Reflections on Prepper Camp 2025
This past weekend at Prepper Camp 2025 was nothing short of incredible! Nestled in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, the Orchard Lake Campground provided the perfect backdrop for learning, connecting, and sharing preparedness skills. The largest preparedness expo in the United States. The grounds were pristine, well-maintained, and offered a peaceful, scenic retreat from the busyness of everyday life.
First, a heartfelt thank-you to Rick and Jane Austin, our gracious hosts, for creating such a vibrant and welcoming event. Their vision for Prepper Camp continues to bring together some of the most passionate, skilled, and kindhearted people in the preparedness community.
Fellow Speakers & Vendors
I was honored to be in the company of so many incredible experts and vendors who gave their time and energy to teach, inspire, and demonstrate. From EJ Snyder (Army veteran, survivalist, and TV personality from Naked & Afraid and Survivor) to James Walton (Owner of Prepper Broadcasting Network, Disaster Coffee, and Author), Dave Jones (Nuclear, Bioweapons, and Chemical Defense), Sara Hathaway (Author and Podcaster of The Changing Earth Series, who taught “Your Body is a Weapon” and “Avoiding Abduction”), Ronald “Pork Chop” Mangum (Ice Road Truckers star and Founding Member of Bushcraft Survival Preppers), James Davis (butchering classes), Jordan Smith (Host of Phoenix Survival on PBN; taught Utilizing Fiber for Homesteading and Survival), and Ryan Buford (Father & Son Prepping Podcast Host: Tactical Torture – The Next Generation Show).
I also want to recognize my fellow vendors—including many of the speakers mentioned above—as well as Patrick with Rivers Bend Outdoors and others who set up booths to share gear, services, and knowledge. The camaraderie among vendors was a highlight of the weekend.
Celebrating the Attendees
While the speakers and vendors were amazing, the real stars of Prepper Camp 2025 were the attendees. I met hundreds of people from across the country—including one guest all the way from Slovakia!—and each interaction reminded me why events like these are so special.
Every day I taught two packed classes: Canning FUNdamentals and Food Storage Feasting. Each session was filled with engaged, curious learners eager to take food preservation into their own hands. It was such a joy to answer questions, share tips, and see people’s excitement grow as they realized just how doable home canning and long-term food storage can be.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth, shared your stories, and especially to those who purchased my books to continue your home canning journey. My hope is that you’ve already cracked them open and are putting your new skills into practice this week!
Spotlight on SCRAM Natural Repellents
One of the unexpected highlights of the weekend was sharing about SCRAM Natural Pest Repellents—a product line I’ve personally used for almost 20 years. I had so much fun talking with attendees about their all-natural solutions and raffling off SCRAM products each evening at my booth. It was such a blast to see people excited to win something they could immediately put to use at home or on the homestead.
If you’d like to try SCRAM yourself, they’re offering a special discount through the end of October. Use code DIVA20 at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order. I’ll be making a separate post with more details soon, so keep an eye out!
Handouts & Resources
For those who didn’t receive a handout in person, I’ll be posting downloadable links soon so you can print or save them to your computer. These free resources are my way of extending the learning beyond the event—because preparedness should be practical and accessible.
A Final Word on Preparedness
If this weekend taught me anything, it’s that preparedness is about more than gear and checklists—it’s about community, knowledge, and confidence. Events like Prepper Camp 2025 remind us that we’re not alone on this journey, and that skill-sharing builds resilience for everyone.
If you’d like to continue learning with me, you can:
- Visit my website: CanningDiva.com
- Sign up for my newsletter to get tips, recipes, and updates
- Follow me on social media for new canning content, preparedness insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from events like this one
Thank you again to everyone who made Prepper Camp 2025 unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Happy Canning & Preserving!
xo
Diane, The Canning Diva®
People Often Ask
A: Prepper Camp is the largest hands-on preparedness expo in the United States. Held annually in the Appalachian Mountains, it brings together top instructors, authors, vendors, and attendees from across the country (and the world) to learn self-reliance and survival skills. Tickets typically go on sale in the spring, and details are posted at PrepperCamp.com. Early registration is recommended because tickets sell quickly.
A: SCRAM Natural Repellents are all-natural, non-toxic solutions for keeping pests and critters out of your home, garden, or homestead. I’ve used them for almost 20 years! You can shop their full line of products at EpicRepellents.com — and through October 2025 you can use code DIVA20 for 20% off your entire order. Plus, any order over $50 qualifies for free shipping.
A: Each day I taught two packed sessions — Canning FUNdamentals and Food Storage Feasting — designed to give attendees the skills and confidence to start home canning and build a well-stocked pantry. The art and craft of home canning – both water bathing and pressure canning – and all of the tidbits necessary to preserve food in jars. And, how to get creative with your food stores to ensure you are not only providing comfort in times of stress/disaster, but nutrition.
About the Author:
Diane Devereaux, The Canning Diva®, is an internationally recognized food preservation expert, author, and educator with over 30 years of home canning experience. She’s the author of multiple top-selling canning books and teaches workshops across the U.S. Learn more at TheCanningDiva.com.