Who will attend the MO PEER Symposium?
Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPS) and people curious about becoming a CPS are welcome to join our camping symposium. Your fellow local peers will hold breakout groups for presentations and workshops throughout the day. Multiple mutual aid groups during the evening.
What is a symposium?
A formal gathering where experts discuss a specific topic or set of related topics.
Usually includes presentations, panels, or lectures
Focuses on sharing research, ideas, or best practices
Often used in academic, medical, professional, or scientific settings
Typically more structured than a workshop but less formal than a conference
When is the PEER Symposium?
Friday, June 5, 2026 (4 PM) — Sunday, June 7, 2026 (2 PM)
When is the first PEER Symposium?
Friday, June 5, 2026 (4 PM) — Sunday, June 7, 2026 (2 PM)
Meramec State Park
115 Meramec Park Drive
Sullivan, MO. 63080
Group Tent Area A, B, and C
Located approximately one hour southwest of St. Louis, Meramec State Park lies along the Meramec River and is surrounded by scenic limestone bluffs, wooded landscapes, and unique geological features. The park offers more than 13 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities to swim, fish, float, canoe, and kayak on the river. A modern campground, cabins, and a motel provide a range of lodging options, including free camping in designated group tent areas or the option to reserve individual accommodations. The park’s visitor center features exhibits that highlight the area’s natural history, cultural significance, and cave systems.
From St. Louis to Meramec State Park: I-44 West to exit #226, make a left off the exit, go three miles on Hwy 185 and the park entrance is on the right.
From Springfield, MO: I-44 East to exit #226, make a right off the exit, go three miles on Hwy 185 and the park entrance will be on the right.
Where is it?
What about lodging?
Your free registration includes free camping (lodging) at Group Tent Area A, B, or C
Bring your own tent, or request one on the registration form. Pack anything else you need to sleep comfortably.
You may choose to reserve your own campsite, RV space, cabin, or motel accommodations. When registering for the Symposium, please indicate whether you plan to stay in the designated group tent areas.
To reserve a personal campsite or RV space, visit:
https://icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/#!park/60
To book a cabin or motel room, visit:
https://www.meramecpark.com/
Itinerary
Where will the workshops and presentations take place?
Workshops and presentations will be held at the shelters, beach, woods, and cave. Shuttles will be available to transport attendees to and from breakout sessions.
The full itinerary will be released closer to the symposium.
About the sessions
Sessions are designed to highlight and empower unsung peers by providing a platform to share their expertise through presentations and workshops. The focus is on skill-building and practical knowledge, rather than featuring paid or high-profile speakers.
Session Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sneak Peek: Workshop & Presentation Topics
Advocacy
Engaging Hospitals
Thriving in Extended Care Facilities
Age of Adulterants / Trends
Group Etiquette for Peer Supports: Staying Neutral
Toolkit Refresher
Peers in Recovery Housing
Peers in Treatment Court
Peer “SPECIALIST”
Art & Recovery
Client Outings
Workplace Boundaries / Personal Story Limits
Reducing Risk: Mental Health Support Strategies
Share your expertise! We’re accepting proposals to present a topic or facilitate a group until March 15, 2026.
Mutual Aid Hours (open groups for any attendee): 7pm-9pm
Mutual Aid Groups will include: Dharma Recovery, AA, NA, CR, SMART, Refuge, Al-Anon, ACA, HA, CA, GA, HRW
What if it rains?
We will offer ponchos
Transportation
Please attempt to carpool. There will be limited parking. We'll work out additional parking once the lots are full.
Please note on your registration or submit a transportation assistance request through the link below if you would like transportation assistance to or from The Symposium.
What to Pack
Food
Bring what you can and share if you’re able! Some meals will be provided for everyone, and we will have a good supply of camp-style food available.
Drinks
Water and soft drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring more. This is a non-alcoholic event.
Camping Supplies
You know yourself best. Bring what will help you sleep outside comfortably. Such as:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Blankets
Sleeping pads
Camping pillows
Misc. (optional)
Hammock
Camp rug
Extra power cords
Swim suit
Water sandals
Towels
Sunscreen
Baby wipes
Toiletries
Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)
Camp chairs
Socks
Rainwear
Camp grill and fuel
Mugs
Eating utensils
Plates
Cooler
Marshmallows
Roasting forks
Large water jugs
Notebook and pencil/pen
Games
Dry bags (stuff sacks)
Changes of clothes
Where is it?
Logistics
What is a symposium?
A formal gathering where experts discuss a specific topic or set of related topics.
Usually includes presentations, panels, or lectures
Focuses on sharing research, ideas, or best practices
Often used in academic, medical, professional, or scientific settings
Typically more structured than a workshop but less formal than a conference
Who will attend the MO PEER Symposium?
Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPS) and people curious about becoming a CPS are welcome to join our camping symposium. Your fellow local peers will hold breakout groups for presentations and workshops throughout the day. Multiple mutual aid groups during the evening.
The camping setting made learning feel natural and deeply connected to our recovery journey.
J. Lee
★★★★★
FAQs
Who can attend?
Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPS) and people curious about becoming a CPS are welcome to join our camping symposium.
Where is it held?
We gather at Meramec State Park, a scenic outdoor campground in Missouri to encourage natural connection.
What should I bring?
Bring camping gear, weather-appropriate clothing, your own food, and an open, ready to learn, mind. When registering, please note if you do not have access to camping gear or food to bring and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
How much is registation?
FREE!
Are meals provided?
Some camping style meals will be provided.
How do I register for the symposium?
Register through our website by filling out the form below.
What will presentations look like?
Your fellow local peers will hold breakout groups for presentations and workshops throughout the day. Multiple mutual aid groups during the evening.
What if it rains?
We will offer ponchos.
Location
Our symposium takes place in serene campgrounds designed to nurture connection and growth.
Site
Mark Twain National Forest
Hours
8am - 8pm
Site
Roaring River State Park
Hours
9am - 7pm
Weekend Access
Site
Hawn State Park