J.C. Messer, Messer Custom Leather

J.C. is an expert leather craftsman and veteran woodsman. A longtime friend of Central Ohio Outdoors & More, you can almost always find him at one of our events offering a helping hand, leading workshops, vending, or prepping a giant pan of “Midnight Bacon” for anyone who want’s a piece! He grew up in the Rendezvous circuit (Pre-1840 living history) and he will be joining us from Indiana to share his skills and knowledge!

J.C. will be teaching you all about how to find and process fatwood for all of your wilderness needs!

Kyle Egolf, Kyle Goes Wild!

Kyle "Goes Wild" Egolf is a writer, bushcraft instructor, and forest school teacher with a passion for helping people reconnect with nature. Through storytelling, wilderness skills, and outdoor education, he inspires children and adults alike to build confidence, self-reliance, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Kyle is the author of Between Fire and Ink and spends his time teaching, creating, and exploring the wild places that continue to shape his work.

Kyle will be teaching Knife Safety with the 10 Rules For Keeping Your 10 Fingers. Students will learn each rule of safety of using a knife for not just use in the woods but rules to live by forever. This class is for everyone, kids and adults. Adults can always use a refresher or learn something new.

Jennifer Johnson, Stag Path

My name is Jen, Founder of StagPath! I live on a 10-acre retired horse ranch in Central Ohio where my partner and I continue to develop a food forest primarily featuring species native to our ecoregion. I help others connect to their natural surroundings through immersive educational experiences and ecological consulting. As a naturalist, artist, and guide with over a decade of independent study in ecology and ancestral skills, I love sharing what I learn with a personal touch.

Jen will be joining us for Kid’s Day to lead Ohio Under the Looking Glass, a wonderful opportunity to slow down and take a closer look at all of the little things that go on un noticed to make Ohio, and the natural world, a truly magical place!

Daniel Harding, Bully Pully Bushcraft

Daniel is an outdoors enthusiast who hails from the east/central side of Ohio. His background is steeped in working with youth of all ages through the Boy Scouts and through various faith-based organizations and his church. Currently he works with troubled youth to give them guidance and, hopefully, a new trajectory in life.

Daniel will be leading workshops about preparing and packing the best gear choices for your next adventure!

Scott Thompson

Scott is a veteran backpacker and outdoorsman from central Ohio with a passion for sharing Backpacking with anyone who’s interested. He believes it’s the best way to get out and experience nature and loves helping people learn to more efficiently plan, pack and prepare for their own trek into the backcountry.

Scott will be teaching Introduction to Map & Compass for the 2026 Kid’s Day because the batteries on a map never die and your compass won’t lose reception!

Bonus Fun Fact! Scott is Caleb’s Dad and the primary reason that Caleb got into the outdoors!

Caleb Thompson, Central Ohio Outdoors

Caleb has been teaching wilderness and survival skills to youth for over ten years. He currently owns/operates Central Ohio Outdoors and is passionate about sharing his love of the outdoors with the curious.

Come hang out with Caleb and make your own Ice Man Knife inspired by the knife found with the ice mummy Otzi the Ice Man!