Park Ridge families enjoy vibe and s'mores of summer camp without going far from home
'S'mores Stories, Songs and Strolls' is a monthly summer activity for little ones and their families and the longtime evening outing is a local favorite. This month's event was held Saturday at the Wildwood Nature Center.
'I think just the fact that it's a nice evening thing for families to do, and who doesn't like to eat some sweet treats and sing some songs,' said Cara Ruffo, the nature program coordinator.
The activity lineup was simple.
'We sing songs, tell stories and make s'mores and go on a stroll,' she said.
The setting was bucolic.
Surrounded by oak trees, families sat around a small firepit as the sun set. A breeze blew through a nearby prairie meadow, bursting with native grasses and flowers and, for the first hour, Ruffo regaled toddlers with tales of stingrays, dolphins and the adventures of assorted marine wildlife, all between popular kids' songs. Woodsmoke filled the air.
For families, it's the perfect summer tradition.
'I like to be outdoors as much as possible,' said Lesley Cohen who, with her husband and son, attended their second S'mores Stories, Songs and Strolls this year.
'It's been one of our longest running programs,' said Ruffo, who's been running the S'mores event since she took over a decade ago, though the program predates her. 'We usually do it every month during the summer with one in spring and two in fall as well.'
'It's a good way to get the camping experience for a little one,' said Janette Spenny-Taylor, who participated Saturday with her husband and daughter.
The event is usually weather-permitting. This summer, one campfire event was canceled due to a dust storm. But, when the weather is right, the fire's crackling and the songs are coming, the summer camp feelings set in.
'It's a favorite, and one of my personal favorites because I get to sing and I love to sing,' Ruffo said.
Participants sang an extended version of 'Old Mac Donald' and listened to a story about a stingray that saved the stars. With embers bright cherry red under low orange flames, Ruffo made what may have been the most popular call of the evening as she turned to the firepit.
'It's at a really good roasting temperature right now,' she said, as s'mores prep got started. 'I think it's roasting time.'
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