September 5-7, 2025
Camp Butler, Peninsula, Ohio
SYMPOSIUM INFORMATION
Please join us for our premier fall event, the Midwest Canoe Symposium, September 5-7, 2025. MCS is held at Camp Butler in Peninsula, Ohio, nestled in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near major freeways, 9 miles north of Akron and 23 miles south of Cleveland.
Registration information for 2025 will be posted below, as the time approaches. Please register as soon as you can to help us in the planning process. We are looking forward to seeing you in September!
The MCS offers excellent instruction in a quiet water venue for people wishing to improve paddling efficiency and fun through precise boat control skills. Courses are offered in all skill levels and are taught by Certified Canoe Instructors. Student/instructor ratio is limited to 5 to 1. Nearby hiking, biking, historic tours, shopping, etc. for non-paddling friends or spouses is available.
“When I think of the Midwest Canoe Symposium,
I think of the time of the year, the mist and fall scenery that is part of camp and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park,
the food, the music makers, the fun and friendship and family friendly, the affordability of MCS.”
Read what MCS attendees have had to say about the event here: MCS 2016
and here: midwest-canoe-symposium-2017
…and in 2018…
…and in 2019…
…and in 2022…
… and in 2023…
CLASS OFFERINGS:
Solo and Tandem Canoe, from Beginner to Interpretive FreeStyle
Special Topics offerings include:
Heeling and Kneeling 101,
Touring Technique,
Forward Stroke Clinic,
Going Straight Backwards,
Moving Around in Your Boat,
Guided Cuyahoga River Trip,
Obedience Train your Canoe,
Tandem Tune-Up,
Nail the Rail,
Paddling Rivers
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Interpretive FreeStyle Canoeing Exhibition (Saturday at 6:15 p.m.)
- Evening Candlelight Paddle?
- FreeStyle Pickers (jam session with great musicians—bring a musical instrument and join in!)
- For nonpaddling friends, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers biking, scenic hiking, the Cuyahoga Valley Historic Rail, and there are a plethora of local attractions and shopping in nearby Akron and Cleveland areas.
Registration: Preregistration is required. Camp is open for early arrivals starting Thursday afternoon. Limited boat /gear rentals available.
Lodging: Atwater Lodge sleeps 22 in 2 bunk rooms on site (BYOL) on a space available basis. Full shower and bath facilities are available in the dorm. Tent option available on site (BYOT). No pets are allowed at camp. Additional lodging available at several nearby motels.
Meals: Full meal options (home cooked, buffet style) offered on site at Atwater Lodge with plentiful vegetarian choices. The Midwest Symposium is well known for wonderful home style cooking. We hope to continue that tradition this year, with a few minor changes.
Clothing: Please come prepared for any weather with appropriate clothing and footwear.
Gear / Equipment: Bring a canoe, paddles, PFD (to be worn at all times when on water), kneeling pad. Instructors will teach you in the canoe that you bring. Limited rentals available for FreeStyle classes.
REGISTRATION:
Please join us for a fun and informational weekend of paddling and renewing friendships or making new paddling friends in lovely surroundings!
Registration deadline is August 22. We encourage you to register early.
Registration documents for MCS 2024 are retained here, to provide an idea of what to expect:
Registration forms in both Microsoft Word and PDF format:
MCS-2024-Registration-Packet WordDoc
MCS 2024 Registration Packet (PDF)
USCA Event Waiver Release form 2024 MCS
Note that the waiver for insurance purposes, is attached above. Feel free to print, complete, and send with your registration forms. These will also be available at the site, and must be signed by all participants. Coming soon:
Jim and Manon Satrape, MCS Coordinators
MidwestCanoeSymp@gmail.com