Welcome to the 2025 PA Outdoor Content Creators Meetup!
April 25-27 at Gifford Pinchot State Park
Where will we be staying?
Stays
We have reserved Group Tenting Area C for the meetup. Group Tenting Area C is circled in Red.
A modern cabin, two cottages and a yurt have also been secured for attendees. The cottages and yurt are circled in Yellow. The modern cabin is circled in Pink.
Checking in
If you're staying at the Group Tenting Area, you can begin setup at 1pm on Friday.
The Dragonfly and Firefly Cottages can be checked in beginning at any time on Friday. The keys will be at the cottages.
The #7 modern cabin can be checked in beginning at 2:30-3pm on Friday. The key will be at the cabin.
Meals
All meals will be served at the Sunnyside Pavillion in the Conewago Day Use Area circled in Orange.
Bathrooms & water
Our Group Tenting Area is located close to a modern bathroom. The bathrooms have modern amenities like a flush toilet, sink and showers. We have access to drinking water very close to the site. There is also a bathroom is a short walk from the cottages and yurts. There is a bathroom at the modern cabin.
Electric
The Group Tenting Area does not have electric access. Please bring a portable charger if you plan to be using your phone. You can charge your phones at the Sunnyside Pavillion with your charging cables.
Wi-Fi & cell service
Wi-Fi and cell service is good in the area. If you need to use your phone, you can take a short drive around the park and you will be able to receive calls and find Wi-Fi.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at the Group Tenting Area as well as the individual cabins, cottage and yurts.
Tags and hashtags
The event is only made possible thanks to our incredible sponsor Explore York. Please tag them at @ExploreYorkPA on Instagram and Meta and use the hashtags #ExploreYorkPA and #PAOCC25.
They'll be tracking the hashtags so please use it when you post before, during and after the weekend.
We have reserved Group Tenting Area C for the meetup. Group Tenting Area C is circled in Red.
A modern cabin, two cottages and a yurt have also been secured for attendees. The cottages and yurt are circled in Yellow. The modern cabin is circled in Pink.
Checking in
If you're staying at the Group Tenting Area, you can begin setup at 1pm on Friday.
The Dragonfly and Firefly Cottages can be checked in beginning at any time on Friday. The keys will be at the cottages.
The #7 modern cabin can be checked in beginning at 2:30-3pm on Friday. The key will be at the cabin.
Meals
All meals will be served at the Sunnyside Pavillion in the Conewago Day Use Area circled in Orange.
Bathrooms & water
Our Group Tenting Area is located close to a modern bathroom. The bathrooms have modern amenities like a flush toilet, sink and showers. We have access to drinking water very close to the site. There is also a bathroom is a short walk from the cottages and yurts. There is a bathroom at the modern cabin.
Electric
The Group Tenting Area does not have electric access. Please bring a portable charger if you plan to be using your phone. You can charge your phones at the Sunnyside Pavillion with your charging cables.
Wi-Fi & cell service
Wi-Fi and cell service is good in the area. If you need to use your phone, you can take a short drive around the park and you will be able to receive calls and find Wi-Fi.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at the Group Tenting Area as well as the individual cabins, cottage and yurts.
Tags and hashtags
The event is only made possible thanks to our incredible sponsor Explore York. Please tag them at @ExploreYorkPA on Instagram and Meta and use the hashtags #ExploreYorkPA and #PAOCC25.
They'll be tracking the hashtags so please use it when you post before, during and after the weekend.
What are we doing?
Get ready for an exciting lineup of events, presentations, and activities this weekend. We've curated an exciting agenda designed to inspire, educate and connect us as we explore the limitless possibilities of outdoor storytelling.
Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:
Presentations: Dive deep into the world of outdoor content creation with presentations from fellow content creators and seasoned adventurers. Gain valuable insights and discover new strategies for the ever-changing landscape of outdoor media.
Discussions: Engage in lively discussions with fellow creators throughout the weekend. Explore topics ranging from photography techniques and videography tips to sustainable outdoor practices and ethical storytelling.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded creators, forge new collaborations and exchange ideas during our networking breaks. Share your experiences, swap stories and build lasting relationships with fellow adventurers.
Outdoor Excursions: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Pennsylvania's natural landscapes with guided and unguided outdoor excursions. Capture stunning imagery, discover hidden gems and experience firsthand the magic of outdoor storytelling.
Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:
Presentations: Dive deep into the world of outdoor content creation with presentations from fellow content creators and seasoned adventurers. Gain valuable insights and discover new strategies for the ever-changing landscape of outdoor media.
Discussions: Engage in lively discussions with fellow creators throughout the weekend. Explore topics ranging from photography techniques and videography tips to sustainable outdoor practices and ethical storytelling.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded creators, forge new collaborations and exchange ideas during our networking breaks. Share your experiences, swap stories and build lasting relationships with fellow adventurers.
Outdoor Excursions: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Pennsylvania's natural landscapes with guided and unguided outdoor excursions. Capture stunning imagery, discover hidden gems and experience firsthand the magic of outdoor storytelling.
What should I bring?
- Everything you need to sleep (tent, sleeping bag, pillows, etc.) Don't bring a hammock, since there are no trees to secure them to.
- Sheets, bedding and pillows if staying in a cabin, cottage or yurt
- Clothes (Bring rain gear in case we encounter rain. Bring layers to stay warm)
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots (the trails can be muddy)
- Camp chair
- Headlamp/flashlight with redlight
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Portable phone charger (There is no electric access to the group site)
- Backpack and water bottle
What will be provided?
- Meals (Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Utensils (Plates, napkins, forks, spoons and knives)
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Firewood from Group Tenting Area C
- Meetup packet and goodie bag
What's the agenda?
Below is the final agenda for the creators meetup to help you plan for the event.
Friday, April 25
1pm: Arrival and tent setup at Group Tent Site C
2pm: Meet & greet at Sunnyside Pavilion at Conewago Day Use Area (Pick up packets and gift bags)
3pm: Lakeside Trail from Sunnyside Pavilion (OPTIONAL if you need more setup time)
Leaving from the Sunnyside Pavilion, we’ll hike the Lakeside Trail to the Campground Entrance and back. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. Approximately one hour for roundtrip.
4pm: Cabin check in (if necessary)
5pm: “How to Monetize your Content and Diversify your Income as a Content Creator” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Michele Granera – Adventures Abound
5:30pm: "12 Things I Learned During 12 Years as a Content Creator" at Sunnyside Pavilion
Jim Cheney – Uncovering PA
6pm: Dinner at Sunnyside Pavilion
7pm: Vernal Pool Discovery Walk from Campground Entrance
Elizabeth Kepley-McNutt, Environmental Education Specialist
Learn about the ecology of a vernal pool before walking a short distance to one. Once we get there, we will explore and discover the different types of critters that call these forest ponds home. The program will last about an hour.
Saturday, April 26
8am: Coffee & breakfast at Sunnyside Pavilion
9:00am: Hike to Boulder Point from Sunnyside Pavilion
Leaving from the Sunnyside Pavilion, we’ll take the Lakeside Trail/Fern Trail/Midland Trail/Alpine Trail to Boulder Point. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. The hike offers beautiful lakeside views. Approximately 60 to 75 minutes for roundtrip.
11am: Free time!
Noon: Lunch at Sunnyside Pavilion
12:30pm: Explore York presentation at Sunnyside Pavilion
Andrea Ryan – Destination Marketing Manager with Explore York
1pm: Content Creation – Go make some content!
3pm: “Fly Fishing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Casting and Technique” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Derek Eberly, Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation
4pm: Special guest presenter at Sunnyside Pavilion
5pm: "Creating Without Crashing: Avoiding Burnout in the Content Game" at Sunnyside Pavilion
Bill Maksim – Maksim Outdoors
5:30pm: “Trailside First Aid: Treating Ankle Injuries While Hiking” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Brett Friedman – Adventure Otaku
6pm: Dinner and smores at Sunnyside Pavilion
7pm: “Fueling Creativity: Support Programs for Creative Entrepreneurs” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Nathan Reigner - Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation
Sarah Merritt - Director of Pennsylvania Creative Communities & the Creative Economy at Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Sunday, April 27
9am: Cabin and camp breakdown and cleanup
10am: Lakeside Trail (OPTIONAL)
8.5 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow/red/blue blazes
The longest and most scenic trail in the park, Lakeside Trail may be accessed from all major use areas of the park. Walking time is five to six hours. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. Many hikers combine portions of this trail with other trails like Alpine, Gravel, Oak, and Quaker Race to make shorter loops. Approximate time to complete the entire trail is 4 to 6 hours.
Friday, April 25
1pm: Arrival and tent setup at Group Tent Site C
2pm: Meet & greet at Sunnyside Pavilion at Conewago Day Use Area (Pick up packets and gift bags)
3pm: Lakeside Trail from Sunnyside Pavilion (OPTIONAL if you need more setup time)
Leaving from the Sunnyside Pavilion, we’ll hike the Lakeside Trail to the Campground Entrance and back. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. Approximately one hour for roundtrip.
4pm: Cabin check in (if necessary)
5pm: “How to Monetize your Content and Diversify your Income as a Content Creator” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Michele Granera – Adventures Abound
5:30pm: "12 Things I Learned During 12 Years as a Content Creator" at Sunnyside Pavilion
Jim Cheney – Uncovering PA
6pm: Dinner at Sunnyside Pavilion
7pm: Vernal Pool Discovery Walk from Campground Entrance
Elizabeth Kepley-McNutt, Environmental Education Specialist
Learn about the ecology of a vernal pool before walking a short distance to one. Once we get there, we will explore and discover the different types of critters that call these forest ponds home. The program will last about an hour.
Saturday, April 26
8am: Coffee & breakfast at Sunnyside Pavilion
9:00am: Hike to Boulder Point from Sunnyside Pavilion
Leaving from the Sunnyside Pavilion, we’ll take the Lakeside Trail/Fern Trail/Midland Trail/Alpine Trail to Boulder Point. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. The hike offers beautiful lakeside views. Approximately 60 to 75 minutes for roundtrip.
11am: Free time!
Noon: Lunch at Sunnyside Pavilion
12:30pm: Explore York presentation at Sunnyside Pavilion
Andrea Ryan – Destination Marketing Manager with Explore York
1pm: Content Creation – Go make some content!
3pm: “Fly Fishing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Casting and Technique” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Derek Eberly, Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation
4pm: Special guest presenter at Sunnyside Pavilion
5pm: "Creating Without Crashing: Avoiding Burnout in the Content Game" at Sunnyside Pavilion
Bill Maksim – Maksim Outdoors
5:30pm: “Trailside First Aid: Treating Ankle Injuries While Hiking” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Brett Friedman – Adventure Otaku
6pm: Dinner and smores at Sunnyside Pavilion
7pm: “Fueling Creativity: Support Programs for Creative Entrepreneurs” at Sunnyside Pavilion
Nathan Reigner - Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation
Sarah Merritt - Director of Pennsylvania Creative Communities & the Creative Economy at Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Sunday, April 27
9am: Cabin and camp breakdown and cleanup
10am: Lakeside Trail (OPTIONAL)
8.5 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow/red/blue blazes
The longest and most scenic trail in the park, Lakeside Trail may be accessed from all major use areas of the park. Walking time is five to six hours. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. Many hikers combine portions of this trail with other trails like Alpine, Gravel, Oak, and Quaker Race to make shorter loops. Approximate time to complete the entire trail is 4 to 6 hours.
