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.     

Foundations of Service with the Alevin Explorers

As the string of good weather came to a close, our Alevin explorers gathered for their Foundations of Service service project at Larrabee State Park. We had the good fortune of having to mentors in training from our oldest Explorers group to help guide us through the day.

We began by gathering on the lawn and opening with a challenge, The Human Knot. Explorers formed a circle and place their hands in the center. Then each grabbed one end of a segment of rope until there was a dense web forming the hub of their human wheel. Then the challenge began. How can they untangle this knot without letting go of their rope? With some interesting acrobatics and some surprising results we ended up untangled and facing the day.

We sat down and began our morning meeting, contemplating our Explorers club motto, Our Cups Overflow, with a very concrete example. An empty cup was placed in the center of the circle, and a large jug of water. Explorers were then asked to name all the necessities of life that they have. Answers came forth: food, shelter, water, trees, the sun, etc. Then they were asked to name all of the extras that they had that make their life more full. More answers poured forth, and for each answer water was poured in that once empty cup. Answers kept coming until the cup overflowed, and still there was more. It became apparent that we have so much in this world, that our cups overflow, and that giving is the most natural thing for us to do. We looked out over the beautiful park and imagined it without giving. All the invisible bonds, like the ropes that united us in the human knot, unveiled themselves as bonds of giving and receiving.

It was apparent that action was the next step. We give out jobs for the day and began hiking. But first, a quick game of Hide! was in order. As we made our way up toward the side of the road where a sea of ivy was waiting for us, we found many curious things along the way. Birds, plants, and mushrooms were all deep in the dance of spring. Our mentors in training helped with a few awareness points and teachable moments.

Then came the Ivy. It was not as bad as it once was. Both Boys’ and Girls’ Explorers Clubs have been at this ivy patch for years now. It was encouraging to see the difference and very apparent how important it is to maintain service. We talked about natives, non-natives, and invasives; demonstrated some ivy pulling techniques; dove in.

Pulling ivy is one of them most suitable service projects imaginable for young boys! Pulling, yanking, cutting, and having contests to see who can make the biggest ivy ball were all part of the service. Service can be fun… and should be.

After a good bit of service, we wore ourselves out. We took a look at the ivy and saw a sizable dent. We talked about good ways to get rid of what we had pulled, and decided upon impromptu  experiment to see what would happen to an Ivy ball that we left. We will surely have to come back and see. Just as we were about to leave, we noticed that our older mentors in training were missing. It was time to find them. We headed down toward the water, keeping our eyes open and our ears tuned.

There is no replacement for experience. Our older boys did a great job sneaking up on our younger explorers, which brought out some good laughs and a fun little awareness lesson.  Then came the beach.

This Explorer has learned that it is folly to have much structure planned for when the boys actually reached the beach. Beaches are made for authentic exploration. In some ways they are the antithesis of a schedule. The boys roamed and poked about, discovering starfish, sea vegetables, crabs, and more.

We finished the day with a closing meeting, bringing our minds toward the term “intertidal” and what it means, and considering the role of starfish and why they hang out under rocks.  We finished with a Circle of Thanks and some snack.  Overall a great day.  Much thanks to all the Explorers for your good work!  Much thanks to the mentors in training for your wonderful contribution.  Much thanks to all the parents for your enduring support!

Don't forget to check out pics from the outing in our Photo Gallery.