Tales Around the Fire: Storytelling in Middle-earth and Beyond
Signum University invites you to join us from 14-16 November for Ranger Moot 2025. This unique, outdoor, hybrid event will take place at Camp Friedlander in Loveland, OH. For our return to camp, we ask that you bring your love of Tolkien and the Great Outdoors and share our campfire as we talk about “Tales Around the Fire: Storytelling in Middle-earth and Beyond”.
Imagine the flicker of campfire shadows on ancient trees, the hush of a gathering leaning close to hear a tale spun from memory and myth. Our Ranger Moot theme invites you to explore the very heart of Tolkien’s legendarium through the transformative power of the story itself. Delve into the oral traditions of Middle-earth, from Bilbo’s unexpected party speech to Elvish lays in the Last Homely House; from the crafting of chronicles like the Red Book of Westmarch to Aragorn’s campfire tale on the outcrop of Weathertop. Tales like these reinforce the role of myths, songs, and fireside yarns in shaping cultures and kindling hope against shadow.
How do stories preserve history, forge identity, offer solace, or wield power? Beyond Middle-earth, how do Tolkien’s narrative techniques echo real-world folklore, inspire modern fantasy, or adapt across media? We especially encourage proposals examining storytelling as an act through its performative nature, its listeners, and its settings while also welcoming insights into Tolkien’s sources or his legacy in contemporary narrative.
Complementing the academic exploration, creative writing workshops will offer hands-on opportunities to kindle your own sparks of mythopoeic fire. Pull up a log and join us by the fire to dissect, celebrate, and continue the age-old tradition of the tale. Bring your voice, your scholarship, your sleeping bag, and your imagination.
Register Here for Ranger Moot!
Submit Your Presentation Proposal Here!
The Ranger Moot Team is accepting proposals for creative presentations, academic papers, workshops, or discussion panels on our theme. We invite presentations in person at the event and from remote attendees. Our Call for Proposals closes on October 10.
Please note that our themes helps tie the day together and optimize fun, and we welcome anyone to respond to the Call for Proposals. Our moots are supportive environments for practicing or developing your presentation skills regardless of your experience.
Price Breakdown:
- $150.00 USD for Adult In-Person Attendance – 13 years old and up
- $40.00 USD for Youth In-Person Attendance – under 13 years old (*NOTE – children under two years old are free)
- $25.00 USD for Remote Attendance
Please note we are not offering one-day passes. Your ticket gives you access to all three days of Ranger Moot.
Lodging is available at Camp Friedlander through camp cabins or camping tent sites. Camp cabins sleep up to four people and cost $30 USD for your entire Ranger Moot stay. Camping tent sites cost $20 USD for your full stay. After registering, a lodging link will be emailed to you, allowing you to sign up for the lodging of your choice.
Your In-Person Ranger Moot ticket gives you access to the following:
- Re-enactments of famous scenes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works
- Complimentary archery lessons
- Complimentary tomahawk throwing lessons
- Complimentary meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Access to small firepits and large bonfires for lively evening discussions
- And some fun, exciting surprises all along the way!
While we will do everything we can to integrate our remote attendees into the camp activities, please note that some activities will be taking place at the camp that remote attendees will logistically be unable to participate in. There are also places on the campsite where Wi-Fi does not exist and an in-person activity or presentation may be inaccessible to remote attendees. We will mark those activities on the published schedule so remote attendees will be made aware ahead of time.
This event is both indoors and outdoors – please be prepared to be outside in the elements, away from Wi-Fi, and know that events may be separated by a distance that will need to be covered with your own two feet. All buildings are wheelchair accessible, and handicapped parking is available but limited. If you have never camped outdoors or in cabins before, here is a link to a recommended packing list. In past years, the weather on this particular weekend hovers around 53F (11.6C); however, please note that, in some recent years the weather has gotten as high as 70F (21C) at peak day and as low as 32F (0C) overnight. Plan accordingly!
As cabins sleep up to four people, the link to the lodging website will allow you to request cabin roommates, and we will do our best to honor all requests. However, should we have a large attendance you may find yourself with cabin roommates you have never met before. The following attendee types will be grouped together in cabins:
Males over 18
Males under 18
Females over 18
Females under 18
Family members are exempt from this; parents and guardians may lodge with their children if they choose. Married couples may also request a cabin just for themselves. Please mark any and all of these requests in the Roommates section of the lodging site. Camp Friedlander is also a welcoming and inclusive camp for the LGBTQ+ community. If you need special considerations for a cabin, we will work directly with you to make your Ranger Moot as comfortable as possible. Please contact [email protected]g if you need any special considerations. Again, we will do our best to honor all requests.
Should you not wish to stay onsite there are two close hotels you may choose to stay in:
Hilton Garden Inn Cincinnati Northeast – 6288 Tri Ridge Blvd, Loveland, OH 45140
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Northeast – Milford – 301 Old Bank Rd, Milford, OH 45150
You will be responsible for transportation to and from your hotel and campsite.
