Midwest Preparedness Project
The reason is you — inspiring and empowering families through faith, community, and practical preparedness.
Born From the Survivalist Boards Campouts
What began in 2013 as just a few families and single individuals camping out has grown into the premier Homesteading, Preparedness, and Self-Reliance event in the Midwest. The question that started it all was simple: how cool would it be to gather dozens, maybe hundreds, of like-minded people together in one place?
Those early gatherings grew out of the Survivalist Boards, an online community forum for preppers, homesteaders, and self-reliant families. The campouts were informal at first — a handful of members meeting up to share skills, swap stories, and enjoy the outdoors together. From that organic foundation, the Midwest Preparedness Project was born.
The Project adopted a Noah's Ark-inspired logo and wove the core pillars of Faith, Family, Fellowship and True Community Building into every event. Over time those small campouts became full festivals drawing hundreds of families from across the Midwest and beyond.
Today, the Midwest Preparedness Project stands as a beacon for families seeking to grow together, equipping individuals with practical skills, deep relationships, and a mission-driven community that lasts well beyond any single event.
A Note on Faith
While our organization is grounded in faith-based values, faith is not a requirement to participate. We welcome individuals and families from all walks of life, all belief systems, and all backgrounds. If you believe in community, preparedness, and helping your neighbor, you belong here.
Strengthen. Build. Inspire.
To strengthen families, build resilient communities, and inspire a culture of preparedness rooted in faith, stewardship, personal responsibility, and service to others.
Community Over Fear.
We believe that the strongest defense against uncertainty is not fear, but community. We envision a future where neighbors truly know one another, families are equipped and confident in the face of adversity, and local communities stand united through shared values, practical skills, and mutual support.
A future where preparedness is guided by wisdom rather than anxiety, strengthened by fellowship rather than isolation, and driven by service rather than self-interest — leaving behind a lasting legacy of hope, readiness, and unity for generations to come.
Our Core Values
Preparedness
Equipping families with practical skills and knowledge to face any adversity with confidence.
Community
Building strong Mutual Assistance Groups where neighbors truly know and rely on each other.
Education
Providing hands-on training, workshops, and resources rooted in wisdom, not anxiety.
Faith & Fellowship
Grounding everything we do in faith, stewardship, and service to others.
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The Midwest Preparedness Project Festival Team is a tight-knit group of leaders, volunteers, instructors, and families who believe preparedness is about people first. We're builders, problem-solvers, and servant-leaders who show up early, stay late, and do the work because we believe it matters. Our culture is grounded in integrity, accountability, and mutual respect — no egos, no spectators, just a shared mission.
Leadership Team
Bobby Spagnuolo
Vice-President – Master of Ceremonies
Toddy Morey
Event & A/V Coordinator
Meet the Team
Kevin McMillen
Chief of Security
Kyle Benoit
Marketing Director
Kristi McMillen
Youth Event Coordinator
Mikel Stous
Communications Director
Matt Hammes
Grounds Coordinator & Talent Liaison
Jonathon Lyons
Logistics & Supply Coordinator
Sales & Customer Service Team
Tara, Jenny, Jamie & Crew — the friendly faces welcoming you at the gate.
