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 Lookout for Eachother at Lookout Mountain

The Gray Wolf Pups met at Lookout Mountain for the final outing of their Spring 2017 season. We kicked things off by touching on our skills focus of Navigation by looking at the map, picking a destination, and then the mentors handed it off to the Gray Wolf Pups to take the lead and navigate us there. Although not everyone tuned in enough while we were studying the map and memorizing how to get to our destination, later on we still managed to find our way despite a few wrong turns here or there.

Circling up to make a decision

Before we headed off into the woods, the mentors thought it would be important to do an activity that focused on inclusion in the group. Directing the group to form a tight, inward facing circle, where each boy was shoulder to shoulder, two of the Gray Wolf Pups were pulled out of the group and given simple instructions; “you are trying to get into the circle” while the rest of the group was given the simple information; “they are trying to get into the circle.” This is a fascinating activity because inevitably we assume that it is our goal to keep the outsiders from getting into the circle. After a couple tries, and rotating boys so a few folks got to be the “outsiders” we gathered up for a debrief. The mentors pointed out that no one was instructed to keep anyone out of the circle and that it is our natural instinct to be exclusive. We emphasized the importance of always being aware of who is on the outside looking in, and that it is on each and every one of us to reach out to others and offer acceptance whether it is in Explorers Club, at school, or hanging out with friends. 

Clamoring up a hillside towards the waterfall

Getting along with our outing for the day we trekked into Lookout Mountain in search of access to the water fall. After some trial and error we made our way up the creek bed to the water fall where we relaxed and ate lunch. Afterwards, we hiked around a bit to just above the waterfall in search of a location for a big game of Spiders Web. Luckily, Tim was rather familiar with this area since he spent a lot of time with his friends exploring this area and even constructing a shelter when he was in high school. We found the old location where Tim used to spend many a summer with his friends and it was the perfect setting for our game. Deciding to have two spiders proved rather difficult, but the challenged stretched our edges and we all got a little better at sneaking through the sword ferns, devils club, and stinging nettle and eventually the flies proved victorious.

Taking some time to eat lunch before playing Spiders Web!

Finishing our outing we took some extra time in closing circle to reflect on our season and look forward to our next year of Explorers Club. The Gray Wolf Pups each shared a highlight from one of our many outings, something they wanted to do for the next year (a skill, outing location, etc.), and of course something they were thankful for. The mentors were thankful for how the Gray Wolf Pups had really begun to grow together as a group over this past season. New members or old members, it really doesn’t matter now as everyone seems comfortable with themselves and the group and everyone has found a strong voice when we spend time talking in circle. Additionally the Gray Wolf Pups took a big stride forward in developing their navigation skills tuning in their sense of direction with natural indicators, orienteering a compass, and navigating using a map. With a well-rounded season in the rear view mirror, we are eager to reunite for fall and get back to work (or more likely play), and keep progression on our skills, developing our interpersonal communications, and building our group comradery.

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!

Celebrating a successful season! (some more enthusiastically than others)

The Gray Wolf Pups Calibrate Their Internal Compasses in the Chuckanuts

The Gray Wolf Pups climbed up Cleator Road on a misty Sunday morning to meet up for the Chuckanut Ridge Traverse. With the hazy weather all about, it set the scene for a perfect metaphor regarding our skills focus of the spring season: The Art of Navigation. Joining us today was a former Boys Explorers Club participant and current Four Shields group member who was taking advantage of his opportunity to join BEC outings as an Explorers Mentor Apprentice (or EMA). As the Gray Wolf Pups continue to grow over the next few years as a group, and as individuals, they too will one day be provided the opportunity to be EMAs and volunteer their own time to help guide younger groups as an assistant mentor. Not only was it nice to have a veteran Explorer with us who already has some navigation skills of his own, but it was quickly discovered that the EMA was an alum of Kulshan where a handful of Gray Wolf Pups go now! This quickly formed a bond and we all became fast friends.

Every journey must begin somewhere!

With everyone present, we had our regular opening circle, discussed our plans for the day and handed out jobs. Hiking along Chuckanut Ridge, we would follow the ridgeline north before dropping down onto Lost Lake Trail which would take us further north into Arroyo Park and eventually to North Chuckanut Trailhead where we would rendezvous with parents for pick up. The Gray Wolf Pups were notified that they would be responsible for getting the group there and making all the primary decisions regarding which trails we took at each junction. Starting things off we cruised up the Lower Ridge Trail to a view point where we paused to look out across at Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. The water would be our first natural landmark we encountered to help us gain our bearings and develop our internal compasses. Once atop Chuckanut Ridge we had to decide to go left or right. Now being able to look out towards snowy foothills, we had our next landmark. In addition to the bay and the snowy foothills, the sun decided to poke its head out of the clouds and offer yet another indicator to tune our internal compasses. Gauging the orientation of the water, snowy foothills, and position of the sun at mid-day (while we stood in the northern hemisphere) we began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Tapping into our knowledge of place, the boys slowly but surely figured out the snowy foothills would give way to the Cascades to our East. The water, islands, and Bellingham Bay were to the West. The sun took its place to the South given our global position in the northern hemisphere. With this information we were able to conclude we must go left at the junction, and continue following Chuckanut Ridge to the North. 

Looking out at the San Juan Islands

Along the way we encountered some cliffs that afforded us a brief glimpse of a city of subdued excitement. Since we had established our bearings we knew this cluster of buildings must be Bellingham to the North! Another good sign we were headed in the right direction. Continuing along the trail we dropped down into a valley where we hit a rather confusing junction. Luckily there was a great sign with an accurate trail map for us to utilize. Checking the orientation of the map with the arrow in the bottom left corner which pointed up with a “N” we knew this map was oriented to have North be “up”. Taking a moment to double check our previous deliberations, we quickly found the best path to guide us along our way to Arroyo Park and in turn North Chuckanut Trailhead.  Each of the boys took some time with the mentors to make sure they understood how to read the map, what route we were going to take, and make a quick mental note of the directions we would turn at each junction along the way. With our path laid out ahead of us we continued journeying along the trail.

Gazing north to Bellingham

As we hiked the boys naturally settled in with one another forming groups of twos and threes. This is natural for any group hiking, but it was good to see all of our newer members finding their comfort with the older members of the Gray Wolf Pups. Despite these particular members of the Gray Wolf Pups having only been together for one full season, they already seem to be developing quickly as a group and taking strides towards higher functioning and a deeper sense of comradery. As we hiked, the sun continued to shine down through the trees illuminating the path before us. As our internal compasses developed, our awareness of the surrounding landscape melded with our knowledge of the geography of Whatcom County to enable us to navigate without ever pulling out a compass. Of course the trail map was a big help when deciphering which trail to trek down, but in the end, if we had to I’m sure the Gray Wolf Pups could have figured out where to go all on their own. 

Gathering around the trail map to find our path home.

Finally arriving at Arroyo Park, we had just enough time to drop down a hillside off trail and set up shop at an old Explorers Club stomping ground. Revisiting old shelters constructed in the summer, splashing through the stream, and eating what food we had left to fuel ourselves, we were ready for a few rounds of Spiders Web before calling it a day. Not only did the Gray Wolf Pups navigate their way home, but they did it fast enough to have time to relax and play three rounds of Spiders Web before meeting up with the parents for pick up. Just as the mist gave way to sunshine to illuminate our path while we hiked today, the boys took a big step in developing an internal compass that will guide them based solely off of their surroundings and observations. Furthermore, as the Gray Wolf Pups takes strides as individuals, they also continue to come together and form ever strengthening bonds as a group. All of these developments will play a key role as they enter adolescence over the next few years and have to rely on their internal compasses to not only navigate landscapes, but social situations, school, and many more obstacles they are bound to face in their journey towards becoming young adults. If today was any indicator of how they will fare, then I have no doubt they will have all the skills and abilities to flourish as each Explorer discovers and follows their very own paths in life. 

Gazing out to the east along Chuckanut Ridge

 Make sure to check out the rest of our photos from the outing here!