Gray Wolves keep dry, make tea at Lookout Mtn. 11/12/17

This year for the Gray Wolves is marked by a strong skills focus. We’ve been working on wilderness travel (erecting shelters, finding and purifying water…) and the spring will see us working on building fires. It’s fun to see the boys pick up these skills. Just as important, however, is to observe their burgeoning self-reliance. 

At Lookout Mountain on Sunday, the mentors laid out the objectives during opening circle — set up tarp shelter/s and make tea. We then selected a Leader of the Day and tasked him with organizing the group to accomplish those goals. The group figured they needed to find a workable location first and, after consulting the trailhead map, decided to search along a creek so they’d have access to water for the tea (nice).

After a short hike, they found a spot creekside, but were unsure whether it satisfied their other needs such as sufficient space and a way to string up tarps. They circled up and decided to send scouting parties to check out a few locations and report back. After some spirited discussion and not a little compromise (motto) about the better site, we headed off to the selected location and began stringing tarp shelters. Their knot skills need some work, but after a bit they got two shelters erected. (We were fortunate in that the rain held off.)

As the second shelter was being constructed, mentor Glen coached a few Gray Wolves in the use of backcountry stoves and they started heating the water, which had been filtered from the creek and carried (> 5 minute walk) to the site.

The boys, and men, had tea with their lunch and we were ready for some games. Ironically, this is where their focus broke down. Spider’s Web lasted about 10 minutes and was simply abandoned; King of the Hill, with two teams of two, lasted longer and was marked by repeated exclamations of joy (and a broken pair of eyeglasses and a torn pair of rain pants).

With focus lost, we experienced a few minutes of loitering. Then one of the Explorers suggested a Sit Spot, with which mentors Glen and Brian eagerly agreed (wish I had thought of that).

A closing circle of thanks and a few games of Hide on the short hike out and we were finished. The mentors stretched the boys' edges (motto) with a few simple tasks and left it to their collective capabilities to make it happen. It went exceedingly well, from that perspective. Their skills still need work, but they rose to the challenge. It was gratifying to see.

We next meet at Larrabee State Park on Sunday, January 14, 10:00AM-3:00PM. Check out the rest of the photos from Lookout Mountain here.

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!

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.

Rambling at Galby Lane with the Gray Wolf Pups

The Gray Wolf Pups arrived at Galby Lane to find a mentor hunched and working on something. Investigating further the group found that he was working on Fire by Friction. They watched as the mentor created a coal and blew it into flame using a nest made of Cedar Bark. This season the Gray Wolf Pups delved into the Earth Skill of shelter building and spring season they will begin carving. They are hungry for these skills and the mentors want to follow their inspirations. Learning these techniques can save the boys’ lives, but they also increase their craftsmanship, knowledge of flora and fauna, tracking, and overall appreciation for the resources that go into keeping them alive.

Heading into the woods we circled up for an opening meeting. Being transparent with the boys we told them that the next four hours was their time to create an adventure. One of the greatest aspects of our outings is that We are all leaders and collaboratively we use our time for rich exploration. After some group process the boys decided that they wanted to find and complete a half built shelter that lied somewhere off trail and finish their day with a round a Spider’s Web. The mentors could tell by the boys’ postures that we needed to move, but before we did we wanted to call attention to the reason for the boys’ chill. A strong Northeasterly front had brought our area clear blue skies and frigid artic temperatures. It is important that the Explorers begin to track the weather and understand what causes our variations. Knowing these types of weather will orient them to the place that we live and help them to be better prepared to deal with the elements. Tracking the landscape the mentors explained to the boys that before this sunny lull strong southerly fronts had blow through the area and we needed to be alert for leaning and downed trees.

Heading up the trail we quickly veered right, climbing over nurse logs and following some deer trails. Eventually we found the spot where the Roosevelt Elk Calves had built the half completed shelter. Circling up we made some time commitments for how long we would work on the shelter, keeping in mind our agreement to play a game at the end of the day. The boys got to work, harvesting some freshly downed maple twigs and bark to make a door for the shelter, while others took a trash bag and gathered leaves to complete the outside and interior. It was powerful to watch the boys work so diligently on it and in turn it kept them warm.

Finding the half built shelter was such a gift for the boys because it was almost exactly at the stage where they left their earth shelter back at Lake Padden. They were able to experience the full circle process and sat back satisfied with their work. One by one the Explorers tested out their shelter, cocooning themselves in its leaf-filled cavity. Nestling in they started to feel warmer and warmer until some of them had to evacuate, as it was so hot. Looking at our building materials staging area it was clear that we had caused some impact. The mentors explained to the group that even though we had harvested only downed materials it was important to leave the area better than we found and to camouflage it. Grabbing handfuls of debris and sticks we made it look like we were never there. We decided to leave the shelter as there were a few more groups coming to this location that would like to see the work.

Heading out from the site we encouraged the boys to use their intuition to find the trail to our west. Within a few minutes the boys had relocated the path and we were on our way to a great location for Spider’s Web. Circling up we revisited the rules and set up the course. The Explores spread out over the land and found their hiding spots. It filled the mentors’ hearts to see the Explorers stalking and immersing themselves in the landscape. Although the Big Leaf Maples leaves were an asset to us in shelter building, the crunch sound under our feet proved to be our greatest challenge as we tried to sneak past the careful eyes of the spider. Hiding behind a log, a mentor watched a boy crawl behind the remnants of fallen ancient Western Red Cedar. Camouflaging in its trunk he looked as if the was lying on a soft carpet. It is moments like these when it is plain to see this group is becoming comfortable between the duff and mud of the forest floor; soon they will call this place home.  

In the end the spider held off the hungry flies and the game ended with a draw. Circling back up we had a closing meeting under umbrella-like branches of a large Western Hemlock. The Explorers gave thanks for the fall storms which brought the materials that completed the shelter, for the fun and excitement of trying to evade the spider’s glance, for warmth and comfort, for the challenge of the cold weather, and for friendship and family. The mentors would like to thank the Gray Wolf Pups for a powerful exploration. We look forward to our last outing at Sehome Arboretum, which is also the last outing of fall season.

For more pictures from the day please visit the Gray Wolf Pup's photo gallery. 

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.