OUR MISSION

Tell me more about the UWG attendee experience!

• UWG is an unforgettable experience that offers the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people and be inspired from some of the brightest minds in the unschooling community.

• You'll have the freedom to select activities that speak to your interests and passions, making for a truly personalized experience

• Each day offers a variety of main events and activities for families to enjoy together, as well as, teens/tweens only focused events.

• Listen and engage with some amazing speakers in the unschooling community.

• Attend our Q&A panels, where you can ask questions about unschooling, learn from grown unschoolers and ask questions to unschooled teens.

• We offer funshops, which are designed to offer  workshops, chat sessions, and engaging activities revolving around a variety of skills, crafts, hobbies, and games.

• Every day there will be main events geared towards families as well as specific teen only events. 

• The real highlight of the event is the sense of belonging and acceptance among attendees - pop a squat in one of the comfy chairs and strike up a conversation with someone new, and you'll quickly find that you've found your people.

• Attendees are free to enjoy the waterpark, hot tubs, arcade, and restaurants whenever they need a break from the conference activities.

• Get ready to make lifelong memories and forge meaningful connections with kindred spirits. 

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When should we arrive for the conference?  How long should we stay?

• Although our conference officially starts on Monday afternoon and ends Thursday evening, many attendees arrive a day early! 

• Whether its to beat traffic, hit the waterpark, sneak in an extra vacation day, or just settled in before the big week begins; you are welcome to enjoy the UWG rooms rates for a day before and a day after the official conference dates.

• There is a potluck that takes place in the directors room Sunday evening.  Room numbers will be posted on Sunday afternoon on the Facebook page and our UWG discord server.

• Our big family dance is on Thursday from 8p-midnight, so plan on staying until Friday!

​Is UWG for kids of all ages?

• 100%!  UWG is a one-of-a-kind conference experience that is designed to be fun and all-inclusive. We understand that unschooling is not just for kids of a certain age, which is why we have a dedicated play area for our littlest attendees. Their parents can relax and socialize in the nearby lounge area (same room) while their children play.

• For teens, we have an entire ballroom where they can hang out...and maybe meet some new friends!

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​How can I be a speaker, run a funshop, or volunteer?

• Currently our submissions for speakers and funshops are closed.  However we always leave a few extra slots for late submissions.  Please email us at admin@unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com and let us know what you are interested in doing!  We will do our best to accommodate!

• Volunteers are ALWAYS welcome :)  Click on the volunteer tab on this website and fill out the form.  If we didn't have volunteers like you, there would be no UWG!  Thank you!

Where can I find the UWG Facebook group and discord server?  What if I have more questions?

• Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/uwginfo

• Our discord server (only for UWG current attendees) is https://discord.gg/CQHeZYp6

• Email us anytime!  admin@unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com

What should I pack for UWG??
Here is a list to get you started!  

Where can I find the UWG schedule and descriptions?

• Click on the schedule tab to see all the descriptions and schedules. 

• About two weeks prior to the conference we will have a finalized schedule posted, but prior to that we have a preliminary schedule posted. 

• You can get the latest updates on our Facebook page! 

• Everyone will get a printed schedule with descriptions when you check in for the conference and will also have them posted on the wall near the UWG registration window.

How much is registration? How do I register?

• Go to our registration page to register. 

• You pay one registration fee per family living in the same household.

• Please do not combine families under the same registration.  We are run by volunteers, and the registrations fees make EVERYTHING possible.  

• Registration prices depends on when you are registering.  There is early bird ($100, ends September 25th 2023), regular price ($125, from September 25th-April 19th), and on site registration ($150). 

• Registration closes one month before the conference.  After that, you are able to register on-site on the Monday at the conference. 

• You do not have to attend all days of the conference, however there is not a discounted rate for attending only a day or two.

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What is and is not included with my registration? What is the total cost for this conference?

• Your registration fee is only for the conference.  It includes access to all events, speakers, presentations, and funshops.  You will also get a name badge and printed schedule.

• Your hotel room is separate, and there are many choices for every budget.  UWG has deeply discounted rooms.  When you register you get a link to book your room with our discount. 

• Travel and food is not included with registration fees.

What are the food options in and around the resort?

• The Kalahari has many food options.  They have sit down restaurants as well as quick eats!  Click here to check out all the choices available at the resort.

• Meijer, Walmart, and Target stores are within a 5-10 min drive from the resort if you want to make your own food.

• There are restaurants galore near the resort in Sandusky.

Who is running UWG??

• UWG is all run by volunteers!  It is co-directed by Natalie DuMont and Michele Kowalski, as well as a team of dedicated and tireless group of coordinators and volunteers who make speakers, funshops, and main events TRULY a team effort.  

• We are also very lucky to have the TAB (Teen Advisory Board) who are an integral part of the UWG team.  They plan and run many of the teen events.