Fall Favorites: YC Crew Enjoys Campfire Cooking, Cycling and Geocache

Fall is a wonderful season to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Cleveland Metroparks, and the weather is still not too cold! Earlier this season, YC participants and volunteers have had exciting chances to build camping skills, and try out fun recipes during Campfire Cooking at the Emerald Necklace Marina, and explore Cascade Park through Geocache & Cycling adventures.

During Campfire Cooking’s first week, participants and volunteers crafted DIY fire starters using everyday items, made “build-a-fire” snacks and capped the day with a lively game of flashlight tag. In the second week, they created festive fall mini pizzas shaped like pumpkins and leaves using cookie cutters and tried out “snakes on a stick” — pastry dough wrapped around roasting sticks, topped with spray butter and cinnamon sugar. Week three brought “walking tacos,” featuring Doritos, ground beef, queso, and hand-chopped veggies. One group prepared the ingredients while the other used their fire starters to make a fire. They even created dessert-style “walking tacos” with animal crackers, chocolate chips, and roasted mini marshmallows, with extra mix-ins for a custom treat.

During Geocache & Cycling, participants and volunteers divided into two groups. One group explored the scenic Cascade Park on handcycles, while the other embarked on a geocaching adventure. In the first week, the group followed a hiking mission designed by a YC staff member with fun prompts at each stop, like “Head under the bridge and act like a troll. Don’t stop now, you’re on a roll!” and “Keep following the path to the field of Christmas trees and sing ‘Jingle Bells’ for a festive challenge!” In week two, participants created their own hiking missions, inventing unique clues and tasks for other groups to discover and complete.

All in all, everyone enjoyed a fantastic chance to get outside and celebrate the best of the autumn season!