The Gray Wolf Pups Calibrate Their Internal Compasses in the Chuckanuts

The Gray Wolf Pups climbed up Cleator Road on a misty Sunday morning to meet up for the Chuckanut Ridge Traverse. With the hazy weather all about, it set the scene for a perfect metaphor regarding our skills focus of the spring season: The Art of Navigation. Joining us today was a former Boys Explorers Club participant and current Four Shields group member who was taking advantage of his opportunity to join BEC outings as an Explorers Mentor Apprentice (or EMA). As the Gray Wolf Pups continue to grow over the next few years as a group, and as individuals, they too will one day be provided the opportunity to be EMAs and volunteer their own time to help guide younger groups as an assistant mentor. Not only was it nice to have a veteran Explorer with us who already has some navigation skills of his own, but it was quickly discovered that the EMA was an alum of Kulshan where a handful of Gray Wolf Pups go now! This quickly formed a bond and we all became fast friends.

Every journey must begin somewhere!

With everyone present, we had our regular opening circle, discussed our plans for the day and handed out jobs. Hiking along Chuckanut Ridge, we would follow the ridgeline north before dropping down onto Lost Lake Trail which would take us further north into Arroyo Park and eventually to North Chuckanut Trailhead where we would rendezvous with parents for pick up. The Gray Wolf Pups were notified that they would be responsible for getting the group there and making all the primary decisions regarding which trails we took at each junction. Starting things off we cruised up the Lower Ridge Trail to a view point where we paused to look out across at Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. The water would be our first natural landmark we encountered to help us gain our bearings and develop our internal compasses. Once atop Chuckanut Ridge we had to decide to go left or right. Now being able to look out towards snowy foothills, we had our next landmark. In addition to the bay and the snowy foothills, the sun decided to poke its head out of the clouds and offer yet another indicator to tune our internal compasses. Gauging the orientation of the water, snowy foothills, and position of the sun at mid-day (while we stood in the northern hemisphere) we began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Tapping into our knowledge of place, the boys slowly but surely figured out the snowy foothills would give way to the Cascades to our East. The water, islands, and Bellingham Bay were to the West. The sun took its place to the South given our global position in the northern hemisphere. With this information we were able to conclude we must go left at the junction, and continue following Chuckanut Ridge to the North. 

Looking out at the San Juan Islands

Along the way we encountered some cliffs that afforded us a brief glimpse of a city of subdued excitement. Since we had established our bearings we knew this cluster of buildings must be Bellingham to the North! Another good sign we were headed in the right direction. Continuing along the trail we dropped down into a valley where we hit a rather confusing junction. Luckily there was a great sign with an accurate trail map for us to utilize. Checking the orientation of the map with the arrow in the bottom left corner which pointed up with a “N” we knew this map was oriented to have North be “up”. Taking a moment to double check our previous deliberations, we quickly found the best path to guide us along our way to Arroyo Park and in turn North Chuckanut Trailhead.  Each of the boys took some time with the mentors to make sure they understood how to read the map, what route we were going to take, and make a quick mental note of the directions we would turn at each junction along the way. With our path laid out ahead of us we continued journeying along the trail.

Gazing north to Bellingham

As we hiked the boys naturally settled in with one another forming groups of twos and threes. This is natural for any group hiking, but it was good to see all of our newer members finding their comfort with the older members of the Gray Wolf Pups. Despite these particular members of the Gray Wolf Pups having only been together for one full season, they already seem to be developing quickly as a group and taking strides towards higher functioning and a deeper sense of comradery. As we hiked, the sun continued to shine down through the trees illuminating the path before us. As our internal compasses developed, our awareness of the surrounding landscape melded with our knowledge of the geography of Whatcom County to enable us to navigate without ever pulling out a compass. Of course the trail map was a big help when deciphering which trail to trek down, but in the end, if we had to I’m sure the Gray Wolf Pups could have figured out where to go all on their own. 

Gathering around the trail map to find our path home.

Finally arriving at Arroyo Park, we had just enough time to drop down a hillside off trail and set up shop at an old Explorers Club stomping ground. Revisiting old shelters constructed in the summer, splashing through the stream, and eating what food we had left to fuel ourselves, we were ready for a few rounds of Spiders Web before calling it a day. Not only did the Gray Wolf Pups navigate their way home, but they did it fast enough to have time to relax and play three rounds of Spiders Web before meeting up with the parents for pick up. Just as the mist gave way to sunshine to illuminate our path while we hiked today, the boys took a big step in developing an internal compass that will guide them based solely off of their surroundings and observations. Furthermore, as the Gray Wolf Pups takes strides as individuals, they also continue to come together and form ever strengthening bonds as a group. All of these developments will play a key role as they enter adolescence over the next few years and have to rely on their internal compasses to not only navigate landscapes, but social situations, school, and many more obstacles they are bound to face in their journey towards becoming young adults. If today was any indicator of how they will fare, then I have no doubt they will have all the skills and abilities to flourish as each Explorer discovers and follows their very own paths in life. 

Gazing out to the east along Chuckanut Ridge

 Make sure to check out the rest of our photos from the outing here!

Gray Wolf Pups Navigate Work and Play at Lake Padden

Arriving at Lake Padden, the Gray Wolf Pups huddled together in the chilly, damp cold of winter as we held an opening circle. Checking in about our personal adventures over the winter break we passed out jobs and moved to the large map of the area to pick a destination for the day. Since the Gray Wolf Pups will be learning about The Art of Navigation in the spring the boys were given the task of picking out a location on the map and navigating us there. Drawing on knowledge from past outings they oriented themselves on the map and selected an old stomping ground up off of the horse trails just to the southwest of the lake.

Making a game plan

Rallying to group we trekked up off the main drag and cruised along to our destination pausing for a few games of HIDE along the way. The Gray Wolf Pups selected an area just off trail to designate as our basecamp and proceeded to explore the area, goof off with friends, and even set up a hammock! It was hard for the mentors to put a halt on the fun being had during this free time, but inevitably it was time to talk a little bit about navigation. With full bellies and warm cocoa in hand, the group gathered around as the mentors discussed some basics of navigation, what we use navigation for, and some of the items we carry with us when we are going to be navigating in the wilderness. Of course map and compass are key, but so are a variety of other devices like a whistle, signaling mirror, lighter, and a variety of other useful items that offer an additional safety net in case our navigations go array and we need to signal for help or even spend the night outdoors. With our ability to sit still and focus waning it was time to move again.

Hanging in the hammock while chatting with friends

Navigating up a steep hillside, we crested the upper edge of the plateau in search of an area to play a game of Spiders Web. Upon arriving at the top the Gray Wolf Pups were elated to discover an old shelter constructed by the Salamander Efts that previous fall. Of course this old lean-to was quickly picked as a new base of operations and packs were thrown down so unencumbered Explorers could scurry over the nearby landscape sizing up the options for a playing field. Once oriented to the landscape the Gray Wolf Pups were tasked with setting up the game, picking the Spider, Web, and Food Source all on their own. With years of experience now under their belts this process was accomplished swiftly and the game was underway.

Settling in to our new location before a game of Spiders Web

With a dense undergrowth of Salal, wind felled trees scattered across the landscape, and the food source being placed atop the highest point of the plateau, the game proved rather difficult at first. Without any options for a concealed approach, and the relentless rustling of the underbrush, the Gray Wolf Pups’ sneaking skills were put to the test. However, through determination, patience, and teamwork the group was able to overcome and secure the food source before the game was called to an end. Although they didn’t return the food source to the web for a legitimate victory, just sneaking past the Spider’s defenses was a victory in itself.

Nothing like a large Sword Fern for concealment

Gathering up as a group for closing circle we discussed challenges we faced during the game, shared our stories of exciting moments, and ultimately revisited the importance of appreciating a challenge that forces you to grow and overcome as opposed to focus solely on who won or lost. With our debrief out of the way, we transitioned to our attitude of gratitude cutting up apple slices and taking turns sharing something we were thankful for. Despite everyone sharing once, a good amount of the Gray Wolf Pups took it upon themselves to share an additional item of thankfulness with the rest of the group. With our time running short, we packed up and scampered back down the hillside to reunite with parents. Despite two new members from other groups joining us this outing, the Gray Wolf Pups demonstrated a tremendous ability to welcome these two boys into the group as though they were always members offering a level of warm heartedness and compassion beyond their age. Additionally the genuine nature during our closing circle and ability to overcome a challenging game of Spider’s Web demonstrated a step forward in maturity that will help this group get the most out of their upcoming spring outings.

Make sure to check out the rest of our photos from this outing here!

Debriefing our game before closing circle