What's a symposium

Who will be there

When

Where

Lodging

Breakout Sessions

Itinerary

Parking

What to Pack

Maps

Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPS), people curious about becoming a CPS, and people holding a MAADC I or II credential 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.

Who will attend the MO PEER Symposium?

When is the first PEER Symposium

Friday, June 5, 2026 (4 PM) — Sunday, June 7, 2026 (2 PM)

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

Where is it?

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.

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/

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Are you a CPS with something to say about our field? We're seeking proposals for breakout facilitators. Share your expertise.

Deadline: 3/31/2026

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.

Transportation and Parking

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.

Itinerary

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

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

Maps

Meramec State Park

115 Meramec Park Drive Sullivan, MO. 63080

Campsite

Group Tent Area A, B, and C

Check-in

Friday, June 5, 2026 (4 PM)

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

• Rainwear

• Socks

• Firewood

• 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

Get in touch