This time of year, everyone is thinking about fall activities. Camping and cooking over a fire is a great option for families because of its affordability and ease to plan. However, one barrier that may inhibit people from getting outdoors is a lack of knowledge on how to cook over an open flame, or possibly even how to start a fire in the first place.  The Garrard County Extension Office offered a program to educate on these topics. The goal was to educate participants on healthy outdoor recipes and cooking techniques, increase knowledge on proper food safety practices, and finally to teach them how to build a fire using numerous methods. 

13 adults participated in this program including two males. It was held at the Extension Office, and we did indoor and outdoor activities. This was a collaborative effort between all 3 program areas and agents in the office-the 4-H and Youth Development Agent, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent. Participants received a fire starting kit and received instruction from the 4-H agent first on technique and safety. They then moved outdoors where they had the opportunity to practice starting a fire using multiple starting agents. Then, the Ag Agent provided education on how to cook on a outdoor grill and a campfire and demonstrated how to make Campfire Sloppy Joes. The FCS Agent then instructed participants on how to assemble their own Campfire Veggie Skewers, and educated on proper food handling practices and food safety. Both recipes were NEP sources, and the participants got to have their meal. The night concluded with apple pies made in pie irons over the fire, and evaluations were completed. 

8 of the participants filled out the evaluations which yielded some great feedback on the program. 100% of respondents reported an increased knowledge of outdoor recipes and cooking techniques, 100%  of respondents reported an increased knowledge of safe food handling practices, and 88% of respondents reported an increased knowledge of of safe fire starting techniques. 

Some comments included: "Enjoyed this class. Hope you have more cooking classes as a group!", "Love the starting fire, cooking sloppy joes and veggie skewers. Awesome job! Thank you", "Good food. Loved the presentation.", "First event I've done at the Extension Office-so much fun. Thanks", "Great program. Love to see more like this."