30 Years of Brotherhood, Growth & Community
Reconnect. Reflect. Continue the Journey.
Join us for a day of conversation, reflection, storytelling, and celebration as we honor the past, reconnect in the present, and continue building community for the future.
20 Spirit Sisters/Brothers committed — will you be there?
August 1, 2026 · Gorton Community Center · Lake Forest, IL
Why We're Gathering
Over the past 30 years, Path to Spirit-Warrior has been more than a program or organization. It has been a place where men and women formed friendships, challenged themselves, reflected deeply, and experienced meaningful connection and community.
This gathering is not simply about celebrating history. It is about reconnecting with one another, reflecting on where life has taken us, and exploring what kinship, growth, and community can continue to mean moving forward.
Through conversation, interactive sessions, shared meals, storytelling, and celebration, we hope to create an experience that feels personal, meaningful, and deeply connected.
What to Expect
This anniversary gathering has been intentionally designed around:
- meaningful conversation
- reflection and storytelling
- reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones
- afternoon interactive sessions & community dialogue
- honoring the past while continuing relationships into the future
Throughout the day, P2SW graduates, plus their family and friends, will have opportunities to:
- reconnect with other grads they haven't seen in years
- participate in small-group experiences and conversations
- reflect on personal growth and life experience
- engage with broader conversations about men's lives and community today
- celebrate and honor the people who helped shape the community
Special Guest Announcement
We're pleased to welcome Frederick Marx to the P2SW 30th Anniversary Celebration. Frederick is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker, co-creator of the acclaimed documentary Hoop Dreams, author, and longtime participant in the men's movement. For more than three decades, his work has explored themes of masculinity, mentorship, belonging, violence prevention, and what helps people live meaningful lives.
We are honored to have him join us.
A Conversation You Won't Hear Anywhere Else
During the Saturday evening program, Frederick will join P2SW founder David Lindgren for a conversation reflecting on men, community, purpose, and what the past 30 years may have to teach us about the challenges men face today.
This won't be a lecture or presentation.
It will be an honest conversation between two men who have spent decades exploring what helps men grow, connect, and live meaningful lives. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Event Snapshot
Gorton Center
400 E Illinois Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
August 1, 2026
Main Event: 12:00–5:00 PM
Dinner & Awards: 5:00–9:00 PM
Event Experience
The day is designed around participant-centered experiences that invite authentic conversation, listening, and connection rather than lectures.
Arrival & community welcome
Arrive, reconnect, and settle into the experience. The day begins with informal gathering time where attendees can reconnect naturally, meet others, and begin entering the spirit of the day before formal programming begins.
Afternoon interactive sessions & conversations
Designed around participant-centered experiences emphasizing reflection, listening, and authentic interaction. Participants will choose among four session options, one for each of two session periods. Sessions are designed to encourage meaningful conversation.
For session descriptions, visit the Sessions page.
Evening celebration & honoring
The evening is designed as a shared community experience centered around storytelling, gratitude, recognition, and celebration.
The evening will include:
- • dinner and reconnection
- • founder reflections
- • community conversations
- • recognition and honoring moments
- • shared reflection
- • community celebration
Recognition & Honoring
Throughout the evening, we will recognize individuals whose service, leadership, and contribution have helped shape and sustain the Path to Spirit-Warrior community over the years.
These honors are intended not simply to recognize accomplishment, but to acknowledge the relationships, commitment, care, and contributions that have impacted the lives of many across generations.
FAQ
Is this a traditional conference?
No. This gathering is designed around interaction, reflection, conversation, and community rather than lectures or passive participation.
Do I need prior experience with Path to Spirit-Warrior?
No. While the event celebrates 30 years of P2SW, all are welcome, especially family and friends.
Will there be opportunities to reconnect informally?
Yes. Time throughout the day has intentionally been designed for conversation, reconnection, and relationship-building.
What should I expect to leave with?
We hope attendees leave feeling connected, appreciated, reflective, energized, hopeful, and part of an ongoing community.
Closing Invitation
Whether you've been part of Path to Spirit-Warrior for decades or are reconnecting after many years away, we hope you'll join us for a meaningful day of reflection, conversation, celebration, and community.
This gathering is ultimately about more than looking backward. It's about reconnecting with one another — and considering what continues forward.
Additional Friday Evening Event
Details for an informal Friday evening mixer/social gathering for conversation and connection over dinner:
- Held at an area restaurant in a private room
- No cost to attend; dinner menu available for purchasing your own meal
- RSVP requested
Pricing
Tickets purchased after July 21 will be priced at the higher At-door level.
| Phase | Main Event | Main + Dinner & Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (June 16 – July 21)Current | $49 Save $10 vs at-door | $175 Save $20 vs at-door |
| At-door (July 22+) | $59 At-door | $195 At-door |
Not ready to purchase? Reserve combined “Main + Dinner & Awards” tickets with a $25 deposit — locks in your current price. Then complete your ticket purchase by Tuesday, July 21. Or RSVP and we'll follow up.
We want everyone to be able to attend. If you need financial support, a limited scholarship fund is available to help with ticket purchases. Simply send an email to communications@pathtospiritwarrior.com to inquire.