Exploring the Eagle Preserve with the Alevin Explorers

Alevin Explorers gathered together at our meeting place on Sunday, ready for a post card-worthy outing to the Eagle Preserve on the Nooksack River.  We loaded our gear in Stubbs, then circled up to prepare for the ride.  First, the wiggles needed to come out.  Each Explorer shared a movement, and the whole group mimicked.  We then talked about bus culture and our vision for the day.  Once we were all in agreement, we set out.  Explorers may remember what was on the lesson plan for the day.  It was just one word.  EXPLORE!

Though it was the end of October, we were greeted with blue skies, warm air, and pleasant breezes.  As soon as we piled out of the bus, each was eager to follow an enticing trail down toward the water.  We did manage a couple games of Hide! as a mischievous way to get to know our surroundings, then circled, ate some food, gave out the jobs, and got ready for adventure.

As we stepped on the trail, Explorers were challenged with using their innate senses of navigation.  Without any reasoning, each person was asked to point toward where he thought the water was.  All did, and it turned out we were all pointing in more or less the same direction.  Using that honing instinct, we set forth.   Plenty of tracks and signs greeted us: deer, large canine, elk, smaller coyote-ish canine, mysterious scats, and possible cats, rodents of all sizes, and more.  The cottonwoods were a brilliant yellow and sending out their sweet smell to the world.   Dry knotweed leaves rattled in the wind and above us the clouds formed the most amazing array of shapesimaginable.

As we discovered the first bank, we noted the height of the river.  It was incredibly low, and that meant that the salmon were still held up back in the bay, which meant there was no larder for eagles.  The EC motto, All Things Are Connected, proved true as we considered how just having a low water level told us so much about the condition of the natural communities.  We dropped packs and took to exploring.  Some of us decided to try to sneak up on a great blue heron in the distance.  Others became enamored with a remnant puddle filled with gunnels, other small fish, and caddis fly larva (those amazing bugs that make the protective casings out of gravel.)  A project was undertaken to save fish and move them to the larger pool.  This created a flurry of activity, and the fish often seemed grateful for their larger territory.  The heron stalkers managed to get about 30 yards away before our great blue friend took off.  Watching his wonderful flight was payback enough.

When we reconvened, we decided to head out further to find the main branch of the river.  We head over large stumps and an impressively long expanse of cottonwoods before we finally discovered the full river.  She was gorgeous, running fast and clear.  This was another great opportunity for some flat out exploration and adventure.  Some just hung out on the bank while other explored a bit upstream.  After some time, we decided to have a nice, long sit spot, but to do this in the way that older Explorers do.  Real silence and real individual experiences.  The Alevin rose to this parameter remarkably.  It was an amazing experience, and many shared powerful stories upon reconvening.

On our way back, Explorers noted the condition of the small puddle where they had been saving fish.  It was completely dried up, and the remnant fish and many larvae had died.  This was a powerful lesson in the connections made in nature, and how life and death are a part of the great circle.  Not much needed to be said.  The land did the teaching.

Finally, before heading back, we had time for one big game ofRipple Through the Forest.  We wanted to finish strong, together, and enjoying the place.  It was worth the effort.  A great game!  We had our closing meeting on the bus and Explorers each shared one thing they were thankful for.  This Explorer is thankful for that entire day, for that land and all that lives there, for each Explorer, and for all the community support.

Thanks so much!  Don’t forget to check out pics of the day in our photo gallery.

The Larrabee Traverse with the Alevin Explorers

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.

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.

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 (abit 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!]

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.     

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.

Squires Lake with the Alevin Explorers

As we gathered for our last outing of the season, it was time for our Alevin explorers to graduate to the next step of Explorers Club. We stretched our geographical edge and piled into Stubbs, our Explorers Club banana slug bus. The weather was wonderful, and it promised to be a good day for adventuring in Squires Lake.

Squires Lake, for those of you who have not been there before, is a wonderful center for reptile and amphibian activity; it is home to a vibrant and colorful wetland plants; it is a hub of busy beaver activity.  Our first mission was to find a proper place for the opening meeting. We headed up the trail with our scouting eyes searching the terrain for a good spot where we could all circle up. Explorers spontaneously began a game of counting slugs. Oh my! 32 by the time we found our meeting spot. These little slimy slitherers may be the bane of farmers, but they are also a beacon of fascination for many a young boy. 

In the opening meeting we talked about working together, our visions for the last day, and the beautiful and bountiful natural community that surrounded us. Explorers were challenged more deeply this session with finding the ability to be able to focus and come together during meeting. This community work is an essential part of Explorers Club and to each boy’s development into a healthy, happy, contributing member of our world. We talked about safety and jobs, and then brought our minds toward our next decision: which way will we go?

We checked out a map and tried to take a picture of the image with our minds. We couldn't resist playing a few games before we headed onward. The lake was magical. As we circumnavigated it, we came across a huge community of garter snakes. It is entirely possible that this little patch of snakes could have taken up the next three hours.  But there was a little more to explore, so we did eventually move on. Some waterside exploring. Some Creek navigation. A list of all the animals that we've seen so far recorded in a notebook. Fungus. New plants. A giant, hollowed out stump. So much to explore!

We gathered in a particularly challenging spot for an extensive game, and the Alevin Explorers stretched their edges quite a bit here. Right around the corner, we discovered the Beaver Pond, filled with fresh beaver chews and salmonberries. Explorers got a chance to carve, adventure along the water's edge, and test their balance on the many logs around us.

Before we knew it, it was time to head back. We tested our navigation, which proved trustworthy enough for this adventure. Piling into Stubbs, we had our closing meeting as we rolled down the highway toward home. Much thanks to all of the Explorers for your great and wonderful work! Much thanks to all the parents for your continuing support!

Be sure to check out pics from our outing in our photo gallery.

Spring Fever at Lake Padden with the Alevin Explorers

The term “Spring fever” lost all of its enigmatic properties this past Saturday.  The sun was warm and high, the birds in frenzy of nesting, the plants popping out of their slumber at alarming rates.  The boys, too, seemed to be caught up in the mania of the season, inebriated by our fast approach to our brightly burning star.  Yes, it was a great outing to the effect that we learned more about one another, our natural communities, and ourselves.  Yes, we played great games, worked on carving, and explored, learned, and rose to challenges.  And, yes, Spring Fever is a force to be reckoned with.

The boys were crazy!  Crazy!  But, Explorers’ Club is about the fullness of Life: meeting all situations as they are and artfully and skillfully improvising with the living world.  We did our best to direct all that energy into exploration, service, and connection.   This started with a bunch of games in the field.  Running and laughing is a great way to move those wiggles through the body.  We then had our morning meeting; talked about safety and about Lake Padden itself; gave out the Explorers jobs for the day; and packed up our stuff.

At the first cross-roads the Explorers wondered where to go.  Drew and Matt shrugged.  “That’s a good question.  Where should we go?”  The Explorers talked and came to a decision, and away we went.  We discovered a few interesting things as we played Hide along the way.  A little “brain” coming out of the earth!  Any Explorers remember what that was?  Some trillium.  Devil’s Club.  Nettles.  A great little stream.  Fungus galore.  Almond-smelling millipedes.  Lots of good hiding spots.

Explorers were eager to start using their knives, but we decided that at this point they’ll need to develop more skill and safety before they can use them whenever they want.  For now, with our Alevin Explorers, knife time will be when we are sitting down as a group… especially on a Spring mania day!  And, lo and behold, we did find a great spot to stop.  In fact, there was a split alder right there.  So we considered the ethics of harvesting and gathered a few splinters for carving chopsticks.  Explorers began to learn how different woods handle, and we revisited those carving and safety basics.

Then a game!  Jays and Juncos with a twist.  We played for a while and learned a bit about hiding our nests.  The most prominent lesson was not to hide your nest so well that you can’t find it!  All part of the learning process.  We finished with some open exploration, had a discussion about erosion, and then meandered back toward the lake.  What a wonderful day to be out and about.  We finished by the lake with our closing meeting and snack, and then herded our band of attentionally deficient cats over to the parking lot.  Much thanks to all the Explorers for your energy and spirit!  Much thanks to all the parents for your enduring support!

Be sure to check out our pics from the day in our photo gallery.