Midwest Outdoor Expo and Symposium

Special Guest speakers will include Alex Maier and Amy Robin from Wilderness Mindset as well as additional guest speakers over the course of the weekend.

Guest Speakers

“Capturing Nature’s Story”  by Kathy Wicks

As a volunteer Master Naturalist, environmental photographer, and visual artist, Kathy Wicks aspires to communicate visual stories that enhance awareness and advocacy for nature. Join Kathy when she shares a photographic tour of her favorite Illinois natural areas and the story behind each image. She will share her personal connection with nature and offer hints to help you have a more mindful appreciation of the natural world.

"Solo hiking vs Hiking with a partner" by Amy Robin and Alex Maier

Alex and Amy both have a lot of experience in the wilderness by themselves but from very different backgrounds. Alex is a thru-hiker who has done a lot of solo hiking on some of America’s hardest long-distance trails. Amy has spent a lot of solo time in the mountains hunting for big game, rocks, and sheds. After they had been dating for a while they decided to take on the 3,100 mile-long Continental Divide Trail together. As they found out, hiking with a partner is much different than solo hiking. They spent five months on the trail together and have learned a lot of hard-earned lessons along the way.

"Mind, Body, Soul Project" by Amy Robin and Alex Maier

Mind, Body, and Soul - The Nature of Well-Being is a documentary project that takes place on the Continental Divide Trail, but it goes way beyond a thru-hike. The documentary seeks to explore how spending time in nature affects our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Modern science will be mixed with ancient wisdom to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual. Alex Maier and Amy Robin (trail names Money Shot and Barney) embark on the Continental Divide Trail to explore how five months in the wilderness may help them heal and grow. Amy has been through a lot of trauma in her life, which she hopes to heal from in the wilderness. Alex finds out that he still has a lot of growing to do as he moves into the next stages of life.

Workshops

"Most Common Injuries and Medical Problems Encountered in the Outdoors"

"Wilderness First Aid Scenarios"

"Introduction to Kayak-Gear and Kayak Selection"

"The Midwest's Own Long Trails" Reps from the Ice Age Trail, The Ozark Trail will be present

Self-Care

Vinyasa Yoga presented by Melissa D. of True North Expeditions

Vinyasa translates to “flowing with breath.” Vinyasa yoga is a levels yoga class to explore the fundamental principles and postures of yoga. Work to strengthen, balance, and detoxify the entire body and mind as you move through postures while connecting breath to movement.

Morning Yoga presented by Sarah L. of True North Expeditions

Yoga and meditation teacher Sarah Lindgren will guide you through an hour-long beginner-friendly yoga session designed to release tension and cultivate a sensation of inner peace. Expect a slow warm-up into standing yoga poses ending with a guided meditation.

Meditative Hike presented by Sarah L. of True North Expeditions

Explore the beauty of Forest Glen with meditation and yoga teacher Sarah Lindgren as she guides you on a gentle meditative hike, teaching you how to be present in each moment.

Sound Healing presented by Sarah L of True North Expeditions

Join yoga and meditation teacher Sarah Lindgren for a relaxing meditative sound bath.  In this hour-long restorative practice, Sarah utilizes crystal quartz bowls to create a vibratory experience that is felt throughout your cellular system creating a sensation of deep relaxation.

Please dress comfortably and bring blankets, pillows, or a yoga mat to create a supportive and comfortable experience. This is a meditation where you will be laying on your back.

Other Topics

-Gear swap-if you are attending, feel free to bring your new or gently used gear to swap or sell to other outdoor enthusiasts!

-Vendors TBD

Meal options are available for each day. All food will be fresh and prepared on-site. We specialize in catering to special diets!

Your general admission ticket will include camping in the "Group Camping" section of this park. RV camping is also available on a first come first serve basis. The cost of camping in the RV section or any other section of the park is not included in our base price. There is a shower house with flush toilets in the area that you will have access to.

The first 50 people to register will get a swag bag with goodies from companies such as Mountain House, Sawyer, Good Wipes, Dermatone, and Compass Paper Co. Your registration also enters you into drawings we will be holding over the week, including a Jetboil Stove, Sawyer Water filter, t-shirt/decals, and more!

Daily Schedule

Friday

4-9 pm     Registration/Check-In @ Group Camp

5-7 pm      Dinner

7 pm    Welcome by the owners of True North Expeditions

730-9 pm Bonfire Social

Saturday

745 am                Morning Yoga w/Sarah L. of True North Expeditions

8-11 am                Registration

7-830 am            Breakfast

930 am                Vendors

10-4 pm              Gear Swap 

915-1030 am     “Hiking with a Partner” presented by Amy Robin/Alex Maier of Wilderness Mindset

1030-11 am         Q&A w/ Alex and Amy   

11-12 pm              Vinyasa Flow (yoga) w/Melissa D. of True North Expeditions

11-12 pm              Intro to Kayaking w/Ingrid T. of True North Expeditions

1130-1 pm           Lunch

130-245 pm       Capturing Nature’s Story-Kathy Wicks

245-315 pm        Q & A with Kathy Wicks

3-5 pm                  Long Trails (IAT, OT)

3-430 pm            Wilderness First Aid-Most Common Injuries Found Outdoors w/Mike B of True North Expeditions

5-630 pm            Dinner @ Maple Grove Lodge

730-830 pm      Sound Healing w/Sarah L. of True North Expeditions

7-830 pm            Night Hike  Trail TBD

Sunday

745 am                  Morning Yoga w/Sarah L. of True North Expeditions

7-830 am             Registration

7-830 am             Breakfast  Maple Grove Lodge

915-1030              Mind, Body, and Soul Project by Amy Robin and Alex Maier

1030-11                 Q & A with Alex/Amy

11-12 pm              WFA Scenarios w/Jason S. of True North Expeditions

11-12 pm               Intro to Kayaking w/Ingrid T. of True North Expeditions

11-12 pm               Vinyasa Flow w/Melissa D. of True North Expeditions

1130-1 pm            Lunch

130-3 pm             2022 True North Expeditions Event Review/Q & A with the owners of True North Expeditions

This event is sponsored by Mountain House.