Gray Wolves Lead Black-Tailed Deer in Shelter Building on Stewart Mountain

The Gray Wolves were set up for a unique outing as they arrived at Stewart Mountain. Unbeknownst to them, they were slotted to be working with a younger group, the Black Tailed Deer, and help them learn how to build debris shelters. We gathered together to play a game with both groups to get to know one another before hitting the trail.

Playing a big game of "All My Neighbors"

It felt like a massive amount of people to have out on the trail with both groups walking together and this set us up for an epic game of HIDE with both groups tucking away behind sword ferns and rotten logs. A bit further along the trail we found an area that had a bunch of downed trees from the trail work that had been going on this summer. With an abundance of downed materials available we decided this would be the perfect place to practice The Art of Shelter.

Getting started on our debris huts

Splitting up into two groups (each group made up of half Gray Wolves and half Black-Tailed Deer), we decided on locations to build our shelters and our shelter building “competition” was underway. Both groups were using the basic “debris hut” structure utilizing two “Y-Sticks” and a “Backbone” for an elongated tri-pod, then layered on “Ribs” to round out the frame. Next came the debris in which you need anywhere from 2-3 feet worth to stay properly insulated and waterproof. 

Adding more ribs

Starting to add debris

Finishing up the debris layer

After each group put their finishing touches on the shelter we took turns sharing our creations with the other group. We even had a “water test” where one member of each group bravely sat inside the shelter while a water bottle was poured over the top to test how weatherproof the shelter really was. Finally we said goodbye to the Black-Tailed Deer and were off on our own adventures for the rest of the day.

Testing shelter 1

Testing shelter 2

  

With not very much time left we decided to try and fit in a game of Spider’s Web. Although not everyone was interested in the game, we found plenty of other things to keep us occupied. While one mentor and half the group played the game, the other mentor hung out with the rest of the group who were all working on different tasks of interest. One Gray Wolf was interested in making an Atl-Atl (a primitive spear thrower) and a few others were practicing how to start a fire with naturally occurring materials and a ferrocerium, or ferro rod.

Playing Spiders Web

Learning to use the Ferro Rod

All in all we had a fun blend of getting to take on a leadership roles with the younger group as well as sit back and enjoy some free time in the forest without any additional responsibilities. It is always nice to see two groups work together, however, what really made the mentors happy was seeing how the Gray Wolves managed themselves when they had freedom to choose whatever they wanted. Playing Spider’s Web, carving Atl-Atls, and practicing fire starting skills demonstrated that these Gray Wolves truly earned their name and are no longer Pups. Today they were leaders, groupmates, friends, proactive in pursuing skills development, and had no problem making decisions as a group. It’s great to see all our hard work paying off and we are excited to see what new steps forward the Gray Wolves will take on their next outing.

Check out the rest of our photos from the outing here!