Alevin's last Exploration as Group at the Hundred Acre Wood

The Alevin Explorers met on 24 Street for what would be their last exploration style outing as a group.  Although it might not seem significant to someone who doesn’t know the Alevin’s history, this outing location marks the beginning of their seven-year journey in the Boys Explorers Club. Here the group would circle back to where they began, to reflect on their experience, and to reconnect with their roots.

Sitting down for an open circle in the Hundred Acre Wood the mentors let the group know that the day’s outing was for them. The two things we would hold to as leaders was that we took time for a sit spot and that group made a strong plan for the day.

Going around the circle the Tribal Elder facilitated a quick and easy decision. The Alevin decided to head over to Hoag’s Pond to check out a make shift raft that one of the boys found a few weeks earlier, and then they would figure out the rest along the way.

Hiking along the trail the boys were quite nostalgic, sharing memories of their explorations and giving each other some guff for their mishaps and self-imposed hardships. Finding the raft tied-up on the Northeastern corner of the pond, a few brave Explorers grabbed the best paddle stick they could find and stepped out on faith aboard the vessel. The raft was composed primarily of 2x4’s and plywood that encased Styrofoam blocks for floatation.  

The group quickly found that a few corners of the raft were not stable. The scene looked straight out of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as they paddled out through the lilies to middle of the pond. A few Canada Geese angrily called out at the Explorers as they paddled by. Simultaneously one of the Explorers wrestled the paddles out of another boy’s hand, trying to sabotage the crew by stranding them without a means of locomotion. This plan seemed counterintuitive as he was also aboard the ship. Some things for these rascally Alevin never change!

Miraculously none of crew fell off and they made it safely to shore with only wet feet. Circling up next to the pond we ate lunch in the sunshine and watched a Kingfisher buzz about the lake scoring some quick snacks in the Pond Lilies. One Explorer commented as he pulled a bag of Cheetos out of his lunch, “Did you know you can use these a fire starter?”. This led to a series of experiments lighting Doritos and Cheetos aflame. The experiment digressed into one Explorer trying to roast an apple over the flames and another trying to jokingly smoke a hollow-tubed pretzel stick. He took one puff and quickly let out a plum of smoke, coughing from the fumes. Mentors quickly put an end to the silliness and asked the Explorers what was next on the docket.

Circling up the Explorers made another fluid decision and decided to head back over to the Hundred Acre Wood for a few rounds of Spider’s Web. Hiking the trail back over it was clear to see that the group had gleaned much naturalist knowledge during their time in the program. With spring in full bloom we looked spotted a few of our favorite plants and blossoms: Vanilla Leaf, Big Leaf Maple buds, Trillium flowers, and Red Flowering Currant to name a few. What a pleasure it was to venture through the forest in the company of these elder Explorers.

Under the shade of Cedars and Grand Fir the boys set up the game course on a steep hillside and really got into the power of play. We snuck and crawled through the under brush, laughed at our lack of awareness as we fell victim to the spider, and rejoiced in the moment circling up sweaty and satisfied for a Sit Spot.

The Explorers were prompted to reflect on their time in the program and distill their experience into their major takeaways. Brian told the group that his Grandson would soon be beginning his journey in the BEC and that he wanted to know what essential elements of the Alevin’s journey his grandson would need to have to get the full Explorers Club experience.

Spreading out over the landscape the group was quiet and still. Glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze blew through forest while Black-Capped Chickadees foraged through the upper canopy; the moment was perfect and serene.

Circling back up the Explorers shared their takeaways:

·      Play Spiders Web and Hide  (engaging in free play and games in the natural world)

·      Have Chances to Stretch their Edge (provide opportunities for personal empowerment through group challenges and big wilderness)

·      Opportunity for Engagement (service at Connelly Creek and EMA’ing with the younger Explorers)

·      Sit Spot (personal connection with the landscape, time spent immersed in the natural world, present, processing, reflection)

·      The Opportunity to Roast Apples (learning Earth skills and becoming proficient wilderness travelers)

·      Circle Time and Working Together as a Group (learning how to be part of a community, inter/intrapersonal dynamics, group facilitation, leadership, being genuine, honest, speaking one’s truths)

After sharing their thoughts we sliced apples and shared our thanks. It was then that a few of the boys started to loose focus and talked over one another. With a stern voice the mentors called for their attention, reminding the group that life is a dance between the sacred and the profane, and that there are moments for both. Time spent in circle is sacred; sharing together openly, honestly, genuinely, and being present.

Refocusing the group made a strong close to their day. Our outing on all accounts had been a pure exploration in the Explorer Club sense. What a wonderful way for the Explorers to grieve the loss of their group as Alevin and their transition into the Four Shields or whatever else lies ahead for them this summer and beyond!

Parents we are headed out on a campout for the Alevin’s last Explorers Club outing. We will be headed up to Lizard Lake and this trip will look much more like a mini-backpack than the normal car based campouts that the group has been accustom to. Please make sure your Explorer reviews the overnight packing list and let us know if they are missing any gear. We have lots of backpacking style packs and gear at the office that they are welcome to borrow.

For more pictures from the outing please visit the Alevin’s photo album from the day.

Earth Skills Journey with the Alevin Explorers at Fairhaven Park: WATER

Alevin Explorers showed up on time to Fairhaven Park, ready to explore and learn. We immediately made our way towards the 100-Aker Woods for introductions. This was the first outing for Andrew and Rhys who fell into place throughout the outing by participating fully and getting active. Welcome to the Alevin!

It didn’t take long for Explorers to remember their knives and they carved in every free minute. Mentors introduced the Earth Skill for this spring: Water. This is one of the four crucial elements needed for outdoor survival. We would not be able to thrive without this important resource. As such, the Explorers had their first taste of trying to find water… but no one drank any of the findings!

Matt told a story about Swimmology. Please ask your Explorer if he can remember the story. The moral of the tale is that we can study to prepare ourselves for anything but that the real work comes when we have to act. This reminds us of the motto, The Only Way Out is Through.

As such Explorers began their journey to learn about water by getting their feet wet. We practiced carrying our water as a treasure, trying not to spill a drop. When we do not have access to the convenience of a running tap, it is vital that we safeguard our potable water. Explorers took the first steps in learning the importance of water conservation and protection through an obstacle course activity in the hawthorn trees and low-lying shrubs.

During this exercise, the Alevin also learned about ropes and leverage. Ask your Explorer who won the tug of war competition between them and the team, Dave + tree.

Though we were inclined to bask in the sunshine the forest beckoned us to play. We stopped in a clearing to talk about collecting water. Mentors gave Explorers five minutes to gather water they deemed to be most potable. During this Earth Skills Explosion, boys got water from a number of locations in the immediate vicinity.

Sources included a bath tub, mud pools, and a small rivulet. After this experience, Explorers saw a demonstration of how water collects in a watershed. They observed how water pools in lakes but were quick to point out that water isn’t always best to collect at the bottom of watersheds. Sometimes, it’s best to go as close to the source as possible.

Steve discussed what to do with the water once we’ve collected it. In order to make it safe, we have to boil, filter, and take precautions that prevent us from ingesting harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Explorers have a lot more to learn about this, but we will be working with water throughout this season to deepen our understanding.

We made our way further into the forest when we reached a fork in the road. Boys were exactly split 6-6 about which way to go. Organically, and much to the mentors’ surprise, Alevin began to brainstorm a solution that would make everyone happy. They manifested the EC motto, Collaborate and Compromise, and made a plan that was unanimously ratified in less than five minutes. Impressive work, guys!

Well into the darker understory, we introduced Rhys and Andrew to Spider’s Web and scattered in every direction. How wonderful it was to crawl around in the sword fern again! Following the game, some boys embarked on an important Rite of Passage while the rest of us participated in a Circle of Thanks. While sharing apples together, we practiced our motto, Attitude of Gratitudeand gave thanks for our experience together.

The day ended in the sunshine, just like it started. Thank you Explorers for your energy and ambition to seize the nice weather. Parents, thank you for your support and encouragement of your Explorers and this program. We’d like to remind you to check out the photo gallery and peruse the website to be prepared for the next outing on April 21st. See you then!

Exploring with the Alevin Explorers' Summer Camp

It is always a significant challenge to try to encapsulate a single exploration in an outing report. When that outing report is attempting to encompass an entire week’s journey, the writer's task becomes so impossible that one can only surrender that foolish aim. Instead, the inspiration comes to provide vignettes or snapshots; to supply the parents with a pointillist picture and allow your minds to connect the dots.

We know that too often the boys come home from a very full and powerful outing and all the parents get in summary is something to the effect of, “it was good.”  Let It Be Known that it was more than good: it was a full life experience, with laughter and tears, cheers and fears, connection and growth. Everyone embraced the Explorers’ Club motto ofstretch your edge.

We poked around the 100 Aker Wood, following our curiosity as it took us down strange paths filled with mysterious bugs, crazy-looking mushrooms, primitive shelters, slugs and snails, nettles, mystery birds, games, teachable moments, and towering trees. Explorers learned how to identify different trees by sight, smell, and touch, and then through games. We learned a little more about how the animals navigate the woods by getting down and crawling around on their level. We introduce the game of Spider's Web, and Explorers’ Club favorite, and then moved on for some fun navigation skills. We navigated the woods, and navigated our own group culture at the same time.

At Bakerview Beach, a chilly beginning turned into an epically beautiful day. We navigated the great logs washed up by the Nooksack, gathered up our courage to cross the cold currents and explore the vast expanse of the mud flats. The mud coated our faces and made for a great sliding material. We touched on the art of carving, learned about knotweed, cattails, fort building, and the art of beach exploration. We found the “Earthkeeper’s Lair” and explored this magical space till it was nearlytime to go home.

Whatcom Falls Park offered the power of a tracking deer, taking new trails, a great waterfall, clambering over and climbing between massive boulders, discovering crayfish, and finding out what lies beneath the bridge we've so often traveled upon. We investigated the pond, jumped in the water, learned about concentric rings, practiced Fox feet, and played a new game called Ripple through the Forest.

Teddy bear traverse gave us the chance to get some hiking in. We played a very challenging game of camouflage gauntlet, discovered how to move quietly, how to paint mud all over our faces, and learned a little bit more about devil’s club.  The trail to Teddy Bear Cove was filled with berries, imagination, and some good teaching points on awareness. Of course there were plenty of games. The final destination is one of Bellingham's gems.  Worth many visits!

The final day at Racehorse Falls offered the amazement of fossils! A vast expanse of water gave us the challenge of learning how to cross well, trust our feet, and explore with more confidence. Fossils everywhere, interesting plants, and a giant waterfall upstream provided for a wonderful day. This place is worth seeing, and we highly recommend that parents start your own Explorers club and get out there! You will not regret it.

Thanks so much to all the Explorers for your willingness to explore your world, to cultivate your senses of connection and service, and to have fun while doing it. You made this a wonderful week. Much thanks to all the parents for all of your support!

Be sure to check out pics of the outings in our Summer Photo Gallery.