The Gray Wolf Pups arrived at South Lake Padden Dog Park to find that a layer of Hoar Frost had blanketed the landscape. A few of the Explorers marveled at its crystalized form while others formed it into makeshift snowballs to throw at others. The boy’s fascination with the natural world is growing just like the bonds between the group members. With a season now under their belt these Explorers are learning our culture and what it means to belong to a community. Greg rounded up the boys for an opening activity on the field.
With everyone blindfolded, Greg explained the rules of Stick Stalk.Greg would run to a certain location on the field and hit two sticks together. The Explorers would then follow the sound of the sticks and navigate to Greg. This challenge seemed at first to be a daunting task for the boys, but Greg explained to them that humans often rely on their sense of sight above all else. He encouraged the group to rely on their hearing and sense of feeling in their feet to guide them. The Explorers did quite well with the challenge. Afterward, the mentors told them this would be the first of many stalks. Eventually the group will start blindfolded at the bottom of Sehome Arboretum and navigate to the top.
Leaving the field, the Explorers were anxious to get into the woods. In our opening meeting, the Mentors told the boys about an enchanted valley not far from the field. This valley has been a place of Exploration for many Explorer groups. After crossing a few trail junctions, the Explorers were met with a large hill that climbing steeply westward. While this proved to be quite a challenge for the group, they quickly learned that exerting themselves was the best way to stay warm on this cold fall day. Arriving at the junction to the enchanted valley, the group took a moment to admire the second growth valley laden with Douglas Fir. The Mentors took a moment to explain why this forest was different than the one at the 100 Aker Wood. The Explorers’ eyes followed the massive trunks as they rose to the top of the forest canopy. What a blessing it is to have such a magnificent landscape so close to home.
As we took in the scenery, one of the boys started to shiver and become overwhelmed by the cold. This was a great learning opportunity for the boys. First off, we were glad that he Let It Be Known. Keeping clear and open communication within the group is how we explore safely and understand how each group member is feeling physically and emotionally. Once someone states their needs, then the rest of the group can come together to help the individual. We searched the Explorer’s pack for more gear and found several items. The mentors then talked about a three part layering system that would help us stay warm in almost any conditions. This system involves the three W’s of clothing layering; wicking, warmth, and wind. The base layer is the wicking layer, which pulls moisture away from the body. The warmth layer is the secondary insulating layer that retains our body heat. The wind layer is the outer layer that repels the rain and wind. By employing the three W’s, we can explore any time of year and in any weather. Pulling our resources together, the group lent a pair of gloves and a hat to the Explorer in need. It is moments like this that reinforce to the Mentors that the landscape can teach lessons in a more effective manner that we ever could. The cold taught the boys how to share and recognize need within their community.
After playing a few rounds of Hide we were ready hike to the enchanted forest. The Mentors scouted and noticed a little deer trail running along the southern ridgeline of the valley and challenged the group to follow it. The boys quickly learned just how difficult it can be to follow deer trails. Hiking through waist high sword fern and climbing over downed logs, they slowly navigated the path. Since this was the first time hiking off trail with the Gray Wolf Pups, it was important to explain the importance of treading lightly. While hiking, we can choose the path that will have the least impact on the landscape, watching out for the wake that we leave. The better we are at leaving no trace, the better our stealth and camouflage skills for games like Spider’s Web.
After a lengthy trek along the ridgeline, the Explorers made a final push up the steep bank to the top of the ridge. Looking out over the valley, the group ate lunch and climbed inside hollowed out Western Red Cedar. While exploring the ridge, one of the boys unearthed a salamander and the group crowed around to admire it. Once full and rested, the group slid down the hill to the bottom of the valley to play a round of Spider’s Web. Looking back at our lunch spot, the group could see the impact they had on the hillside. This was a great representation of why we need to tread lightly.
Once the group set up Spider’s Web and nominated me as the spider we were ready to play. It is amazing to see the power of this game to teach the boys about navigating through the forest. The Explorers are really becoming comfortable with the landscape. I caught Explorers crawling in the mud underneath sword ferns and hiding in the cavities of downed logs like a little mammal. Eventually, using many aspects of the ridgeline, the flies bested me and were able to make it to the food source. Circling up at the bottom of the valley, I gave thanks for a game well played and took a moment to talk about what it meant to play a game with honor. I was bested fair and square. I did not see this moment as a failure, but instead as a learning opportunity and a chance to congratulate the group on a game well played. We hydrated and played two more rounds of the game before it was time to go. All in all, we played Spider’s Web for about an hour and a half straight. A few of the boys stepped up to the challenge of being the Spider and did an excellent job.
Circling up for our closing meeting of the season, the group reflected on all the places that we had been and experiences we had shared together. At the 100 Aker Wood we had gathered for the first time to learn about group culture and the Art of Camouflage. On our second outing at Whatcom Falls, we explored the sandstone cliffs and uncovered a Yellow Jacket’s nest, which provided a lesson in navigating hazards in the forest. At Sehome Arboretum, we gathered to serve the land and give back to our community. At South Lake Padden, we experienced the chill of winter and learned how to over come it through our navigation and play. What a pleasure it was to share an excellent season with the Gray Wolf Pups. Greg and I have watched the pups slowly come out of their shells and through this we have a better window into their powers and challenges. Unlike many other programs and schools, the Boys Explorers Club seeks to empower the boys by creating a group culture where they are intentionally given power and the ability to experiment with different roles within the group. Once they learn to harness this power with discernment and integrity, they will transform into the wise and just leaders like so many Explorers before them.
We closed our meeting with one of our most important practices, the Circle Of Thanks. The boys gave thanks for: the opportunity to explore Whatcom County’s wild places, the friendships that we are building amongst the group, the land and weather being our teachers, the animals and plants, family and of course for Spider’s Web. The mentors would like to thanks all the parents and Wild Whatcom staff for their support and trust in us throughout the season. We would also like to thank the Gray Wolf Pups forGrasping the Nettle and stepping outside their comfort zones on our outings. We are looking forward for the opportunity to learn and grow with them in the spring season.
Please check out more pictures from the outing at the photo gallery. We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Solstice Gathering on December 14th and at the winter outings we are offering for the first time ever!
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