43
Creative camping
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University students got to learn nontraditional ways to have a traditional camping experience at a seven-station event at YSU’s Adventure Rec Resource Center this week.
Collin Pope, student supervisor, walked attendees through various “Outdoor Hacks” Adventure Rec employees put together for an afternoon expo.
The stations showed students how to make a fishing pole out of common, easy-to-grab items; establish a hand-washing station with dish soap and water dispenser; make S’mores with fudge-striped cookies and marshmallows rather than graham crackers; create an easy fire starter with a toilet-paper roll and dryer lint; establish a light source with glow sticks and a glass jar; condense a first-aid kit into a mint container; and craft a speaker system with plastic cups and a paper-towel tube.
“This was such a cool way to introduce students to a different way to become involved with the Adventure Rec,” Pope said.
Events such as Outdoor Hacks are part of a campus effort to revitalize Adventure Rec.
The Adventure Rec is a campus location dedicated to helping students plan an outdoor adventure, including camping, climbing, whitewater rafting and more.
Fellow student supervisor Mazie Smith said she loves being a part of the Adventure Rec because of her fondness for the outdoors.
“It’s nice to be able to share my love for outdoor stuff with others,” she said.
Pope mirrored Smith’s sentiment.
“I love being able to do this for people – especially people who haven’t had the opportunity to really enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “I find that it really breeds camaraderie and fellowship.”
R.J. Markowitz, Adventure Rec coordinator, said he couldn’t agree more.
“We are bringing people into this centralized location and bringing them together,” he said.
For information about the Adventure Rec Center, contact Markowitz at 330-941-1964, stop in the Kilcawley Center Annex or visit cms.ysu.edu/administrative-offices/campus-recreation-and-wellness/adventure-rec.