It just may be more fitting to rename this particular exploration The Larrabee Challenge. Then again, that might overshadow many other attributes of this journey. Yes, there was difficulty in navigating those giant rocks, climbing along the natural cliffs, balancing over the chilly waters, staying sure-footed on slippery algae, overcoming the challenge of fatigue, and ascending the great waterfall at the end. Oh, yes, there was challenge. But, that’s not all. Let’s remember the beginning…
We met in the lush grass and played a new name game. We met Eli, our EC mentor, and James, our EMA (Explorers Mentoring Apprentice) from the oldest group of Explorers. A few games of
Hide happened, maps came out and we considered navigation, we discussed who lives here and how we can be prepared. Even as we started the traverse, the mood was one of ease. When asked to scale a giant cliff, Explorers took to the challenge. Of course, they didn’t get very far, but they still decided it was worth a go. We wisely chose to proceed along the shore. We navigated the rocks and barnacles with seasoned Pacific Northwest strides. We came to the closest point and Explorers exploded into authentic exploration. Barnacles, anemones, strange looking seabirds (any Explorer remember what colors they were?), mysterious scat (otter?), long-armed madrona, and wonderfully sculpted sandstone faces provided for a veritable playground of embodied inquiry.
Hide happened, maps came out and we considered navigation, we discussed who lives here and how we can be prepared. Even as we started the traverse, the mood was one of ease. When asked to scale a giant cliff, Explorers took to the challenge. Of course, they didn’t get very far, but they still decided it was worth a go. We wisely chose to proceed along the shore. We navigated the rocks and barnacles with seasoned Pacific Northwest strides. We came to the closest point and Explorers exploded into authentic exploration. Barnacles, anemones, strange looking seabirds (any Explorer remember what colors they were?), mysterious scat (otter?), long-armed madrona, and wonderfully sculpted sandstone faces provided for a veritable playground of embodied inquiry.
Yes, we spent quite a while there. Occasionally a question came forth… anyone remember the map? How far have we gone? What time is it? When do we need to be at Clayton? But youth is bliss… well, sometimes… well, let’s say that ignorance is bliss… for as long as 
you can keep it up. At any rate, our wonderful Alevin Explorers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a study of the skills of planning, timing, and adaptation. When we did get moving, we recognized that it was necessary to keep a steady pace along the shore if we were to make it to Clayton Beach. We rounded another point and discovered that the terrain was becoming more formidable. But still, we had time enough to make it to Clayton with maybe even enough room for a game of Spider’s Web when we got there.
you can keep it up. At any rate, our wonderful Alevin Explorers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a study of the skills of planning, timing, and adaptation. When we did get moving, we recognized that it was necessary to keep a steady pace along the shore if we were to make it to Clayton Beach. We rounded another point and discovered that the terrain was becoming more formidable. But still, we had time enough to make it to Clayton with maybe even enough room for a game of Spider’s Web when we got there.
We clambered over rocks, climbed logs, discovered tide pool wonders, and kept a keen watch for otter or seal sign. At the Larrabee Park point, we took some time to eat lunches and gather fuel for the coming challenge. A few quick games punctuated the respite as well as a spontaneous group challenge to figure out how to retrieve a thermos cap from the ocean deep. It turns out that a fork tied to a rope doesn’t work no matter how many times you try it (shocking, I know) but that giant sticks used as chopsticks have a slim chance (a
bit too slim) of success.
bit too slim) of success.
Waving goodbye to said cap and considering strategies for taking care of our belongings in the future, we set forth with full stomachs (well, most of us.) [Parents, if you are picking up a bit of the trickster flavor to this outing report, you are right on the money. This day was a wonderful day forstretching edges. As with all challenge course activities, it is an outing where the perceived risk is high but the actual risk is low. Navigating those rocks is a real challenge for those boys, but the mentors have the opportunity to be right there spotting at the true risk points; going the whole distance is not easy, but, though the Explorers don’t know it, we could always pop up toward a trail; getting too distracted to eat food during a group snack time and then a group lunch time is an acceptable risk when the outing ends at 2:30. Oh yes, this is a wonderful recipe for group and individual challenge, growth, and
empowerment. The way this all will sink in is incorporating lessons from this outing into the rest of our adventures. Know that these boys did a great job all the way around!]
empowerment. The way this all will sink in is incorporating lessons from this outing into the rest of our adventures. Know that these boys did a great job all the way around!]
As you may have heard, it was from this point onward that the real challenges arose. Explorers worked their way through quite a bit. We also discovered some beautiful places and some neat curiosities. We shared stories, talked about group leadership, and rose to challenges. The final ascent up the waterfall was a wonderful way to cap this epic traverse. We ended the day with a good swig of water and a circle of thanks where we discussed our experiences. Finally, we gave ourselves a little Sit Spot time to really let the whole thing sink in.
Know that each one of these Explorers found some personal edge that was stretched on this outing. Also know that teamwork arose again and again, and that this group became more cohesive and high functioning after this journey. There will be more experiences like this in times to come, along with our other outing styles based on skills, service, games, and scoutings. Thanks, Explorers, for being such an inspiration and for rising to the occasion. Thanks, parents, for your care and support!
Be sure to check out pics of the outing in our photo gallery.
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