4-H Leader Kristin S. and CCE of Chenango Natural Resource Educator Erica Clark enjoyed teaching 4-H Youth how to read trail markers at turns during their outdoor adventure in Perkins Pond State Forest. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — Recently, the Chenango County 4-H Youth ventured out with the Bullthistle Hiking Club. They traveled to Perkins Pond State Forest trails and enjoyed the snowy trails and surroundings.

“Each year we offer a hike over the winter break and this year we teamed up with the Bullthistle Hiking Club, which we also did a few years ago at Ludlow Creek State Forest,” said Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County 4-H Educator Erica Clark.

“We ended up with five youth, a few had to back out due to sickness,” said Clark. “We also had three Bullthistle members and myself.”

Clark said during the two hour hike the youth made snow angels, took photos and enjoyed the beauty and silence of the crisp air and snowy trees.

“The whole adventure was fun and beautiful,” she said. “It was really nice to have snow on the ground and many animal tracks to observe.”

She said the participants enjoyed the lean-to the most and upon the arrival they signed the logbook and ate homemade gingerbread cookies and drank apple cider.