Hey all! Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone who came out for our “Oh Sh!t” Emergency Kit presentation today at Midwest Mountaineering’s Fall Outdoor Adventure Expo.

They moved us to larger room this time to accommodate more people, and you didn’t disappoint! It was great to talk with so many people who are interested in a safer time while out on the water or in their campsite at the end of the day!

So what’s the deal with the photos above? A joke to share with Canada’s “Happy Camper” Kevin Callan. The first time I presented at the Outdoor Adventure Expo was to stand-in for Kevin after his flights were changed. That year, I wore a name tag that said “Not Kevin Callan.” While I am still not Kevin Callan, I was happy to “be myself” this year. You can see the story behind that joke, as well as Kevin very kindly interviewing me about our company’s activities below or here: http://theoutdoorkind.org/midwestvideo/

If you’ve been asleep for the past 30 years and somehow don’t know about Kevin Callan…well, he’s absolutely one of a kind. Not only is he an outdoors author and popular YouTube personality, but as a teacher he works with at-risk kids and frequently takes them on backcountry wilderness trips. There are so many positive outcomes from the last half of that previous sentence alone that he has earned the respect of his local community, and the outdoors community at large. His videos are funny and he clowns around a lot, but Kevin consistently provides reliable information and walks the talk. His new book on winter camping should be available soon, and I’ve no doubt it will be outstanding.

I hope to see more folks tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Room 104 of Hanson Hall when I discuss paddling in South Carolina. (And you know me – there definitely will be a fire safety message in there, too!)  🙂

Cheers!
jvb