About UWG
Welcome to the Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering
UWG is a five-day celebration of community, connection, and fun for unschoolers of all ages. Join families from around the world for speakers, funshops, activities, and plenty of time to make friendships and memories. Secular, queer-friendly, and welcoming to all!
Awesome Speakers
Engaging speakers sharing experiences, ideas, and inspiration.
Interesting Funshops
Explore hands-on activities, share skills, and discover something.
Deep Connections
Meet fellow unschoolers and build friendships that last long after UWG ends.
Resort Lodging
Stay & play at Kalahari w/ on-site lodging & an indoor waterpark.
Coordinators
Meet Team UWG
Meet the volunteers who work year-round to make the magic of UWG happen.
Schedule
Conference Agenda Overview
Explore three days of expert-led sessions, practical discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities designed for professionals.
1
09:00 – 10:00
Opening Keynote
A powerful opening session highlighting current industry trends, opportunities shaping the future.
2
10:15 – 11:15
Market & Innovation Panel
Industry leaders discuss innovation strategies, and real-world experiences from the U.S. landscape.
3
11:30 – 12:30
Growth Strategy Session
Learn proven methods to scale businesses and careers using practical, data-driven approaches.
4
01:30 – 02:30
Expert Talk: Leadership
Insights on building strong leadership skills and creating long-term professional impact.
5
02:45 – 03:45
Networking Roundtable
Structured discussions designed to connect attendees with peers, mentors, professionals.
UWG 2027
Registration
We’re thrilled you’ll be joining us for UWG 2027!
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For UWG 2027, registration is priced per person rather than at a family rate. For example, a family of five will pay the individual registration rate for each of the five people attending, rather than paying one flat rate for the entire family.
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Every person attending UWG must be registered, including all adults and children. You will provide each registration information for each individual you are registering.
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Children ages 3 and under are free, but must still be registered.
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Additional attendees may be registered at any time and will be charged the registration rate in effect at the time they are added.
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Every attendee must be individually registered to attend UWG.
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You do not have to attend all days of the conference; however, there is no discounted rate for attending only a day or two.
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Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another attendee for a $5 fee.
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Questions about registration? Please email our registration coordinator, Emily Landmann at registration@unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com.
2027
Testimonials
What Attendees Are Saying
Hear from the families who have made UWG part of their story.
“I felt truly swept into the most loving ecosystem. We deeply aligned with UWG’s mission and values and saw ourselves within them, which was so meaningful. It was the perfect week, filled with the most kind and welcoming people.”
Julia R
UWG 2026 Attendee
“UWG has been far and away the most helpful, important, and transformational thing we’ve done as part of our homeschooling journey. It has helped our family build stronger bonds with each other and zero in on what is most important to us in life.”
Dana S
UWG 2026 Attendee
“Every year I feel more and more like myself and like I’m with my family. The people you meet here don’t feel like someone you met for a week—they feel like you’ve known them your entire life.”
Nik C
UWG 2026 Attendee
“The ONLY thing I regret about UWG is not beginning to attend years earlier with my family. This is a place and a community to be yourself—to be accepted and celebrated, to learn and have fun, to experience new things and make new friends.”
Cassandra V
UWG 2026 Attendee
“UWG honestly felt life-changing for our family. We were inspired and truly felt like we could be ourselves there. Our kids were able to just be kids—to play, connect, and explore freely.”
Janise S
UWG 2026 Attendee
“I grew up with UWG as a key part of the year. It really is a place like no other to meet new people and learn about unschooling. I would not be who I am today if I hadn’t gone to UWG!”
Ely T
UWG 2026 Attendee
"Our family found inspiration and energy attending UWG. It opened our eyes to many new possibilities. Our family is now an official pickle ball family, and we played for the first time at UWG."
Max B
UWG 2026 Attendee
"UWG is my kids' best week of the year!"
Jason K
UWG 2026 Attendee
Best time for all families!! Engage and make life long friends!!
Bryanna C
UWG 2026 Attendee
Gallery
Relive the Moments from Past Events
See the magic of UWG through highlights and memories from years past.
Venue
Kalahari Resort
Lodging Info
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UWG takes place at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio—a huge family resort where you can stay, play, and enjoy the entire gathering under one roof.
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With an incredible indoor waterpark, restaurants, activities, and plenty to explore, there’s always something to do in between UWG events.
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Check out their website for details about what this huge resort has to offer.
Lodging Policies
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All UWG attendees must be registered AND stay at Kalahari using the UWG room block. Registrations without a qualifying Kalahari reservation will be cancelled, and UWG room-block reservations without a corresponding registration will be cancelled.
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Your exclusive Kalahari booking link will be sent after registration.
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Reservation changes are subject to Kalahari’s current policies.
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Room rates are subject to tax, but should not include additional resort fees. Contact Kalahari if you see them on your bill.
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The number of waterpark passes included is based on room type. Additional passes may be purchased if needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from attendees to help you prepare for UWG 2027
Yes. Every attendee needs to be registered; children ages 3 and under are free. All attendees must also stay at Kalahari and book through the official UWG room block. Your exclusive booking link will be sent after registration.
No. UWG registration and lodging are separate. Waterpark passes are included with your Kalahari room based on accommodation type.
Additional tickets may be purchased later, subject to availability and the price in effect at that time. Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another attendee for a $5 fee.
Everyone from longtime unschoolers to families who are brand new or simply exploring unschooling is welcome. UWG is a secular, LGBTQ+/queer-friendly gathering with activities and spaces for kids, tweens, teens, young adults, parents, and grown unschoolers. Grandparents are welcome too!
A lot! Each day includes main events, Funshops, speakers, panels, games, social events, and activities for different age groups—plus everything Kalahari has to offer. Check out last years schedule book here.
Funshops are attendee-led activities based around hobbies, skills, crafts, games, discussions, and just about anything someone wants to share. And yes—you can host one! Submissions open before the gathering. Join the Facebook group & sign-up for our newsletters to stay up-to-date!
Yes! In addition to all-ages activities, UWG offers dedicated events and gathering opportunities for tweens, teens, and young adults to meet and spend time together.
Not at all. There is no required programming at UWG. There are often multiple concurrent options to choose from. Attend what interests you, hang out with friends, head to the waterpark, grab some food, or take downtime. Your five days are yours to enjoy.
It depends on the activity and age. If in doubt, ask the activity host. Parents and caregivers remain responsible for their children throughout UWG. UWG does not offer childcare/babysitter services.
You won’t be alone! Our New Attendee Tour, speed friending opportunities, community spaces, Funshops, and activities make it easy to meet people. And sometimes the best UWG friendships start simply by pulling up a chair and saying hello. Many people find that volunteering is a good way to connect and meet new people.
The full schedule is released closer to UWG. Most activities don’t require advance registration; anything with limited space or sign-ups will be clearly announced and noted on our website, app, newsletter (subscsribe below), socials, & linktree.
Check out our spreadsheet with a comprehensive packing list and ideas of what else you may need.
No. Meals are not included with registration, but Kalahari has a variety of restaurants and food options throughout the resort. See FAQ's below for more details for food options.
There are food options in the resort and restaurants surrounding the resort.
There are many nearby grocery stores right by the resort, including Aldi, Walmart, Target, and Meijer.
