Snaptshot: Lower Providence Youth Create their own Spooky Treats

Local youth enjoyed the opportunity to decorate their cupcakes with spider webs, eyeballs, worms and corn at the Oct. 26 Lower Providence Parks and Recreation Cupcakes 101: Ghosts and Goblins event.

Of course, each of the decorations were made of either frosting or candy, but they seemed to enjoy themselves just the same.

“As a township, we like to offer programs so they can have a taste of different things,” Karen Hegedus, Lower Providence Recreation Superintendent, said.

According to Hegedus, the cupcake-decorating event is a first for the township.

The event was held at the Level Road School House, located at 198 Level Road in Collegeville, for youth ages 8-12, and was facilitated by BJ Amerine, proprietor of the Royersford-based confectionary business Confetti Mountain.

“It introduces them to a creative outlet,” Amerine said of the cupcake class. “And, there’s no computers."

Amerine is a 1990 graduate of Methacton High School, and also studied baking technology at the North Montco Technical Career Center. She worked in the Acme bakery in King of Prussia for 21 years before starting her own baking business, two years ago.

She also teaches youth and adult courses on baking, and said that youth ages 8-12 are the best age for them to start an interest in the hobby. Amerine explained that at those ages, youth have the coordination and focus to make some interesting creations.

During the Cupcake 101: Ghosts and Goblins event, Amerine showed the different cake/cupcake-decorating tools, as well as techniques, including how to mix certain food dyes in order to get desired frosting colors.

The youth participants each received six cupcakes to decorate, and were allowed to eat just one of their creations before going home.

“It’s something affordable, entertaining and educational at the same time,” Ariel Keefer, Audubon resident and mother of one of the youth participants, said.

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According to Hegedus, Lower Providence Township is always looking for new programs to offer residents, and is seeking people with special hobbies or professions to host them. The Parks and Recreation department is specifically looking for someone interested in teaching a digital photography program.

For more information, visit the Lower Providence Parks and Recreation website or contact the department at parks@lowerprovidence.org.

For more information about Confetti Montain, visit its Facebook Page or call 610-308-8842.