge, our counsellors, coaches, volunteers, and priests for giving so generously of their time, and the many parents who entrusted us with their sons this week.

For more than 25 years, Knight's Quest has been a place where boys can grow in friendship, character, and faith. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year's camp another memorable one.

Thank you for keeping Knight's Quest in your prayers throughout the week.

07/06/2026

Knight's Quest Boys Camp is officially underway!

This week, please join us in praying for all of our campers, counsellors, coaches, volunteers, and priests. Pray for a safe and fruitful week filled with good weather, friendship, adventure, and growth in virtue.

A new tradition at Knight's Quest is that every camper and counsellor receives a handmade one-decade rosary. The Keayes family assembles more than 80 rosaries using wooden beads made from trees cut down at the John Paul II Family Centre.

As these young men begin their week at camp, we entrust them all to the care of Our Lady.

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day from the FFI Family to yours! God keep our land glorious and free 🙏

06/15/2026

Looking for a great summer experience for your daughter?

Our friends at Chilawee Trails are still accepting registrations for their 2026 summer camp. Located near Barry's Bay, Chilawee Trails is an overnight camp for girls ages 9-14 that combines outdoor adventure, friendship, and faith in a fun and supportive environment. Campers enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, sports, crafts, and dramatic arts while making memories that last a lifetime.

📅 August 12-20, 2026
📍 Barry's Bay, Ontario

Learn more and register at www.chilaweetrails.ca.

06/13/2026

Speaking at one of our Marriage Conferences, Sarah Swafford shares the fruits of getting together as families for prayer and community!