The Townsend's Chipmunks and Gray Wolves Team Up for Life & Death in the Forest!

It was a dark and rainy day, but that didn't stop two groups of Explorers from having a blast at Lookout Mountain!  The Townsend's Chipmunks and the Gray Wolves teamed up this past weekend for a big game of Life & Death in the Forest, a game which tested the Explorers' minds and bodies to the limit while also teaching them a bit about the natural balance of ecosystems.

Given the challenging weather conditions, it was no surprise that the boys were a bit subdued on arrival at the trailhead.  While temperatures weren't especially low, the volume of rainfall was obviously going to stretch the edges of comfort that day.  Luckily, everyone had come prepared with insulating and waterproof layers!  And, as an  added bonus, the mentors had time before the Explorers arrived to set up a couple of tarp shelters at base camp.

Dude, are you going to wear a rain jacket?

Thank goodness for tarps!

After getting settled in, the team circled up to learn about the game.  Life & Death in the Forest is probably the most complicated game we play in Explorers Club.  The course is set up ahead of time with bandannas marking the boundaries and, throughout the playing area, there are cards that show food sources and water sources.  Each player is assigned a role as an herbivore, omnivore, or carnivore and given specific instructions on what resources they need to survive.  Before time runs out, herbivores need to find five different food sources and four different water sources without losing all seven of their "lives" (lives are tracked by rubber bands worn around the wrist).  An herbivore loses a "life" when tagged by a hungry omnivore or carnivore.  Omnivores are a bit more complicated.  They need to find three food sources, four water, and also catch three herbivores.  Carnivores need to catch seven herbivores or omnivores for food and find four water sources.  Sounds simple, right?  Try explaining that to a big group of teenagers...

The discussion started like this...

...and ended more like this as the rain really got going.

Ultimately, the lesson we try to impart to the Explorers in this game is the importance of balance.  If the boys choose to allow too many carnivores, they quickly realize that there aren't enough prey animals to support the population.  Likewise, too many omnivores can lead to the same problem.  With this group, the Explorers' group discussions reached this conclusion pretty quickly and the game was better for it.  We saw a very high level of engagement in the game and it was a lot of fun listening in on some of the strategic planning.

High-speed pursuit

Where's Waldo?

If your Explorer was a bit worn out at the end of the day, he earned it!  The mentoring team was proud of the focus the boys showed in learning a tough game, the effort they put into playing, and the strong sense that these groups have learned to "Play with Honor", as we often say.

The long road home

Great Job Townsend's Chipmunks and Gray Wolves!

Check out our other pictures here!