Charles Chambers, known as Thephatcat, is a seasoned camper who finds solace in the great outdoors. From Ohio’s forests to Florida’s coasts and Texas’s landscapes, his camping adventures are a vital part of his mindfulness and recovery journey. Equipped with a trusty Jeep and a passion for exploration, Charles embraces the unpredictability of nature, finding rejuvenation and joy in every camping trip. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the beauty of living in the present.

Joe began working with the Cleveland Metroparks the summer of 2022. In his free time, he loves archery, kayaking, hiking, camping, cooking, martial arts, and botanizing. He grew up hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and kayaking all around Lake Erie! His love of nature and biology inspired him to earn a B.S in Environmental Biology from Cleveland State University in 2018. Joe focuses on plant ecology, environmental sustainability, outdoor education, and community engagement to reconnect people in the city to their impact on the world. At Youth Outdoors, Joe is happy to share his knowledge and passion for mother earth with youth.

For over fifty years, Jefferson has been engaged in outdoor and wilderness programming and expeditions. Trained as a Wilderness First Responder and in Wilderness First Aid by the National Outdoor Leadership School and Wilderness Medical Associates, Mr. Jones is keen on prevention and response best-practices to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests. Whether managing a high-ropes course, facilitating a SCUBA intro experiences, or conducting nighttime land navigation courses, Jefferson (a former Army Ranger and camp director) is keen on health/safety, applicability to life, and maximizing the social emotional impact on our guests.