The Spring Gathering
April 10 - 13, 2025
Shake off winter the right way.
Four days in the woods of Logan County, Ohio,
filled with instruction, vendors, challenges,
axes, knives, fire and so much more!
What does my ticket get me?
Ticket prices for the 2025 Spring Gathering are as follows:
Adult Full Admission: $80.00/Person
Adult Day Pass: $35.00/Person
Youth (15 & Under) Full Admission AND Day Pass: Free
Adult Half-Pass (2 Days & 1 Night): $50.00/Person
Event Access:
There are multiple options available for event tickets. Each ticket gets you access to the event, all workshops and presentations, access to the vendors, and participation in all challenges (strictly at-will).
On-Site Ammenities:
The event venue has potable water, restrooms with flush toilets and showers that are available for all attendees to use. Fire wood is available in ample supply but is limited to what is dead and down. Attendees are welcome to collect firewood, but there is to be no felling of trees during the event.
Camping & Lodging:
Camping is available on site, and is included in the price of your ticket to the event. Camping is primitive, open to tents, tarps, hammocks, etc. There is no space or hookup available for RVs or Campers. Small travel trailers may be permitted in the main parking area but approval is subject to the event host’s discretion. If you have questions regarding camping, or lodging, please reach out to us and we will be happy to assist you!
Meet our Event Sponsors
Click on a sponsor’s logo to learn more about them!
Stevenson Self Store
Workshops & Presentations
Paracord Bracelet Weaving with Dakorie McElhaney.
Learn two different patterns for weaving your own paracord bracelets for survival or fashion! This is a premium workshop and will cost $15.00/Participant to be paid directly to the instructor at the event.
First Aid Kit Preparation with Gary Oliver
Take a look at what is needed to assemble a first aid kit for three different, common adventures. Gary will show you his recommendations for what to carry for a solo over-night adventure, a solo multi-day trip, and for a group adventure.
Simple Blow Gun Make & Take with Daniel Harding
Learn to make a simple, yet effective blowgun with common materials then take it to the range to test your skills! This is a premium workshop and will cost $15.00 per participant to be paid to the instructor at the event. Participants will walk away with their own unique blow gun and darts.
Natural Ohio Show & Tell with Jennifer Johnson
Take a closer look at the little things that make up Ohio’s frequently overlooked ecology. Examine native plants, animals, bugs, bones, stones and other bits of the natural world that all-too-often escape our notice and gain a deeper appreciation for this beautiful state!
DIY lip balm with Jamie Schmotzer
Learn how to make your own lip balm using a beef tallow base and a handful of medicinal plants. This workshop will only be available once on Friday, but Jamie will have his booth set up (J.W. Apothecary) all weekend and is always happy to answer questions!
Kids campfire cooking and how to be safe around fire with J.C. Messer
Explore how to effectively cook using a campfire with a simple meal (Of course you’ll get to sample what you cook!) and gain an understanding of what it takes to safely and effectively maintain a fire for cooking, and for warmth. Getting a fire lit is only half the battle! What happens once it’s going? Find out with this workshop!
Kid’s Compass Basics with Nathan McElhaney
Kids will learn the fundamentals of how to read and use a compass when navigating the great outdoors then put their newfound skills to the test!
YoYo Fishing Kit with Hook’s Outdoors
I don’t think I could capture the essence of this workshop any better than the man himself, so here is what you can expect, straight from Hook himself!
“There are 2 things many kids enjoy! Fishing and a YOYO!
Hook has put these 2 things together to make a survival fishing kit!
Join Hook and make your very own YOYO Survival fishing kit. This is a make and take class. FREE WILL DONATION. The funds from the class go right back into the class for the future classes to keep it going. If money is a problem. Don't let that stop you from taking this class! Hook wants kids to get "Hooked" on fishing!”
The Staff: An Essential Tool - Kyle Egolf
This will be an overview of things you can use a staff for along with how to best utilize one while hiking. This workshop draws a lot of inspiration from older BSA manuals and also Scottish highlander readings. Also covered will be an overview of a basic kit you can have on your staff. Lastly, Kyle will talk about some basic staff defensives that employ a staff.
Got a skill you’d like to teach?
Event Schedule
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Event Schedule -
Thursday, April 10th:
10:00 A.M.
Gates open for attendees to arrive and set up camp/begin visiting the vendors.
11:00 - 12:00 -
Instructor Meet and Greet time. Some of the event instructors will be available to meet attendees and talk a bit about the workshops they will be leading.
*There will be multiple activities available for attendees to participate in during the day on Thursday including axe throwing, slingshots, the Blade Pit, and a handful of fireside activities.
3:00 - 4:00 -
Instructor Meet and Greet time
6:30 -
Opening Ceremonies and introduction of vendors & instructors. The communal fire is ignited and Communal Fire Time Begins.
Friday, April 11th:
10:00 - 11:30 - Session One
Kids Campfire Cooking & Safety with J.C. Messer - Campfire
Kids Compass Basics with Nathan McElhaney - Amphitheater
YoYo Fishing Kit with Hook’s Outdoors - Patio
11:30 - 1:00 -
Free Time/Lunch
Axe Throwing Range Open
Slingshot Range Open
1:00 - 2:30 - Session Two
DIY Tallow Lip Balm with Jamie Schmotzer - Campfire/J.W. Apothecary Booth
Paracord Bracelet Making with Dakorie McElhaney - Patio ($15/Participant)
The Staff: An Essential Tool with Kyle Egolf - Amphitheater
3:00 - 4:30 - Session Three
First Aid Kit Planning with Gary Oliver - Patio
Natural Ohio Show & Tell with Jennifer Johnson - Amphitheater
Blow Gun Make & Take with Daniel Harding - Campfire
4:30 - 6:30 -
Axe Throwing Range Open
Slingshot Range Open
5:00 -
Fishing Derby (Concludes at 7:00)
6:30 -
Communal Fire Time Begins
Saturday, April 12th:
10:00 - 11:30 - Session Four
Kids Campfire Cooking & Safety with J.C. Messer - Campfire
Kids Compass Basics with Nathan McElhaney - Amphitheater
YoYo Fishing Kit with Hook’s Outdoors - Patio
11:30 - 1:00 -
Lunch/Free Time
Axe Throwing Range Open
Slingshot Range Open
1:00 - 2:30 - Session Five
Paracord Bracelet Making with Dakorie McElhaney - Patio ($15/Participant)
The Staff: An Essential Tool with Kyle Egolf - Amphitheater
Hourglass Watchtower Build - All Interested Attendees - Campfire/Check-in area.
3:00 - 4:30 - Session Six
First Aid Kit Planning with Gary Oliver - Patio
Natural Ohio Show & Tell with Jennifer Johnson - Amphitheater
Blow Gun Make & Take with Daniel Harding - Campfire
4:30 - 6:30 -
Axe Throwing Range Open
Slingshot Range Open
5:30 - Kid’s Challenge
6:00 - Adult’s Challenge
6:30 - Communal Fire Time Begins. Attendee Trade Blanket.
Sunday, April 13th:
9:00 -
Fireside service led by Daniel Harding
Event End at 3:00 PM, Venue Closes. See you in October!
“The Spring Gathering was one of the most laid back, yet action packed events I’ve ever attended! Had great instructors and awesome classes! It’s always amazing to see how many youth attend and how much fun they have getting their hands dirty learning outdoor skills!” - Daniel Harding
Our Vendors
Woggle Bug Adventures!
The Challenges
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The Challenges -
The 2025 Spring Gathering will introduce what we hope will become an annual event, The Primitive Fishing Derby! Open to all participants with both an Adults division and Kids division, participants must use a primitive, and/or improvised fishing kit! (Probably a good thing we’ve got an awesome instructor teaching about improvised fishing kits at this event!) Will you land the big one and take home the prize? Put your angling skills to the test at the Spring Gathering!
Kid’s Challenge:
Adult’s Challenge:
Volunteer Opportunities
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Volunteer Opportunities -
Would you like to help with a Central Ohio Outdoors event? Consider becoming an Event Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed at our events to assist with the following:
Set Up prior to the start of the event.
Parking assistance and directing vehicle traffic.
Hospitality and Check-In.
Dog Soldiers (Camp Security).
On-Sight Medic (To reinforce our current medic).
Photography & Video.
Event Maintenance - Trash runs, wood runs, etc. Maintaining the cleanliness of the event space.
Tear Down & Cleanup after the event.
What does an Event Volunteer get for their service?
Event Volunteers receive free admission to the event with which they are assisting. We do our best to have a large enough team to allow for the freedom for volunteers to attend workshops and presentations in between shifts.
Event Volunteers receive a free event T-Shirt with a Volunteer designation on it as well as a lanyard identifying them as an event volunteer.
Access to Volunteer & Staff only areas of the event and amenities.
Access to the pre-event vendor dinner the night before the event.
Click below to apply to join the team!
FAQ
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FAQ -
Are Campfires permitted at individual campsites?
Yes! You are welcome to have a small fire at your campsite should you desire to do so. All fires must be contained within a dug pit, the leaves and debris must be scraped away from the immediate area, and all campsites with a fire must have a water bucket at hand at all times. Fires must be completely extinguished before attendees depart their campsites for any reason. Unattended fires may result in ejection from the event.
Is alcohol permitted?
No. Kirkmont Center is a dry venue, and Central Ohio Outdoors prohibits alcohol at all events, programs and functions. Violations could result in ejection from the event.
Is this event pet friendly?
Yes! The Central Ohio Outdoors Spring Gathering is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along with you. All pets must remain on leash at all times, owners must clean up after their animals, and pets deemed disruptive and/or aggressive may be removed from the event at the host’s discretion. Please remember that even though your pet may be your best friend, other people may not feel the same way.
Are firearms permitted?
Per Kirkmont Center’s request, firearms are not permitted on your person at the event venue. If you carry, or travel with a firearm, you are welcome to leave it secured in your vehicle for the duration of the event, but you are not permitted to carry it with you. Violations could result in ejection from the event.
What is in the area if I need something during the event?
The event venue is within 15 minutes of a major city and multiple small communities where you can get supplies, food, groceries, ice, fuel, etc. See our section highlighting the surrounding area for full details! The closest fuel is within ten minutes of the venue. The closest ice, staples, and ATM are within a 5 minute drive.
Is food provided during the event, or do I need to bring my own?
Food is not provided by the event or the venue. Please plan accordingly for you and your party. There are multiple stores and eateries within 15 minutes of the venue if you find that you need, or have forgotten something.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! Central Ohio Outdoors strives for a family-friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to all ages and levels of experience. Whether you’re a grizzled veteran of the outdoors, or have never set food in the back country but have always wanted to give it a try, whether you’re five or ninety five, there is something for everyone at the Spring Gathering!
