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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Debriefing our game before closing circle |
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