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.

Alevin Explore Pine and Cedar Lakes

The Chuckanut Mountains are probably the ideal place for immersing in the natural world with Alevin explorers.  Despite the warm weather and sunny skies the trailhead for Pine and Cedar Lakes was quiet as Greg and Matt waited eagerly for the boys to arrive.  The Alevin have been stretching the edges of their skills this season.  They have begun to step into the role of mentor to the younger explorers, they are learning to create fire, and their carving skills are steadily growing.  The Alevin are decisive and efficient when working as a group and there are many compassionate leaders emerging from this group of strong young men.  The mentors were excited to offer them another challenge to finish their season.

Once all of the explorers had arrived Matt and Greg held a very brief opening meeting and without any prompting the boys simply began to head up the trail.  The mentors looked at one another slightly amused and followed their lead.  It became apparent that our group had several different paces emerging and it would be necessary to figure out how we were going to travel as a group.  Matt helped the boys brainstorm some trail etiquette.  The Alevin established that we needed to stay together, yield to other trail users, not trundle rocks, avoid switchback cuts, and offer a friendly hello to the folks we met.  The motto “Its about the Journey not the destination” rings true and the boys and mentors kept that in mind as we started back up the trail.  Given that we were a group of twelve our paces were very well matched and we managed to stay together for the most part for the rest of the hike.

The trail to the lakes is quite steep.  So when the boys requested a stop for lunch we had to search quite a ways for a reasonable were we could congregate and not block the trail for a quick lunch break.  Matt and Greg attended to the first of the emerging hotspots and after filling our bellies we set out once more to climb ever upwards along the old logging road.  We passed numerous plants, which offered us a chance to learn a few more species that abound in our local woods.  We saw Goat’s Beard, Foam flower, and Piggy Back plant in bloom and even a species of orchid called Rattlesnake Plantain (though it will bloom later this summer). 

When we finally reached our first major junction someone yelled “HIDE!” and off into the bushes we scattered.  The flat sunny spot next to the junction was the perfect place for a rest and some time to practice a few skills.  Matt was working on his hand drill fire by friction technique and many boys were practicing their carving skills.  The Mentors suggested that the Alevin needed to make a decision about which trail to take and offered a map of the Chuckanut Mountains for guidance.  A decision was made in record time and again we headed up.  Along one switch back there is a perfect log crossing that spans a small seasonal drainage.  The boys were eager to cross, but with urging from the mentors we worked through a full risk assessment, came up with a plan, and those that wanted to were able to cross the log!

There were several stops along the way before we reached the junction that would take us the last little bit down to the lakes.  We attended to blisters, listened to owls, investigated fatwood, and examined the landscape for places to play a game of spider’s web. When we finally reached the junction Matt and Greg prompted the group to make a decision about where to have our closing meeting.  It was quickly decided that we would head down to the shore of Cedar Lake explore for a brief time and then finish our season with a strong closing meeting.

The sight of the lake injected the Alevin’s tired legs with a burst of energy and they ran the final 100 yards and dispersed along the lake shore looking for signs of carnivorous plants and amphibians.  With some reluctance to stop exploring, the boys gathered for a final circle of gratitude.  We reflected upon our journey this spring that began amidst the fossils of racehorse falls and ended with the warmth of sun on sandstone beside Cedar Lake.  Thanks were given to the land, trees, the lake, mentors, explorers club and family.

With the realization that we must cover the same distance in one hour that had just take us three hours to accomplish we set off down the trail.  At first the boys were racing down the trail a cloud of dust following them, but slowly their pace evened out into a steady walk down the steep trail and in the span of one hour (with lots of help from gravity) we emerged at the trailhead to find the smiling faces of the Alevin Explorers’ families.

The mentors would like to offer our deepest gratitude to the Alevin Explorers.  You are fine human beings and we are grateful to know you.  We have noticed so much growth in you since the beginning of the fall season.  When you come together again in September for the first outing of the Fall the Mentors will be eager to see you again and hear the stories of your summer adventures.  Hopefully we will see you around town this summer, in one of our camps or better still in the Chuckanuts! One final thank you to the parents and families of the explorers.  Your sons are great people and it is a pleasure to work with them.  Thank you for your trust with them and for supporting the work we do.  There are lots of photos in the gallery so please take a look!

Alevin Exploring Racehorse Falls

Waiting.  Anticipating.  This is the state of mind that the Boys Explorers Club mentors live in as the spring season approaches.  What events have unfolded and shaped the lives of these boys we are waiting to see?  Starting with a journey out to Racehorse Falls is a fantastic way reunite and begin our Spring season. 

The Alevin were short four boys this outing, a testament to the busy lives that they lead.  We missed those who were absent, but we look forward to seeing you all at our next outing!  Our opening meeting was humming with energy.  There were so many stories to tell and much to catch up on.  Matt and Greg held a brief meeting and those explorers that had previously been to Racehorse Falls shared numerous bits of trail beta to the whole group.  We quickly boarded our faithful bus Stubbs and headed out.

Our bus ride provided the boys a chance to chat and catch up about the winter, we parked Stubbs piled out, and had our opening meeting. Mentors handed out jobs took an opportunity to refocus our eyes to the emergence of Spring.  Much like our explorers, plants in our forests are busting with energy after patiently waiting for the lengthening of daylight and a chance to bloom.

Following a brief discussion we headed out on a boot beaten path and into the lush forest festooned with moss and lichen.  Abruptly the trail met a huge logjam which we scrambled over and onto the large cobbled banks of Racehorse Creek.  Here the ground is littered with fossils of ancient plants.  Their forms are distinct enough to identify.  There were palm fronds, grasses, deciduous leaves and ferns.  Fossils were hiding in almost every rock.  The boys were lost in the pursuit of ancient plants and quickly a log became an impromptu museum.  Matt and Greg were also head down and marveling at the abundance of ancient plant life.

After looking at our fossils, the mentors led a discussion about the ethics of taking fossils.  Should we take from this place?  How many is too many?  What should our intentions be when we collect these things?  It was an interesting discussion and we agreed as a group that one or two taken with deep respect was appropriate.

The challenge of our outing was finding a suitable creek crossing.  The waters of Racehorse creek are shallow, but deep and swift enough to make wading a poor choice.  Fortunately a pair of Western Red Cedar trees were recruited by the stream and provided a narrow bridge across the cold water.  Matt gave the explorers a brief primer on keeping backpack straps unbuckled incase of fall into the creek and stepped lithely across the log to a point where he could assist the boys should they need an extra hand for balance.  One by one the boys mustered their concentration and carefully crossed the creek.  After a quick stop for a snack we charged upstream eventually finding the deer paths that were much more efficient that the ever narrowing bank.  At a broad gravel bar interspersed with Red Alder saplings and enormous tangles of splintered tree trunks we dropped our bags.

Matt led the explorers up to the falls while Greg prepared for a brief skills lesson on fire.  The boys and Matt reveled in the magic and power of the cascading water, and after a brief stay returned to the gravel bar where Greg was waiting to share some fire knowledge.  The river’s abundant supply of large cedar logs made fire making materials very easy to obtain.  Greg briefly demonstrated how to properly baton splits of cedar into smaller and smaller pieces.  With a small pruning saw and a knife we transformed a huge splinter of cedar into beautiful firewood.  Greg also demonstrated using his knife to shave paper-thin curls of wood off of a cedar stick and create “feather sticks”.  By now the weather had shifted and a steady rain was falling.  With the help of a little stick of “fat wood”, Greg was able to start a small fire with the sparks cast from a ferrocium rod (often incorrectly called a flint and steel).

We basked in crackling cheer of our very small fire and discussed the fire journey ahead of the explorers.  We extinguished the fire and scattered the soggy ashes so that like the deer we could disappear back into the forest.   Mustering all of our focus we doggedly hiked back to stubs executing another flawless stream crossing.  Once at Stubbs we circled for our closing meeting and gave thanks for another chance to be together and share these rich experiences in wild places.

Thank you Alevin Explorers for another fantastic outing.  What a tremendous way to begin a season exploring together!  Another thank you to you Parents, we certainly could not do this important work without your support!

BEC: Alevin Explorers Rediscovering Arroyo Park

The Alevin Explorers gathered for their last outing of the season this weekend, and were again graced with wonderful weather.  Arroyo Park can be a refrigerator, as many of us know firsthand, but it proved pleasant on this mid-November day.  After our last exploration at the Eagle Park, the Alevin were ready for a little more challenge and a preview of what’s to come in Explorers Club.  These boys are getting older, and it is time for them to start rising into the challenges, privileges, skills, and adventures that we reserve for older Explorers.  It’s exciting to be alongside this growth, and it is very apparent that the timing is right.  These Explorers can travel further, work better as a team, think more deeply, engage their subtler senses, and accumulate the skills it takes to explore the deep wilderness of our landscape… even the deep wilderness of our own backyards.  One of the secrets that they will be learning in these coming years is that Wilderness is everywhere… it’s in the moss that is clinging to the side of your house, the spider under your desk, and in the lift in your breastbone as you take a deep breath and smell the changing of the seasons.  Once an Explorer (of any age) deeply realizes this, the world becomes a much more exciting home.

We began our outing with some general curiosity.  Dave and Matt expended no effort in exciting curiosity as they watched the boys begin tromping down the slope to check out the nearby creek.  Plenty of plants, fossils, bugs, and general curiosities immediately revealed themselves.  And all of this before the opening meeting.  We had a small incident with swinging stick and the need for recognizing theblood circle and that EC Motto that a tool is an extension of the body.  Thankfully, there were no persisting injuries, and we could have our opening meeting.

But, as we said, the Alevin are ready for a different way.  We began our meeting with a challenge.  All Explorers stood on a tarp.  The rules were simple.  Flip the tarp so that everyone is standing on the other side.  No one can step off the tarp.  The Alevin got to work, and a flurry of different problem solving and leadership styles, conflicts, and conflict resolutions were displayed.  Dave and Matt said very little and let them figure it out.  After a good amount of time, they finally came to a technique that worked, but not everyone would participate.  This lead to more social problem solving, and to questions: what do you do when you don’t accomplish a task?  How do you manage it?  How do work through it as a group?  Greatdiscussions were had, and the whole group got some real insight on how to work together.  See the below video for a quick peak…

After that, we needed to get started.  But, again, it was up to the Alevin to make this happen.  Dave and Matt handed off the jobs list to the boys and let them run the opening meeting.  Of course, they have much to learn here, but they are learning it, and that is the key.  The jobs did get handed out, we prepared thoroughly, and then we were off for exploration.

A few games of Hide! were essential.  We also had a few rounds of Talbott’s Game.  Then some navigation challenge made the group figure out a little more about path finding and decision making.  A little further down the trail, and then we found the magic spot.  This spot is not for younger Explorers, and it takes a light step and care for the land in order to enter.  The Alevin agreed to observe this, so we headed in and discovered a great landscape.  You would never know it existed from the trail, but that is part of its magic.  Giant old cedars and a pair of guardian winter wrens greeted us.  We explored a bit, then set up for a truly challenging round of Spider’s Web.  This was no easy task, and the spiders were vicious.  The group did a great job of working together and learning individually.  In the end, we shared insights and recognized how much learning can occur in one simple game.

We had a good sit spot afterward to appreciate the area and our personal connections to it.  Then finished off with a strong closing meeting.  Each shared something he was thankful for and a vision for the next season.  Explorers, this is your group.  Your mentors are guides, not directors, so you have the power to choose where we go.  Keep visioning and we’ll all do the work to make it happen.

Thanks everyone for a great outing!  Thank you Alevin for your growth and sense of exploration.  This Explorer has a hunch that next season will be the time when you earn your new name as a group.  Thanks so much to all the parents for your enduring support.

Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.

Exploring North Galbraith Mountain with the Alevin

Boys were jubilant during their last outing of the season and met at North Galbraith Mountain trailhead to celebrate the end of school and the beginnings of summer. Our first orders of business were to “Ki-ai” the tent caterpillars, harvest Salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis), and listen to the upward, spiraling call of the Swainson’s Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus).

Thank you to both of the Explorers Mentoring Apprentices who volunteered their afternoon with us. Both James and Kyler, as members of the Firestalkers group in our Four Shields program, mentored younger boys throughout the day. And Alevin explorers certainly garnered a lot from your being with us!

We hiked into the forest and recognized the broad-leafed spiky plant that challenged us two outings ago. It was the Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) and it dwarfed us as it grew tall and strong in the understory on the slope up-trail of us. It was a great chance to compare and contrast the leaves and branches with that of the Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) growing directly above it.

During opening meeting we ate lunch together and Drew explained about hazards in the area from bikes to dogs. We learned how to be friendly to dogs and understood how to act if approached. Dave forgot utensils and had to carve chopsticks in order to eat lunch and many boys joined in the carving culture during meeting. We recognized the Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus) who alarmed at our entrance to its territory and then watched us cautiously for the duration of our stay.

We were on our way further into the forest when Eric called out the famous “four-letter word” that makes Explorers drop their packs and go crashing into the bushes… H-i-d-e! We trekked toward an open area for another game, but Logan exclaimed that he had a salamander. Sure enough,Plethadon cinereus, the Red-backed Salamanders were living in burrows beneath our very feet. Rhys jumped to attention also and dug around to find a couple also. As this group considers finding its own name (as opposed to the mentor-assigned “Alevin") one thought that comes to mind is something to do with salamanders.

Boys took the chance to explore our new base area. Cole and Kiefer were interested in a nearby electric fence but didn’t engage it in a battle :) Andrew seized an opportunity to listen to James’ knowledge of harvesting Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and began harvesting it on his own.  Gavin, Miles, and Jonah found Douglas Fir cones and a perfect bat and had a makeshift baseball game- “Forest Style.”

Many Explorers learned about how toxins and cures live side-by-side in the forest. After getting stung by nettles, they looked to the neighboring Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) and its spores for a relief from them pain. They learned the basics of asking permission and respectfully harvesting the medicine and then making their own spit poultice to cover the skin irritations. Boys were pleasantly surprised by the assuaging sword fern remedy and soon forgot about their stings.

We played Spider’s Web where Jasper proved to be a formidable Spider in the first round. Then Kyler and James humbled us all by being the Spiders for the following round. Alevin have a lot to learn about camouflage, hiding, and patience from their elders!

During the subsequent sit spot, we had fifteen minutes to listen to the sounds of forest. Boys mentioned hearing various bird calls, wind in the trees, sounds of friends carving, and two different streams. This is a good reminder for this season’s Earth Skill, “Water.” One way we can find a place to start is if we sit quietly and listen carefully; we may be able to find the water sources by hearing their gentle murmurs.

Riis is in good health, but reminded Explorers of the importance of focusing all of our attention when using a knife. Though blood was shed, he remained focused during the first aid process and went through an important rite of passage for us knife users. Everyone is bound to accidentally cut him or herself at least once. Welcome to the club!

And this serves as a notice to the Alevin that you should practice using your knife with adults or mentors nearby so we can help if you get hurt. Remember the mottos: Safety First, A Tool is an Extension of the Body, and The Difference Between a Tool and a Weapon is You. Also, keeping a sharp blade is important so that you cut properly. Explorers and parents, please get in touch with us if you have any questions about knife safety.

We closed our day with a Circle of Thanks practicing our motto, Attitude of Gratitude. This Outing Report closes the same way:

Thank you Explorers for a great season together. Your curiosity in the forest led to many learning opportunities and fun games. We did great work together at Connelly Creek too! Parents, thank you for the support and encouragement this season. Your willingness to get Explorers to the outings truly makes your boys, and this program, flourish and shine.

If your son wants to explore with us this summer, we still have room. Please click here to see our offerings. We also have a Summer Solstice Gathering on Thursday, June 20th. Please come out to Hovander Park if you want to connect with other Explorers and their families. You can see more pictures from the outing in the photo gallery too. We look forward to seeing you around town, at camps this summer, and for the fall season too!