The Prairie Summit 2026
Theme: The Spark – Inspired by Campfire Conversations
September 11–13, 2026
Registration:
4pm Friday for full weekend attendees.
8:30am Saturday for Saturday-only attendees.
Camp Wannakumbac on Clear Lake, 1 Wannakumbac Dr., Onanole, Manitoba
About the Summit:
Join housing co-op board members, managers, staff, committee members, and emerging leaders from across the Prairies for a weekend of learning, campfire conversations, and community-building in the beautiful lakeside setting of Camp Wannakumbac.
Through interactive workshops, outdoor activities, shared meals, and meaningful conversations, we'll strengthen our co-ops by strengthening our connections with one another.
Prairie Summit is intentionally designed to be relaxed, interactive, and participatory. Come ready to learn, laugh, share ideas, and make new connections.
Registration options
Register for the full weekend which runs Friday 4pm – Sunday 10am. Full weekend registration includes all programming, meals and accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights in a bunkhouse or your own tent. Other accommodation options cost extra - see details below.
Or register to attend Saturday only from 8:30am – 3:30pm. Saturday registration includes all programming, breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation options
Your full weekend registration includes on-site accommodation at Camp Wannakumbac for Friday and Saturday nights. During registration, you can choose the accommodation option that best suits your needs:
- Shared bunkhouse (included)
- Your own tent (included)
- Semi-private room (2–3 people, $40 per room, limited availability)
- Your own camper or RV with electrical hookup ($40 per site)
Accommodation options with additional fees or limited availability are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register early.
If you prefer to stay off-site, you are welcome to book accommodation at a nearby motel or hotel at your own expense.
Note: If you have accessibility needs or questions about the accommodation options, please contact Maria mvaiaso@chfcanada.coop who will be happy to discuss your needs and help you find an option that works best for you.
Good to Know: BYOB
- Bring your own bedding - all overnight camping guests should bring their own bedding.
- Bring your own beverages - alcohol is allowed but not provided. If you would like to enjoy a drink during the evening social activities, you are welcome to bring your own.
- Bring your own bites - all meals are provided throughout the weekend but feel free to bring your own snacks to enjoy or share with new friends.
- Bring your own beats – musical instruments are encouraged!
Schedule
Friday September 11
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4pm – onwards | Arrival & registration |
| 5:30pm - 7pm | Supper |
| 7pm – onwards | Various camp activities & games (optional) |
Saturday September 12
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30am to 9am | Breakfast and registration for Saturday-only attendees |
| 9am to 10am |
Interactive plenary: Telling your co-op story Experience a fun, collaborative session that uses storytelling to explore leadership, co-operation, and the future of our sector. |
| 10:30am to noon |
Workshop options: Brave Conversations OR
Building Strong Co-op Communities for the Future (select on the
day) Brave Conversations - explore practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, building trust, and strengthening relationships within your co-op. Building Strong Co-op Communities for the Future - discover how different co-operatives can work together to build resilient organizations and stronger communities for generations to come. |
| Noon to 1pm | Lunch |
| 1pm to 1:30pm | CHF Canada Update |
| 1:45pm to 3:30pm |
Workshop options: Great Co-op Challenge OR
Lessons from the Co-op Trenches (select on the day) The Great Co-op Challenge - take part in an interactive team challenge that explores co-op principles through creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Lessons from the Co-op Trenches - learn from real-world successes and setbacks from experienced co-op leaders who will share practical lessons you can apply in your own co-op. |
| 3:30pm to 5:30pm | Free time |
| 5:30pm to 7pm | Supper |
| 7pm – onwards | Various camp activities & games (optional) |
Sunday September 13
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30am to 9am | Breakfast |
| 9am to 10am | Wrap up |
| 10am to noon | 10am to noon |
Registration fees:
|
Registration type |
CHF Canada Members |
Non-members |
|
|
Early bird by August 31 |
Regular from September 1 |
||
|
FULL WEEKEND |
|||
|
First participant |
$225 |
$250 |
$625 |
|
Additional participant/s from the same co-op |
$165 |
$190 |
N/A |
|
Young member (35 & under) |
Free After the first paid registration from their co-op |
Free After the first paid registration from their co-op |
N/A |
|
SATURDAY ONLY |
|||
|
First participant |
$75 |
$100 |
$250 |
|
Additional participant/s |
$50 |
$75 |
N/A |
|
Young member (35 & under) |
Free After the first paid registration from their co-op |
Free After the first paid registration from their co-op |
N/A |
Travel – note there is no travel rebate. Registration fees have been reduced to help offset participants' travel costs.
Accommodation – an extra $40 charge will be added per upgraded semi-private room or RV site.
Questions:
Registration:
Coordinator, Education Program
education@chfcanada.coop
Event:
Maria Vaiaso,
Regional Manager, Prairies
mvaiaso@chfcanada.coop
Direct: 844-327-5947
