THE GREATER KANKAKEE JAMBOREE
August 21-22, 206
Stoney Run County Park – Hebron, IN (30 minutes south of Chicago and Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan)
For the first time, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is bringing a large national event to your region, and it's a weekend you won't want to miss!
The Greater Kankakee Jamboree is a family-friendly celebration of public lands, conservation, and the outdoor traditions that bring us together. All main event activities take place on Saturday, featuring a full day of seminars, hands-on demonstrations, outdoor vendors, family activities, games, raffles, incredible food, and the crowd-favorite Wild Game Cook-Off Competition. Make a weekend of it by joining us Friday evening for a Welcome Party with a Wild Game Potluck, live music, and optional onsite camping.
Throughout the weekend, you'll also have the opportunity to hear from BHA CEO Ryan Callaghan and other respected voices in conservation. Whether you come for the learning opportunities, community, entertainment, or the food, there's something for everyone - including your four-legged friends!
SCHEDULE
Friday, August 21
6:00–9:00 PM | Welcome Party & Wild Game Potluck
Saturday, August 22
10:30 AM–7:00 PM | Show Open
11:00 AM–5:30 PM | Seminars & Panels
1:30–3:30 PM | Wild Game Cook-Off
5:30–7:00 PM | Outdoor Competitions
7:00 PM | Campfire Stories
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
WELCOME PARTY
AUG 21 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a Wild Game Potluck beginning at 6:00 PM. Bring a favorite dish to share, enjoy live music from Josh Rinkel of First Far West, meet fellow attendees, and settle in for a great weekend. Primitive camping is available for those who want to stay onsite.
SHOW OPEN
AUG 22 10:30 AM-7:00 PM
The Greater Kankakee Jamboree comes alive with a full day of activities for all ages. Explore the Outdoor Vendor Village featuring conservation organizations, public agencies, and outdoor brands; enjoy great food and beverages from local vendors; try your hand at family-friendly activities like archery, fly casting, and Backyard Bassin'; and browse thousands of dollars in raffle prizes and unique auction items donated by our local and national partners. Whether you're looking to learn something new, discover the latest outdoor gear, or simply spend the day exploring, there's something around every corner.
SPEAKER & PANELIST SCHEDULE
AUG 22 11:00 AM–5:30 PM
WILD GAME COOK OFF
AUG 22 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Think you have the winning recipe? Gather your team and put your camp cooking skills to the test! Teams will have one hour to create a culinary camp meal and present it to a panel of judges for a chance to win incredible prizes, including two Jetboil Genesis Cooking Systems (a $1,000 value), Gerber culinary gear, premium spices, and other great outdoor products.
Want in? Limited to 12 Teams.
Contact jeff@pressroomchicago.com
VENDORS
AUG 22 10:30 AM-7:00 PM
Explore the Outdoor Vendor Village featuring conservation organizations, public agencies, outdoor brands, educational exhibits, and local businesses from across the region. Current participants include the Indiana Wildlife Federation, Indiana Conservation Voters, Indiana DNR, Ohio DNR, NASP, Indiana TIP, Pheasants Forever, Gene Hopkins, Dogworx LLC, The Honest Omnivore, The Okayest Cook, Walton Rods, Shadow Hunter Blinds, and several BHA booths.
Come hungry! Food will be available from Trulley's Smoke Shack BBQ and Assaly's House of Garlic, with beverages provided by Progressive Dining Group.
More Coming Soon!
CAMPFIRE STORIES
AUG 22 7:00 PM
Stick around for Campfire Stories beginning at 7:00 PM and hear epic tales from the field about wild hunts, mishaps, and adventures on public lands from our badass lineup of storytellers.
ACCOMODATIONS
Primitive tent camping is available onsite on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of RV sites available for smaller campers. For camping questions, contact Jameson Hibbs at hibbs@backcountryhunters.org.
Additional lodging options include Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, Fair Oaks Campground, the local KOA, nearby Airbnb rentals, and area hotels.
Hotel Discount: Courtesy of South Shore Tourism, call Comfort Inn – Hebron at 219-690-1619 and mention The Greater Kankakee Jamboree to receive the event rate.
TICKET OPTIONS
Saturday Ticket — $20
Access to all Saturday activities.
Weekend Ticket — $35
Includes Friday Welcome Party, all Saturday activities, and Friday door prize entry.
Conservation Support Ticket — $100
Includes full event access, a special raffle ticket, two drink tickets, and primitive tent camping.
Youth (15 & Under) — FREE
Please indicate the number of youth attending when purchasing tickets.
On-site Tent Camping — $20 per tent
Covers one or two nights. Unlimited tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered campers will receive camping rules and information prior to the event.
On-site RV Camping — $25 per site
Limited to 12 parking-area sites for RVs and campers up to 30 feet. No utility hookups. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered campers will receive camping rules and information prior to the event.
SPONSORS
Sponsoring the Greater Kankakee Jamboree is an opportunity to connect your brand with a passionate community while directly supporting the conservation of our public lands and waters. Your partnership helps fund Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' work to protect access, advance stewardship, and inspire the next generation of outdoor advocates across the Midwest and beyond.
Want to become a sponsor?
Contact Aaron Hebeisen – hebeisen@backcountryhunters.org or Jameson Hibbs – hibbs@backcountryhunters.org
