A Valentines Love Story Rooted in Adventure
Some love stories begin with a spark—ours began with a paddle stroke.
We are Nick and Tracy, and every summer, we feel incredibly lucky to raise our two boys, Everett and Barrett, in the heart of the Canadian wilderness at Camp Temagami.
A Journey That Led to Camp
Nick’s journey with camp began in 1991 as a young camper from North Carolina. His passion for fishing, hunting, and the outdoors made Camp Temagami a natural extension of his upbringing. Over the years, he progressed from camper to guide, leading long canoe trips before stepping away briefly to pursue a Ph.D. But the call of Temagami was strong, and in 2014, he returned as camp director and co-owner.
I grew up in Northern Ontario, not far from camp, where my childhood was spent paddling at my family’s cabin and exploring the vast northern forests. My first connection to Temagami came in 2000 when I began leading wilderness canoe trips for another organization.
Though our summers overlapped multiple times—paddling the same rivers just days apart—we didn’t realize until after we were married that our paths had actually crossed in Labrador in 2005. Looking back, it’s clear that the wilderness was always pulling us toward the same destination. Our shared love for adventure, nature, and the transformative power of camp life is what ultimately brought us together.
A Chance Encounter in the Woods
Our first official meeting took place in September 2016. I had just finished leading a canoe trip for women before heading over to Camp Temagami to lead a fall canoe trip—unaware that it would eventually lead me back here in a much bigger way.
Nick, as the camp’s director and owner, was picking up a group of staff. Most of the staff gathered at the front of the big boat chatting away, but I chose a different seat—the driver’s bench, right next to Nick. During our chats on that 15-minute boat ride to camp, I casually slipped in, “You and your family must love spending the summers up here,” trying to subtly find out more about him.
His response was simple but revealing: “It’s just me and my dog, Dean. We love it up here.”
What I didn’t know at the time was that, for Nick, that moment was the start of something. He says that when I asked that question, he knew he was in for it—in the best possible way. Sparks flew immediately, and that small exchange confirmed for him that the feeling was mutual.
Through decades of paddling, camp had both brought us each some of our most treasured friendships; friendships that support you through challenging times, cheer you on during your victories, and friendships that are always open to sharing a warm drink on the shores of a lake, sitting in silence, taking in a glorious sunset. Nick likes to say that when he saw me flip up a 17-foot cedar strip Prospector canoe, he knew he wasn’t going to let me get away. Both in our late 30’s at the time, we had found another treasured friendship.
Love That Grows Beyond the Campfire
By the spring of 2017, we knew our future was together and had put plans in motion to bring everything together. The adventures we had shared, the miles we had paddled, and the deep respect we had for the natural world and for each other all pointed to the same conclusion. And as it turned out, our timing couldn’t have been better—just a few months later, we found out that Everett was on the way!
The summer of 2017 was a whirlwind. I split my time between Camp Temagami and leading what would be my final canoe trip for another organization—at 12 weeks pregnant. Thankfully, I had an incredible group of women on that expedition that included some of those most treasured friendships. Included in that group were two doctors—one of whom would later deliver Everett. Many of us had spent a number of summers together on trips, and their unwavering support made that final journey even more meaningful.
That summer, it was clear: camp life wasn’t just part of our story—it was the foundation of the family we were building together.
Adventures That Strengthened Our Connection
In the wilderness, bonds are built through shared experiences—some smooth, some challenging.
Our first canoe trip together? Let’s just say it was an adventure.
Everett was only 18 months old at the time, and while we had plenty of experience on the water separately, introducing a toddler into the mix was a whole new challenge. But even in the chaos, there were bright moments—like watching Everett take to camp life in his own way. He loved wood crew, enthusiastically helping stack firewood, and had an undeniable passion for double-smoked bacon. That was when we knew—he was in the right place.
For our family, Camp Temagami has been more than just a summer home—it has shaped the way we live, love, and grow together.
When Barrett joined our family in 2021, he was only 8 weeks old when he spent his first summer at camp. Nestled in the bow of the boat while Everett and I paddled him around, it was clear he was just as at home in the wilderness as the rest of us. Camp has given us an incredible foundation as a family, with summer days spent hiking, paddling, swimming, and exploring. Ending the day at our cabin—dirty, hungry, and enriched—meant it had been a great day.
Growing up at camp and going on canoe trips from a young age, our boys are learning the same values that brought Nick and I together: resilience, teamwork, and a deep respect for nature.
Friendships That Start at Camp Temagami
Camp Temagami has always been a place of connection—not just with nature, but with the people who share in its adventures. There’s something about life on the lake, the rhythm of paddles dipping into the water, and the crackle of a campfire that forges deep and lasting bonds.
For centuries, people have come together on these shores, forming friendships that last a lifetime. The wilderness strips away distractions, leaving behind only what truly matters—teamwork, trust, laughter, and the shared experience of something bigger than ourselves.
Our story is just one of many that began here, shaped by the land that we travel on, the surrender to life in the present moment, and the kind of camaraderie that only camp life can create. Whether it’s friendships that span decades or mentors who inspire lifelong passions, Camp Temagami continues to be a place where connections grow as strong as the trees that surround it.
We’d Love to Hear Your Story!
💬 Share your favorite Camp Temagami memories—tag a friend, mentor, or fellow paddler who’s been part of your journey.
📸 Tag @CampTemagami in your photos and adventures on social media.
🛶 Keep the tradition alive—invite someone new to experience the adventure, camaraderie, and connection that make Camp Temagami so special.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the places we explore—it’s about the friendships and shared experiences that last a lifetime.
Written by Tracy Georgiade, with formatting and editorial assistance provided by AI.
