Stories & S'mores

Description: Join Ranger Jonah for an evening of stories and s'mores around a campfire. Bring the whole family, chairs or a blanket, and maybe even a picnic dinner.

What to expect: Though you can arrive at anytime, here is the general timeframe for the event:

• It is a 10-15 min walk from the parking lot to the campfire area, so take that into account when planning your evening.
• 5 :00 - Ranger Jonah starts the fire
• 5 :15 - Storytelling
• 5 :40 - S'mores
• 6 :15 - Storytelling
• 6 :30 - More s'mores & relaxation time
• 7 :00 - End of program

Program leader: Your guide & storyteller will be Ranger Jonah McDonald, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park.

Where to meet: Park at the South Peachtree Creek trailhead near the Mason Mill Tennis Center (McConnell Dr & Mason Mill Rd). From there, it's a 1/2-mile walk to the campfire location. Start at the South Peachtree Creek trailhead at Mason Mill and follow the signs along the paved trail, over the railroad bridge, to the campfire near the Old Decatur Waterworks.

What to bring: We recommend bringing camp chairs or a picnic blanket, as seating is limited. You might also consider bringing a picnic dinner. Wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle, a flashlight or headlamp, and hiking sticks if you need them.

Restrooms: There are no facilities at the campfire site. Public restrooms near the playground are closed for the winter. Bathrooms are available at DeKalb Tennis Center when the Pro Shop is open (top of the purple pyramid).

Recommended ages: This program is designed for families and children, but all ages are welcome.

Dogs: Leashed dogs that are comfortable around large groups of people are welcome.

Weather contingency: This program will be canceled if it is raining.

Walking distance: 1/2 mile

Exposure: This walk is mostly under tree canopy, but a few sections are exposed to sun.

Trail surface & accessibility: This program stays on durable surfaces (concrete & boardwalk) until the very end where there is a set of uneven stone stairs required to get to the campfire location. On the durable trails, there are a few places where the grade is slightly above 5%. Trail width is greater than 10 feet and curb cuts provide appropriate transitions between surfaces. Consider bringing hiking poles if your balance requires them. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Jonah: [email protected]

Waiver & Release: By registering for this activity, each participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she is participating in this program at his/her own risk and holds DeKalb County and all its officers, agents, servants, and/or employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, charge, or expense to which they or any of them may be put or subjected by reason of participant’s participation in this program. You further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the acts of others participating in this program and the other participants may include, but not be limited to, interested individuals, members of civic groups, religious groups, or community group, and/or persons convicted of crimes and/or violations of County ordinances and ordered to provide community service. I give permission that all photographs, films, video recordings, and sound recordings of me and/or my child(ren) made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs during this Naturalist program may be used non- commercially by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to promotion and educational purposes. I understand and acknowledge that neither my child(ren) nor I will receive any compensation whatsoever for appearing in any photograph, film, video recording, or sound recording made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.

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Host or Publisher Ranger Jonah McDonald