I Can’t: Camp — Getaway Edition

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5.0 | 2 reviews

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Event Category

Education

Event Overview

The location for this edition says Mac & Cheese Productions℠ but we're just meeting in Chicago; we'll be traveling to Michigan together. The trip is October 18 - 20, leaving Friday 6:30AM and returning Sunday 4pm'ish. By registering, you are signing this waiver; please read before you register.


Are any of these you? 


“I like the idea of camping but get overwhelmed by planning gear, food, logistics...”

"I'd like to go camping. But it kinda scares me."

“I don't have an REI-sized wallet.”

"I'm ready to get out of the city."

"I'd like more nature in my life, to be more 'outdoorsy'."

“I want to explore more but would like others to explore with.”

“I'm IN! for a trip if someone brought the gear, food, ride, and knowledge.”

 

If yes, I Can't: Camp is for you.

 I Can’t: Camp is part of Mac & Cheese Productions' I Can't series, where adults state they're unable to do something, they try it with a bunch of other adults who also "can't," and everyone proves themselves wrong and not only does the thing, but enjoys it and says, "That wasn't so bad. In fact, kinda fun. Good for me! What's next?!" Topics and structure are varied but the "be yourself amongst others being themselves, witness the magic that happens when you try with others trying" vibe is pervasive. Past I Can'ts have included yoga, improv, find love, draw, have a dog, adult my money, organize my home, ask for money, put on makeup, and buy a home. See Upcoming I Can'ts here.

 

For this I Can't, Mac & Cheese is partnering with Aaron Wolf of Adventures Accessed.


 “It is clear that Aaron is very passionate about the environment, nature and leaving the smallest footprint possible on the world. What was also evident on the camping trip was Aaron’s passion and heart for people. It was challenging in some ways, fun in all ways and an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I also wouldn’t trade Aaron for the world either as he was a wonderful guide who was dedicated enough to challenge us but flexible enough to change things up for the needs of the group.”

– previous I Can’t: Camper


 Aaron grew up in the Northwest ‘burbs of Chicago. After nearly failing out of high school, he graduated and shipped off to the Marines, serving around the world including an Iraq deployment. Upon his return, the transition back to the “civilian world” had challenges and Aaron dealt with an identity crisis that would last through college and into his corporate career. Five years later, things began to boil over. Panic attacks at work, a lack of outdoor exposure, and a VA hospital that really likes prescribing pills made life too much. He'd retreat to the forest to decompress, connect, and be himself. Aaron eventually figured out that being immersed outdoors brought him back to a feeling of Self — that he could be Aaron and not Corporal Wolf, and that he was indeed his happiest, most creative, best version of himself when outside. If only he could make a career out of helping others find the same joy and benefits; turns out, he could. Aaron quit his job, wrote a business plan, secured financing, and now leads backcountry experiences as a professional, licensed outfitter/guide via his company Adventures Accessed.

 

Adventures Accessed Facebook ☆ Instagram ☆ Twitter ☆ Website

 

GETAWAY DETAILS

For three days and two nights, we’ll backpack along the scenic river of Michigan's Manistee National Forest. Take in the fall colors by hiking along the winding banks of the river during the day and share favorite ghost stories at night around the campfire. Expect to hike in 3-5 miles on Friday afternoon and then set up basecamp for the weekend. We'll spend Saturday exploring the banks of the river, checking out the best views and all the hidden sites the forest has to share.


 

Check out the FAQs here. Photos of a previous I Can't: Camp here.

 

"I Can't:Camp was an adventure worth the bug bites. We hiked, swam, built fires, told stories, created in-jokes, saw a bald eagle, and got comfortable being uncomfortable! I appreciated the balance of downtime and doing things, being able to connect with the group but also enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Learning new skills that I didn't know were "me" was exciting - at one point the group was cheering me on as I scraped and scraped a firestarting flint SO determined to get a blaze going (it worked!). I couldn't have asked for better leaders in Saya and Aaron: funny, low-key, positive people who inspire confidence and put people at ease. I came back to Chicago dirty, smelly, itchy, and craving a shower beer like no other, but with tons of positive memories and zero regrets."

 



I CAN'T CURATOR


Saya Hillman is an Evanston, Illinois native, Boston College graduate, and Chicago resident. Since 2004, when she was fired, she’s been blissfully self-employed. Her lifestyle business, Mac & Cheese Productions℠, creates and curates experiences that encourage individuals and groups to embrace a Life of Yes℠ — positivity, self-efficacy, playfulness, & community. Mac & Cheese supports individuals in finding fulfillment and groups in creating a positive culture. Think adult summer camp. Saya was one of Brazen Careerist’s Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch, has been featured in ForbesSELF, and the New York Times, and is a TEDx speaker. She’s married to someone she met at one of her own events and they pulled off an almost 100% bartered wedding, as featured in the Chicago Tribune and Huffington Post. She's built a life out of embracing fear and  suckage, and loves nothing more than getting others to follow suit.


Mac & Cheese Productions℠


Facebook ☆ Instagram ☆ Twitter ☆ YouTube ☆ Website


 


Minimum age

All ages welcome

Custom Cancellation Policy

No refunds unless the teachers need to cancel due to weather or other circumstances. If you need to transfer your spot, you can; contact the teacher for a transfer.

Location

There are currently no upcoming dates scheduled for this Dabble. Log in to an account message the host or add to your bucket list to be automatically notified when new dates are posted.

MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST

A TEDx speaker and one of Brazen Careerist' s Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch, Saya has discovered how to turn her love of creating community, challenging herself and those around her, and enjoying life to its fullest into her “job.” Via her company Mac & Cheese Productions℠, she helps others (and herself) live a Life of Yes℠. Saya is from Evanston, went to Boston College, and resides in Chicago.

EXPERIENCE REVIEWS

  • Default user photo
    Johnna G.
    Reviewed on 07/28/19

    I loved every part of it! But now I know I don’t want to go camping again. Ever. But I still highly recommend it. The experience was amazing.

    I loved every part of it! But now I know I don’t want to go camping again. Ever. But I still highly recommend it. The experience was amazing.

  • Default user photo
    Monique J.
    Reviewed on 07/23/19

    It is clear that Aaron is very passionate about the environment, nature and leaving the smallest footprint possible on the world. What was also evident on the camping trip was Aaron’s passion and heart for people. It was challenging in some ways, fun in all ways and an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I also wouldn’t trade Aaron for the world either as he was a wonderful guide who was dedicated enough to challenge us but flexible enough to change things up for the needs of the group.

    It is clear that Aaron is very passionate about the environment, nature and leaving the smallest footprint possible on the world. What was also evident on the camping trip was Aaron’s passion and heart for people. It was challenging in some ways, fun in all ways and an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I also wouldn’t trade Aaron for the world either as he was a wonderful guide who was dedicated enough to challenge us but flexible enough to change things up for the needs of the group.

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