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

Gray Wolf Pups Personify Play at Padden

Arriving at Lake Padden it became immediately apparent something big was going. It just so happened that our outing coincided with the NCAA Division Two Cross-Country Championships! Although this afforded some great entertainment, it also complicated things a bit, but thanks to great parents, drop off went down without a hitch and just as the starting pistol sounded for the Women’s race, we shot off into the woods and away from all the hustle and bustle. Travelling up the horse trails we quickly found a nice area off trail for opening circle. Despite some boisterous energy, we took some time to discuss our earth skills focus of The Art of Carving, and what our next steps would be down this path. The Explorers learned about the different trees, what properties each type of wood has, and what sorts of things they are good for making. Then the challenge of carving digging sticks was given to the boys. But before we could get into practicing our skills, it was clear these guys just needed some time to romp in the woods.

Tearing off up a steep hill, the Gray Wolf Pups quickly found themselves lost in the present, enjoying one another’s company, and working together on building some earth shelters. Despite the mentor’s intentions to jump into carving, they adapted to the energy of the boys, and scampered up the hillside after them and soon began helping out with the shelter construction gathering resources and offering pointers here or there on material usage and structural design. Pausing for a moment to reassess our plan for the outing, we formed a circle, collaborated, compromised, and came to a consensus on how best to utilize the time we had to balance free play interaction with the landscape and honing carving skills by getting plenty of time to get our blades into some wood.

After a good amount free play, boys naturally gravitated back down to our packs for some lunch and water before harvesting some materials for digging sticks. Utilizing a downed cedar, we focused on the slightly curved branches, a few inches in diameter, for a stick that already had a natural shape conducive to digging and the strength and rigidity of the denser branch wood that would hold up to some abuse unlike the softer, straight grain trunk wood that is great for fashioning fire boards and spindles for a fire by friction kit. Working our knives into the wood, boys quickly found the many knots of the branch wood difficult to work with and required patience, persistence, and sound technique to work through. Despite the strong focus, and disciplined tool usage, the Gray Wolf Pups couldn’t help but continue joking, laughing, and fostering a continued companionship amongst themselves that grows outing after outing, season after season. With some strong focus and good work under their belts, we had just enough time to scurry back up the steep incline and get in a little more play time on the landscape.

As the boys transitioned back into free play the mentors took some time to chat about how the outing was going they realized that things had gotten a little too quiet for comfort. Trekking up the hillside after the boys, they were headed off by another Explorer who relayed the message that a fellow Explorer was “stuck.” This could mean many things, but in this instance, once the mentors arrived on the scene they found an Explorer rimrocked on a small cliff along the hillside. All it took was a helping hand from one of the mentors to get out of the situation and everyone was just fine, much to the relief of a particular Explorer. Taking a moment to debrief the situation, both mentors were thoroughly impressed at how the situation was handled. When we adventure in the woods there is always inherent risk, and the difference in being safe or getting hurt comes down to how that risk is managed. In this situation both Explorers involved kept an even keel, assessed the situation, made a plan of action, and when things got beyond their ability, they sought assistance from a mentor. This exemplified great risk management. It’s very easy for someone who is not involved in a dangerous situation to quickly get themselves in harm’s way by doing too much to try and help. Additionally whomever is in a sticky situation can quickly escalate the level of danger by letting their emotions get the best of them and panicking. Neither of these things happened and the risk presented in the instance was navigated with a level of skill and ability that exemplified that maturation of not only the two boys involved, but all the Gray Wolf Pups.

In addition to debriefing our risk management, we took a moment to address a game of “war” that the Gray Wolf Pups wanted to play. Although they were just using pinecone projectiles and kept things light hearted and fun, the language associated with such games required some attention. A few of the Gray Wolf Pups recalled a previous discussion during a summer camp and shared what they had learned with the group. Language and words carry many connotations, and although something like “war” is thrown around in video games, sports, and other contexts where it takes on a meaning of good-natured competition, it is important to acknowledge the full spectrum of connotations a word can hold, and not allow ourselves to become desensitized the what something such as war truly means. This acknowledgement is not always easy, or comfortable for us to do, but is necessary for us to honor and respect something as serious as war and all of those whose lives have been lost or forever changed because of it. In a society where violence in video games is the norm and desensitization to violence and its true implications in reality are becoming increasingly present, it is paramount for these boys to hold that space of honor and respect by retaining their sensitivity and awareness, be it through language or action. Luckily the Gray Wolf Pups are a tremendous group of boys who will one day grow into strong, sensitive, and compassionate men. Whether through play, practicing skills, sharing laughs, or participating in tough conversations, these boys are flourishing into a powerful group of well-rounded individuals full of promise and potential for their bright futures.

Gray Wolf Pups and the Art of Shelter Building at Lake Padden

The Gray Wolf Pups arrived at Lake Padden ready for a day of excitement and adventure. Saying goodbye to the parents the mentors called the boys over and we circled up for an opening meeting. Looking around the circle it was clear that we needed to have some introductions. Joey Christianson, a new mentor to the group, would be filling in for Peter for the day. We also had Jackson, an Explorer Mentor Apprentice, join us for his first volunteer outing along with one new Explorer. It’s been exciting to watch how our culture of tiered mentoring affects the younger Explorers. The Gray Wolf Pups really connected with Jackson. It is said that when we teach we truly learn and understand; there are so many instances where the EMAs can facilitate and guide in ways the older mentors never could. Going around the circle we played a round of Name Tagand handed out the jobs.

Heading into the woods we hit our first junction in the trail. Circling up theTribal Elder did an excellent job facilitating the group decision. The boys decided to take a vote on which way to go. The mentors made it clear that a vote ends up in compromise, not necessarily a fair decision, and that’s just what a few of the boys did. Heading up the trail towards the Secret Valley the group played a few rounds of Hide! The Explorers are getting better and better at this game and soon they will be able to hide from the other animals in the forest and observe them from up close.

Arriving at the Secret Valley the group expressed the desire to play Spider’s Web. The mentors set up the game course and we played an adapted version with two Spiders. Almost immediately the two Spiders split up and one guarded the web while the other guarded the food sources. In no time the flies were on the web and the boys got quite frustrated. Circling up we addressed the boy’s frustration, telling them that the round was challenging and not to dismay when things are challenging, but to rise to the occasion and adapt to the solution that is needed and to play with honor and integrity.

Making some clarifications of the rules on the next round we decided to have only one Spider. This round the Spider did an excellent job guarding the ridgeline and watching the web. Sending a majority of flies to web he guarded it well, catching anyone that tried to escape. As the boys waited on the web their patience grew thin and some started to try and distract and taunt the spider. With growing frustration on both sides the mentors called the game and told every one to circle up. It is amazing to witness how the power of play can bring out issues of basic morality and character. The boys were definitely at their edge, blaming and trying to talk over one another.

The mentors tried to give them some tools they could use to work out their differences. The first tool we called on was our circle. In circle there are three tools: our mouths, ears, and hearts. Giving each person a turn to speak we went around the circle sharing our point of view. Almost immediately the mentors had to stop the circle council because the boys needed to understand that there is a difference in sharing what is on your heart and blaming someone for your frustrations. The second tool we gave to the boys was the use of I statements. The mentors explained to the boys that rather than saying “you or he was doing this” to describe the problem or situation, instead describe how it was effecting yourself /others, and what the result was. Some of the Explorers struggled not being able to respond back and the mentors reiterated to the group that there is a difference between actively listening and waiting for your turn to speak. Our circle style council is a skill that builds with time and it was powerful to listen to the boy’s Stretch their Edges while trying to share without using provoking language. They are learning and growing and this is exactly where they need to be.

After a heavy and heartfelt debrief it was time to move locations and work on our skill for the season, the Art of Shelter Building. We headed up and over the ridge to a quiet location with ample shelter materials. The mentors explained to the group that the first step to shelter building is to find a site free from hazards. Scouting the land the Explorers found a spot under a big Douglas Fir, free from dead trees branches that might come down and high enough to so that water would not run through it if it poured.  We began construction of the frame, which consisted of two Y’s shape poles that form a tripod and a ridgepole a little longer than a person is rested on the tripod. It took a while to find the perfect frame and the Explorers started to loose focus. Completing the frame we started to add the ribs to the ridgepole, which would support all of the debris that we would pile onto it.  Weaving a latticework of Hemlock bows and dead cedar branches into the ribs we piled on debris until it was a foot and a half thick.

The more completed the structure got the more Explorers joined in to help. It was refreshing to see the group working together in harmony after our trials inSpider’s Web. All in all we got about half way through the process and it was time for a closing meeting. The Explorers got some great vision and experience for the next time we work on this skill, and they realized the power and challenge of this life saving skill. Joining in a circle close to our shelter we held a circle of thanks. The boys gave thanks for the beautiful weather, the chance to run and play in the forest, for the land providing all that we need, for friendship, for Douglas Fir and Hemlock, and shelter in its many forms. We ended the circle with a story about two boys who experienced many trials and challenges while trying to sleep in their Earth Shelter. In the end the boys learned how to sleep comfortably in the woods without anything except what the land provided by listening to their mentor Stalking Wolf’s advice and watching the squirrels build their nests for the winter.

Looking at the time we realized that we only had five minutes to get back to the parents! We decided to take a short cut and ended up climbing down a steep ravine.  Going one at a time we carefully navigated the hillside. A few of the boys were not paying attention and they tumbled a little way down. Luckily they were alright and learned a great lesson that Slow is Fast and Fast is Slow. Looking back at the hillside the mentors noticed we had created some impact. We carefully covered our path so that we would not create social trails. It was a great time to mention to the boys that Shelter Building also has lots of impact because many resources are needed. When we take it’s important to have an awareness of what we our doing. A harvester needs to know in his heart that the resource will be honored and that it is being put to its greatest potential. The Art of Shelter Building should be guided by a beautiful blend of logic, intuition, reverence, awareness, appreciation, and thanks. The mentors would like to offer some thanks to all the Gray Pups for engaging in the spirit of play and healthy competition and for a terrific outing in the glorious sun.

For more pictures from the day please visit the Gray Wolf Pups photo gallery.

BEC: Exploring South Lake Padden with the Gray Wolf Pups

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!