“I like the idea of camping but get overwhelmed by planning gear, food, logistics...”

"I'd like to go camping. But it kinda scares me."

“I don't have an REI-sized wallet.”

"I'm ready to get out of the city."

"I'd like more nature in my life, to be more 'outdoorsy'."

“I want to explore more but would like others to explore with.”

“I'm IN! for a trip if someone brought the gear, food, ride, and knowledge.”

 

 I Can’t: Camp is part of Mac & Cheese Productions' I Can't series, where adults state they're unable to do something, they try it with a bunch of other adults who also "can't," and everyone proves themselves wrong and not only does the thing, but enjoys it and says, "That wasn't so bad. In fact, kinda fun. Good for me! What's next?!" Topics and structure are varied but the "be yourself amongst others being themselves, witness the magic that happens when you try with others trying" vibe is pervasive. Past I Can'ts have included yoga, improv, find love, draw, have a dog, adult my money, organize my home, ask for money, put on makeup, and buy a home. See Upcoming I Can'ts here.

 

 Aaron grew up in the Northwest ‘burbs of Chicago. After nearly failing out of high school, he graduated and shipped off to the Marines, serving around the world including an Iraq deployment. Upon his return, the transition back to the “civilian world” had challenges and Aaron dealt with an identity crisis that would last through college and into his corporate career. Five years later, things began to boil over. Panic attacks at work, a lack of outdoor exposure, and a VA hospital that really likes prescribing pills made life too much. He'd retreat to the forest to decompress, connect, and be himself. Aaron eventually figured out that being immersed outdoors brought him back to a feeling of Self — that he could be Aaron and not Corporal Wolf, and that he was indeed his happiest, most creative, best version of himself when outside. If only he could make a career out of helping others find the same joy and benefits; turns out, he could. Aaron quit his job, wrote a business plan, secured financing, and now leads backcountry experiences as a professional, licensed outfitter/guide via his company Adventures Accessed.

 

 

For three days and two nights, we’ll backpack along the scenic river of Michigan's Manistee National Forest. Take in the fall colors by hiking along the winding banks of the river during the day and share favorite ghost stories at night around the campfire. Expect to hike in 3-5 miles on Friday afternoon and then set up basecamp for the weekend. We'll spend Saturday exploring the banks of the river, checking out the best views and all the hidden sites the forest has to share.

I CAN'T CURATOR

Saya Hillman is an Evanston, Illinois native, Boston College graduate, and Chicago resident. Since 2004, when she was fired, she’s been blissfully self-employed. Her lifestyle business, Mac & Cheese Productions℠, creates and curates experiences that encourage individuals and groups to embrace a Life of Yes℠ — positivity, self-efficacy, playfulness, & community. Mac & Cheese supports individuals in finding fulfillment and groups in creating a positive culture. Think adult summer camp. Saya was one of Brazen Careerist’s Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch, has been featured in Forbes, SELF, and the New York Times, and is a TEDx speaker. She’s married to someone she met at one of her own events and they pulled off an almost 100% bartered wedding, as featured in the Chicago Tribune and Huffington Post. She's built a life out of embracing fear and  suckage, and loves nothing more than getting others to follow suit.

Mac & Cheese Productions℠

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