Presto! The Barred Owls change an exploration into a traverse at Lake Padden

We haven’t lacked for weather this fall, have we? Wild Whatcom’s first day of outings this season was cancelled and the outings rescheduled due to high winds and the storms have been pretty persistent since. Sunday was no different. With a high wind warning for mid-afternoon, we decided to play it safe and switch from our planned exploration to a traverse to the Lake Padden dog park area, which would put us in easy striking distance of an open field away from forest hazards should the winds come early. We also recruited the explorers to track the weather. Awareness of the vicissitudes of our natural surroundings is a key component of self-reliance in the outdoors.

With our senses heightened, we strode confidently into Lake Padden park (from Galby Lane) and circled up for our opening meeting. The Barred Owls (note that we’ve dropped the “et” because we’ve been at this for a while now - no longer babies) have come a long way from last fall when we were just learning how to respect each other in our meetings. Remember the five finger contract? We barely find the need to invoke it anymore. Always more work to do, of course, but the mentors are grateful for the progress these boys have made. 

OK, jobs assigned and caution about the weather expressed, we were off to decide on a spot to practice our skill for the fall - shelter building. I trust the reader is well aware that when we work on a skill the mentors aren’t just interested in a shelter or a spoon carved from a fallen tree. Along with the aforementioned self-reliance, we look for traits such as problem solving (motto - Turn problems into possibilities), teamwork (motto - Many hands make light work), careful effort (motto - Slow is fast and fast is slow), focus and more. The Barred Owls are interested in moving on to carving, as most groups are at about this age. So Joey and I talked with the boys about the behaviors we’re looking for as we consider their readiness for that activity. 

We’re going to have to work on our stump speech, because their effort was inconsistent at best. Not surprisingly, some boys’ work was more disciplined than others. We all learn and develop at our own pace. Overall, however, our assessment was that the Barred Owls, as a group, aren’t ready. Brian (Joey’s off to Nicaragua for 12 - 18 months to teach, travel and explore) will look for signs of improved readiness when we reconvene in the spring; progress can happen rapidly at this age.

With the shelter built, we had some lunch (with a watchful eye on the wind), then moved down the trail to be closer to the dog park area and the open field. Along the way, we found an intriguing spot to play that Explorers Club favorite, Spider’s Web. In another example of the Barred Owls’ progress, we were able to resolve a conflict concerning who would be the spider thanks to some nice work by our tribal elder and a quick Rock, Paper, Scissors match. 

Spider’s Web is about stealth and resourcefulness. The spider guards the “food source” while the flies (everyone else) try to capture it and return it to the web. On our selected course, the food source was uphill from the web, which provided the spider with a high perch from which to call out the flies. After a few trips back to the web, the flies had to raise their game by selecting new routes, moving more stealthily, and possibly collaborating with fellow spies. 

Then something interesting happened: the spider changed identities. I’m not sure how that happened or why, but half way through, the spider and one of the flies switched roles. Hmmmm. Curiously, the rest of the spies just played on as if it was the most natural thing! The game ended when the muddied flies managed to return the food source to the web.

It was after two now and still little wind. It was beginning to dawn on us that we were going to make it through without having to dash for the field! After hiking the rest of the way down, we circled up again for our last meeting of the season. We gave thanks, said “So long!” to Joey and talked about where we might want to go in the spring. The allure of the Salish Sea was evident as both Clayton Beach and Teddy Bear Cove were suggested. 

As I see it, the Barred Owls have moved through the Forming and Storming stages of group developmentand are now Norming as they mature and internalize the Boys Explorers Club culture. It’s been rewarding to watch them morph from a collection of rascally individuals to a loosely formed cohort. I’m looking forward eagerly to their continued evolution and their emergence as a Performing team.

Click here to look at the rest of the photos from our traverse.

Also, note that we have a schedule of outings in the winter in which your explorer might have an interest. Have a peaceful holiday season. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the spring.

The Barred Owlets conquer the Teddy Bear traverse

BO 10/25/15  Teddy Bear Cove traverse - Blog

One of the things about my personal experience of parenting that most impressed me was the way each child morphs into several different kids over the course of growing into adulthood. Preschoolers are filled with wonder at the little things; eight to ten year-olds (in my experience) are the most joyous people in the room; adolescents are confused much of the time; teenagers are…well, you get the point. Trying to keep pace with, or heaven forbid, stay ahead of the changes is a demanding and rewarding aspect of parenting.

I learned that lesson again on Halloween when the Barred Owlets traversed from the North Chuckanut trailhead to Teddy Bear Cove. Joey and I fretted over how they would handle the bushwhacking, the hazards, the focus required to succeed in what we perceived as an outing that would be a stretch for them. How would they react to the sting of the dreaded Devil’s Club? Would fatigue wear on their spirits, causing them to snipe at their peers (or - aghast! - their mentors!)? Were we asking them to stretch their edges a little too far?

I’m thrilled to report that none of that happened. Rather, your boys dispatched this challenge with aplomb. Elation was the emotion most often expressed, as when we took time out from our hike to play not one, but two games of Spider’s Web. A sense of accomplishment was the sentiment voiced when the boys learned they had completed the most difficult part of the traverse. Disappointment found its way into their countenance only when they learned we needed to stop doing what we were doing because we needed to move on. Joey and I, and volunteer mentor Conor, were nourished by both the land and the boys on this rainy, then cool and cloudy, Saturday. It was an outstanding day - one for the photographic, inscribed and mental memory banks.

We started in the rain at the very familiar North Chuckanut trailhead parking lot. Rather than head into the Chuckanuts, though, we crossed Chuckanut Drive (the first of three times) and dropped into a wooded area not far from Bellingham Bay. In our opening meeting, the mentors stressed the hazards and challenges the day would present us, but assured the explorers that they were ready to handle them (truer words were never spoken, as it turned out). We then played a few games of Hungry, hungry martin. Sufficiently warmed and enthused by the games, we departed south and soon reached the end of the trail. As we discussed the best bushwhacking route - on the side of the hill or across the flats - I watched for hesitancy in the faces of the boys. We faced approximately 3/8 mile of off-trail hiking punctuated with downed trees to be vaulted, Devil’s Club to be avoided a la ‘Elastic Man’, mud to be navigated, and more. But no iffy expressions. In fact, if that sounds to you like an ideal day for a bunch of 10 year-old boys, you’re catching on to the zeitgeist of our outing. Nothing too scary on this Halloween!

We cleared through the scrubby patch in good shape and ahead of schedule, so we taught Conor how to play Spider’s Web and “allowed” him to be the spider for our second game. The flies had a good day on this ideal Spider’s Web course, with two victories. Following these games and some lunch, we resumed our search for the Woodstock Farm trails and were soon reviewing maps of the area to get a sense of where we were and what lay ahead. 

What lay ahead was our second crossing of Chuckanut Drive and connecting with the Interurban trail that would transport us to the point from which we were to descend to Teddy Bear Cove. A third Chuckanut Drive crossing and we were within striking distance of the cove.

The last manmade hazard before Teddy Bear Cove was the crossing of the train tracks, which happened without incident. At this point, one either goes north or south around a small mesa, if you will, as both directions lead to a beach or up to the flat-topped hill. We met at the top and determined we had time for free play. If you haven’t ever been to Teddy Bear Cove, I recommend you make time. Depending on the tides, there are two small to medium size beaches and the hill in between. The explorers played in the sand, found multiple routes up and down the steep hillside or just took it easy in a beautiful spot.  

Several boys, and all the mentors, took advantage of the view over the Salish Sea for our sit spot. Astounding is not too dramatic a term to characterize the location for connecting with the beauty and wonder of our natural neighborhood.

Back across the tracks and up the hill to meet our rides at the end of a spectacular outing. These boys have morphed since last year and I’m challenged to keep up with their ever expanding skills and desires in the outdoors.

Click here for more photos of our traverse.

Clip, clip, dig, dig - Grey Fox Kits and Barred Owlets finish Connelly Creek fall service

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Rabindranath Tagore

BEFORE: Car parts, broken bottles, rusted nails (thousands of rusted nails!), wire fencing, miscellaneous trash…numerous bags of trash. Rats - several of the deceased and the scurrying kind observed. Invasive Himalayan Blackberryand Reed Canarygrass that had largely overtaken the restoration site alongConnelly Creek. Humans and plants had invaded and degraded several acres along the creek, which feeds Padden Creek. 

WHY BOTHER? Ecological biodiversity is the mix of ecosystems, natural communities and habitats. It’s the variety of ways that species interact with each other and their environment. Change one factor (e.g., plant diversity), and everything else is affected. Biodiversity is an important part of ecological services that make life livable on Earth. They include everything from cleaning water and absorbing chemicals, which wetlands do, to providing oxygen for us to breathe - one of the many things that plants do for people. Biodiversity also allows for ecosystems to adjust to disturbances such as fires or floods. If a reptile goes extinct, a forest with 20 other reptiles is likely to adapt better than another forest with only one reptile. 

So, our humble restoration site at Connelly Creek offers an excellent opportunity for our explorers to learn first hand how ecosystems work while causing a real and observable positive impact on something that really matters. 

THE WORK: For several years now, the Boys Explorers Club (BEC) has worked under the guidance of Bellingham Parks and Recreation to restore the site to greater health. Using tools provided by the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, your boys have cleaned out the garbage, cut back and uprooted blackberry vines, stamped down the Reed Canarygrass, planted native trees and shrubs, and spread bark mulch…..yard after yard of bark mulch!

This is a long-term project. We’ve made mistakes, such as when we cut down the Canarygrass, which it turns out encourages future growth! So, we stomped it down, a la Godzilla, and covered the site with several inches of bark mulch, only to return to the site after a few month’s absence to find the Canarygrass having returned to its former “glory”. It’ll take years for the alders, ninebark and other species we planted to shade out the grasses and reclaim the land, the best long term solution. In fact, the project just might outlast the Grey Fox Kits and Barred Owlets time in Explorers Club! Of course, it’s a shame we have to do this work. But the lesson for the boys is clear: there will always be work that needs to be done for the good of the larger society and each of them can have a positive impact. In fact, there is joy is service to others and to the land.

This weekend, we worked to clear blackberries from an area roughly 20 by 50 feet along the creek. While that might not seem like a big area, consider the number of blackberry root balls that needed to be extricated, or the fence that saw the light of day for the first time in years, or the tree that was liberate from the strangle hold of the prickly vines. The scratches they proudly display came from the 10-15 foot long vines they cut down to a size that could be bagged and carted off. The tired, sore muscles are the result of wrestling (2 or 3 working in tandem, at times) with stubborn roots or digging holes to plant more trees and shrubs. The goofy smiles on their faces can be traced back to the hard-earned satisfaction of having done meaningful work, and done it well, as the photos will attest. 

While the boys worked hard and accomplished much on this day, we cannot claim unblemished pride in our actions. Some boys could be seen climbing trees or exploring the creek when work waited; we get it, they’re boys. Not a problem. With a little prodding, they usually return to the work. However, when the mentors learned that someone had apparently cut down a spruce sapling that had been planted as part of the project, we decided to call all the explorers together to re-emphasize the serious, important nature of the work and of the responsibility each of us has to behave with honor and respect for each other and the land. Message delivered, we returned to the work and mustered a strong finish for the day and for our service work this season.

AFTER: While there is still work to be done, check out the photos here and in the gallery. The results speak for themselves…your explorers are officially part of the solution!

They have earned the right to stand tall because they have performed with honor and to great effect. They each can rightfully echo the words of one of their colleagues as he walked away from the site after completely his work: “I feel proud.”

Check out the rest of the photos from our service outing here (Grey Fox Kits) and here (Barred Owlets), and check the web site for the details on your explorer’s next outing - Grey Fox Kits, click here. Barred Owlets, clickhere.

The Barred Owlets learn to build an Earth Shelter

 When is it acceptable to take from the land?

We work diligently in Explorers Club to instill a respect for the land. We emphasize caring through action. For example, each outing has one or more “Earthkeeper” jobs (trash cleanup), and of course, each Fall and Spring we dedicate one outing to service to the land at Connelly Creek. So, when is it ok to take from the land?

The answer is nuanced as each of us constructs a relationship with our environment. One thing is clear, though. When our survival is on the line, we can feel empowered to respectfully call on the land to provide shelter and more. The boys learn the survival rule of 3’s: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without SHELTER, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food (read more). When faced with hypothermia in just 3 hours in rough weather, the ability to construct a shelter from the resources around you can make all the difference. This fall, the Barred Owlets are working on shelter building and our work began on Saturday.

First things first, however. Our opening meeting was highlighted by the welcoming of a new member to our group and a review of summer fun. I was interested to learn that 4or 5 of the dozen Barred Owlets visited Canada this summer. Migrating owls? The mentors also tried to set the scene for our skills work by painting a picture of a group needing to spend an unplanned stormy night in the Cascades, creating the need for an earth shelter, or debris hut. Not sure the boys were transported to a place of urgent action by my scenario, but I’m hopeful something registered in the deep recesses of their minds that will come in handy some day….one can hope!

On our way up Stewart Mountain, we played a few games of Hide! as the explorers were eager to return to our treasured activities after a few months away. Before long, we reached a place where a different explorers group had tried their hand at building a shelter. We reviewed their work as a way to examine the traits of a well-constructed shelter and put forward the group’s task for the fall - construct a shelter that can withstand an explorers weight.

Take a moment to reflect on what a humble shelter can do for you when you find yourself stranded (and likely panicked) in the backcountry. It can:

* warm you

* give you rest and comfort

* keep you grounded by reducing your tendency to wander

* help you slow down and plan, create tools, store food and water, etc.

* build your confidence and morale in a survival situation

For more detail on building an earth shelter, or debris hut, click here.

So, the boys had an example and instructions. It was time to get to work. The tendency at this point is to start gathering “Y” sticks, ridge poles, rib sticks and the like but, as we say in Explorers Club, fast is slow and slow is fast (more on Explorers Club mottoes here). So, we began by deciding on a good place to construct our shelter (free of “widowmakers”, close to resources, clear of water running off a hill, etc). Then off to collect those materials. 

For this first experience, we focused on building the framework of our shelter. The insulation will come later. We examined the materials the Barred Owlets collected for those that worked for the size shelter we needed and then struggled to interlock the “Y” sticks and ridge pole to provide the strongest frame possible. An explorer volunteered to lay under the ridge pole to help us size the structure as others set out to gather “ribs”. A few sticks failed in one way or another, necessitating an excursion to locate better materials. That accomplished, they moved on to lining each side of the ridge pole with ribs that would be needed to support an arm’s-length layer of leaves, fern fronds, cedar branches and the like in a finished shelter.

The boy’s efforts on Saturday put them a step closer to competence and the accompanying confidence. Our next outing is focused on service and our third outing is a challenging traverse, so we’ll revisit this skill on December 6, when we explore Galby Lane. 

Their work for the day complete, it was time for more games. We decided on Hungry, Hungry Martin, in which the martin needs to protect his food from several hungry squirrels. Picture boys dashing from the ferns and trees to try to reach the martin’s “food cache” without being eaten (tagged) by the martin. The game provided a nice balance to the earlier difficult skills work.

Time now to head down the mountain. Along the way, we stopped for a needed reflection on the wonders and gifts of our splendid natural environment in a sit spot. The Barred Owlets have matured past the point of the constant restlessness characteristic of sit spots with the younger groups, a satisfying development as their nature connection deepens. (Also nice for the mentors who get a more meaningful sit spot themselves, thanks to not having to monitor the group as much!)

It was great to be back out there with the Barred Owlets and to hear them giving thanks in closing circle once again. The mentors are looking forward to a year of growth and fun!

Check out other photos from our shelter-building outing here. 

The Barred Owlets traverse Padden Creek to Connelly Creek

As the old saying goes: The best laid plans.....

Our intention for our first traverse as a group was to follow the lifecycle of the salmon by hiking from MarinePark to the Connelly Creek service site on the trail that follows the creek through Fairhaven Park. You may remember we began the spring season by talking about the water in our bodies. Of course, mother nature complemented our conversation by providing all sorts of water in the form of a steady downpour! On the next outing, we talked about estuaries when we visited Clayton Beach. Then, we worked hard to restore the Connelly Creek service site to foster the salmon traverse. So, it made sense to tie it all together with this nicely organized hike.

But, like I said, the best laid plans....

We took off from Marine Park and headed to the estuary where Padden Creek empties into the bay. We talked about the near shore habitat as we observed the low tide, then crossed over to the south to follow Padden Creek. So far, so good. 

We hadn’t gone 50 yards, though, when the draw of the creek proved too powerful for the explorers. Several boys dropped down from the trail to the creek and splashed in. Can you feel the nice, neat plan falling by the wayside? A few more boys in the creek and we faced a decision as a group...should we abandon the trail and hike the creek bed? Thanks to our dry spring, the water level is low, which tempted even those without water ready footwear to try rock-stepping, rock-hopping, trail-side wandering and otherwise following the water without getting too wet. Or so we thought...

The explorers were excited to venture off the beaten path. A few saw a trout, all figured out how to vault over the log lying across the creek and several tested the echo-level in one of the tunnels. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves when we got to a spot that was a bit deeper - a bigger challenge for the boys trying to stay dry, more excitement for those who were OK with getting wet.

Of course, we don’t shrink from a reasonable challenge at Explorers Club (check out our Stretch Your Edge and Challenge by Choice mottos here). And that’s a key takeaway from this outing. We challenged the boys to accomplish their first traverse and then raised the stakes by dropping into the creek for much of the hike, and they responded. It’s nice to see their connection with the land deepen with each outing. And just as nice to see them stretch their edges to accept the challenges that come with spending time in the outdoors. They’re doing great! So, all’s good, right? Well......

Back to our intrepid explorers in that higher level water. A few were doing their best to keep their boots and socks dry by edging along on what turned out to be wet clay, not the Chuckanut sandstone they thought (hoped?) it was. Quicker than you can say, “It’s raining, it’s pouring; let’s go exploring!” they were in the creek up to their navels! 

By now, everyone was wet to varying degrees. Fortunately, the boys were ready to deal with the consequences of our adventurous nature, the weather cooperated (I wouldn’t wanted to have this happen on that first outing!), and we still had enough time hiking to dry most of the pants, socks, and boots. 

When the creek and Interurban Trail parted ways, we climbed back up to the trail and headed east toward the Connelly Creek service site. Hiking the trail was a nice break that lasted until we crossed Old Fairhaven Parkway. Connelly Creek is in the tall grasses, but access is limited at this point. So, back off trail. This time, we bushwhacked our way to Connelly Creek and back into the water!

Amazingly, we arrived at the service site right on time to make some tea and enjoy the cookies Steve made to atone for forgetting the apples at Clayton Beach. A sit spot to reflect on nature’s wonders and a round of thanks in our closing meeting, and the Barred Owlets’ spring 2015 season passed quietly into posterity. 

Sincere thanks to you for entrusting your boys to our care during the spring. Try as we might, we couldn’t keep them dry (even when the sun was shining) but we believe their time in the outdoors is therapeutic. We look forward to spending more time with them at camps over the summer and back to Explorers Club in the fall. Check here for photos from our traverse.

Serving Connelly Creek with the Salamander Efts and Barred Owlets

The headline might read “Connelly Creek Restoration Work Continues Apace”. Because it does, in part thanks to the efforts of the Salamander Efts and Barred Owlets on Saturday. Reed Canarygrass was “walked down” (it turns out the grass cutting we did in the fall was misdirected effort that actually encouraged growth!): bark mulch was shoveled, hauled and spread over the flattened Canarygrass: Himalayan blackberry was clipped and hauled off. TheConnelly Creek restoration site (see Happy Valley Park on the map) is better off for the strong effort put forth by these two Explorers Club groups. Service is an integral part of the Wild Whatcom mission. This work is a good thing and would make a nice story in the local newspaper.

At Wild Whatcom, we expect and strive for more, however. And for this outing, the deeper story is more nuanced. So let’s look past the headline by reviewing my admittedly arbitrary benchmarks for a service outing. 

Focus/hard work - Once I’ve seen three 60 - 80 pound boys struggling under the weight of a trash can full of bark mulch, I can’t easily question effort. However, pull the camera back during the outing and the boy sitting in a tree comes into the picture, as do the boys battling each other with bark chips as projectiles. Much work was done but the effort was inconsistent across the members of the Salamander Efts and Barred Owlets and rippled unevenly across the afternoon. 

Teamwork - I bring you back to the three boys carrying the loaded trash can. Two boys couldn’t carry that can, nor could the three of them get it to where it was needed without active communication. Likewise, a sole explorer couldn’t have dismantled a roughly 10 by 10 foot section of blackberry on his own. The mentors saw many examples of excellent teamwork throughout the afternoon. We were especially proud to observe the older Salamander Efts modeling good work habits for the Barred Owlets. 

Initiative - There’s a small ditch that bisects the work site about 3/4 of the way back. Thanks to explorers’ efforts over the past several years, most of the blackberries have receded to beyond the ditch. At one point a few hours into the outing, I jumped (ok, stepped) across the ditch to check on the blackberry work, only to find 3-4 explorers slicing through thorn-thrusting vines with the intensity of a family of beavers in spring. Rather than cut across the front of the infestation, they were tunneling from two directions and working back through the segregated area to clear a small room size area in a single effort. Nice work! I’m sure the two boys sitting along the creek, Huck Finn style and out of sight, would agree that the blackberry ravaging boys were making a real difference.

Task completion - Those who were part of the initial effort to restore Wild Whatcom’s Connelly Creek service site to ecological balance tell me the area was all but covered with invasive plants, such as Himalayan blackberry, and human trash (broken bottles, discarded beverage cans, car parts, piles of nails, and the like) when they first arrived. Well over half has been cleared and native trees and shrubs planted. Even since I joined the effort in the fall, the improvement is dramatic. Saturday’s work pushed this effort forward. It is gratifying to see the progress: these explorers are to be congratulated. 

Integrity/Honor/Respect - More could have been done on this day, however, with greater focus and discipline. There was too much squirreling out; too often did I turn to see bark being hurled at another; too often were individuals content to allow others to carry the load. I, for one, was disappointed.

Of course, what is life if not a succession of trials offering lessons and the chance to do better next time? The boys are young. This is the time for them to learn the satisfaction that comes from performing well and honorably. We’ll be back at this soon with more opportunities to help carry the heavy trash can and cut the irascible berry bushes. 

And, no doubt, I’m right in there with the boys. I can think of several times during the outing where a guiding word from me might have encouraged an explorer to lend a hand rather than squirrel out or start a bark battle. Fortunately, I get to put my lessons to work soon as well. Life is forgiving in that it offers second, third and, sometimes, fourth chances. Now there’s something for which we all can be grateful!

The Salamander Efts get back to it on Saturday, May 30, with an exploration of Blanchard mountain's alternate incline trails. Click here for the schedule.

The Barred Owlets pick up their water curriculum on Saturday, May 30 as well, when we traverse from Marine Park in Fairhaven to the Connelly Creek location. You'll find that schedule here.

Finally, check out the photos from our service work here (Salamander Efts) and here (Barred Owlets). See you out there.

The Barred Owlets discover the wonders of Clayton Beach

As you may be aware, the salmon life cycle occurs in a chain of connected environments: stream, estuary, nearshore, and ocean. Salmon fry spend from a few hours to a few years in fresh water, depending on species. When ready to leave the stream, salmon enter estuaries, where they begin to adapt to saltwater. Again, their time at this stage varies from hours to months, but it’s the changes they undergo here, called smoltification, that fascinate me. Their body shape is altered, their skin reflectance increases (more silver) and there’s an increase in their gills of the enzyme that pumps sodium out of cells. Presto/change-o, they’re now saltwater creatures. Is that amazing or what?!!!?

No less astounding is the change in humans as they transition from children to adults. This change might still be some time off for the Barred Owlets, but a focus at Explorers Club, as we attempt to complement in our “survival” setting what you do every day, is to prepare them to be caring, respectful, cooperative members of our society. A principal way we’re doing that with the Barred Owlets right now is to set an expectation of honorable, respectful, helpful behavior toward each other and the mentors. An important tool for us, as I mentioned in my last blog post, is the 5-finger “contract”. 

Steve and I were very pleased to see that several of the boys remembered that we introduced the “contract” during the torrential downpour that passed for our last outing. One mentioned that his Mom talked with him about it (great!, thanks). And, we later saw evidence that the boys are “getting it” as they helped each other with rock climbing, exploring and decision-making. No doubt, there is work still to be done, but it is rewarding to see the boys gel as a group and mature as individuals.

 But enough philosophy, you say! What the heck happened out there? Well, with a watchful eye to the sky in hope of a rain-free afternoon, we crossed Chuckanut Drive and headed down the path toward Clayton Beach. Before long, 10 intrepid Barred Owlets, 1 EMA (Explorers club Mentor Apprentice) and 1 mentor scattered into the ferns at the call of HIDE! It’ll be a long time before I call HIDE! in the spot again, for when I opened my eyes I could see not a one. With considerable effort, I managed to locate a few, but it was not my finest hour, for sure. 

Our opening meeting followed and was focused around the 5-finger “contract”, our water curriculum (estuaries) and a difficult decision - should we go straight down to the beach or play Spider’s Web first? Two good options. With our Tribal Elder’s capable assistance, we decided to play Spider’s Web first, but only for a limited time so we could have enough time at the beach. Outstanding work, Barred Owlets!

After our game, we threw our packs on again and headed down the trail. As we crossed the RR tracks, a few explorers who were familiar with Clayton Beach wanted to head off in different directions to explore. At the urging (insistence, really) of the mentors, however, we moved together down to the rocks along the shore where we could establish a base. The beach offers beach-combing, tide-pool examining, rock climbing, trail exploring and more. We needed to anchor their activities for everyone’s safety and sanity. Then, let the scampering begin!

The clouds generally won the battle with the sun throughout the afternoon, but couldn’t muster any rain and occasionally gave way to filtered sun as explorers attempted daunting rock climbing routes, examined tidepools and bounded up and through trees. (Note to self: Say everything you need to say to the boys BEFORE crossing the tracks. Once they see the stimulating possibilities at the beach, it’s tough to regain their attention!)

Before long. a check of the clock indicated it was time for reflection before our closing meeting, so we strung the boys out along a bluff overlooking theSalish Sea for a sit spot. The sound of the surf facilitated a quick connection to the wonders of this place as the sun struggled to assert itself for good. And as I gazed into the stiff, cool breeze coming off the water, I could almost see far enough into the future to catch a glimpse of these explorers at 21 years of age, strong and honorable men.

Our closing meeting in the now bright sun and on the beach (do you remember how hard it is to sit in the sand and not dig?) was notable because of Steve’s promise to provide a home-baked treat at our final outing in late May to compensate for the fact that he forgot our apples for this outing. Hurrah! 

We know groups progress in fits and starts and we shouldn’t count our chickens before they hatch, but thementors felt like the Barred Owlets moved forward with this outing. More respect towards their peers; better attention in circle; a caring attitude when exploring. A good outing - and a great launch point for our service outing on May 2 at Connelly Creek. We’ll continue our water curriculum as we work to restore the riparian habitat along the creek that is so critical to the health of salmon in the freshwater rearing and migration to spawning stages of a salmon’s life. Check here for the schedule. Oh, and here for the photos from our outing.

Barred Owlets' First-Hand Water Lesson at Arroyo Park

The good news ­ - human skin is waterproof. The not so good news -  we got to test that factoid on our hike at Arroyo Park on Sunday. The Barred Owlets have had five outings since their inception in September. It has rained hard, really hard, on two of those. Just sayin'.

In a twisted sort of way, the rain helped a little on Sunday. The skills focus for the Barred Owlets this spring is water! You see the connection, no doubt. All layered up and with our best naturalist perspective, we departed the north Chuckanut parking lot to experience the wonders and challenges of water first hand. Over the course of the spring, we are going to examine salt vs. fresh water, explore the qualities of a healthy salmon stream, and follow the lifecycle of salmon as we traverse Connelly Creek. But we begin on a very personal level. Water is essential to the function of a biological organism and commands respect for the challenges it often presents us. Click here for an introduction into the various roles that water plays in the functioning of the the human body.

In Explorers Club, we prefer to follow nature's lead when teaching the boys. In that spirit, mentors Brian and Steve tried their best to capitalize on the wondrous laboratory nature offered on our outing. What follows is a sampling of the points we stressed (with rain dripping from noses, as if for emphasis):

* drinking water helps keep you warm by aiding digestion, so drink water even if you don't feel thirsty   * water regulates body temperature through respiration and perspiration * wet clothes next to the skin can exacerbate conduction which will make you cold, so dress appropriately. That means no cotton next to your skin and it means dressing in layers to manage perspiration * cool, wet days such as we had on Sunday can dampen (pun intended) your spirits, so keep active and keep a watchful eye on your peers. Help your fellow explorers to keep their spirits high.

Check out our Be Prepared checklist for more on how to be ready for whatever the elements throw at us.

Focused listening is a challenge on a good day. On a cold, rainy day it can be even more difficult. The boys did their best to persevere through the elements and came away stronger for it. Of course, embracing the elements is what we do in Explorers club. Several of our time honored activities were very helpful on this day. Mentor Steve and Explorers club Mentor's Apprentice (EMA) Evan worked diligently in the rain to erect a shelter that helped when the rain intensified or just to grab some lunch. Several of the boys explored a hollow log and came away appreciating the advantages and disadvantages of sardine­like close­quarter huddling. With about three hours remaining in the outing and most of the boys getting pretty cold, Steve came to the rescue by transforming himself into a deer to be stalked by a pack of "cougars". Think Red Light, Green Light while running along the trail and through the woods and you have a good picture of what this game involves. We also played several games of Hide! and climbed on and around an 8­-10 foot boulder but I'm hard­pressed to explain how either of those activities helped us to stay warm and dry!

Our cougar stalks deer game led us to a juncture with a side trail leading toChuckanut Falls. In our true coyote spirit, we decided to explore that trail. Unfortunately, fatigue and cold dictated that the prudent course of action called for us to return to our base camp without our having reached the falls. A goal for another outing.

Another area of focus for the Barred Owlets this season is to work on coming together as a unique group. This is our second season together and the mentors can see some progress and some struggles in this endeavor. This is exactly what we would expect. New groups often come together somewhat warily at first as members assess their place in the community. Then, as individuals begin to assert themselves, the group will appear to backslide. With proper guidance, the tension will work itself out as norms are established that are particular to this collection of individuals. When we reach this point, we'll likely see exciting progress toward Explorers Club values of exploration, service and connection. For more information about how this group dynamic (known as Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing) operates in adult groups, click here. The Barred Owlets are still in the Forming/Storming stage. We can track their progress together over the years.

We're excited to welcome two new members to our band of adventurous boys. Fortunately for the mentors, one of these identical twins has a small freckle on his face. It's great to have them with us. I look forward to 50/50 success at choosing the correct name when addressing one of them.

Finally, we introduced the "Five Finger Contract" to the group on Sunday. Part of our work to guide the boys through the storming stage, this 'contract' is a code of conduct. It lays out principles for functioning as a team: safety, commitment, respect, direction, positive attitude and challenge by choice. Ask your explorer, check with a mentor or click here for more information.

Check out the photo gallery for pictures of wet but still adventurous Barred Owlets. For now, on to what we hope will be a warm, sunny outing to examine the wonders of fresh and salt water. Check out schedule and location details here.

Exploration at Lake Padden with the Barred Owlets

Often in life, it's when we begin to think we know what's best that we're ripe for getting taken down a notch. Such was the case during the Barred Owlets' Nov. 16 exploration outing at Lake Padden Park. And, in this instance, it was the mentors who were reminded to let go of "the plan" when nature or Explorers inspire.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. It was a cold, clear, beautiful day when we gathered at the dog run area of the park. We began with a game of Balance of Nature. Each Explorer began the game as a Barred Owl, a mouse or as grass. The owl preys on the mice, the mice eat the grass and the grass decomposes the owl when it dies. Cycle of life. So, the owls chased the mice, the mice chased the grass and the grass chased the owls. When an explorer was tagged, he became a member of the group that tagged him. After a few minutes, we called STOP and counted the owls, mice and grass. Interestingly, there was just one mouse! We talked about what happens in the wild when the population of mice (or other element of the cycle) diminishes. We then played again for a few more minutes. Amazingly, at the end of the second round, all 10 explorers were mice! Now we saw how dynamic the interplay can be.

Following the game, we held our opening meeting. It was a short meeting this day due to the fact that some of the materials for jobs were unavailable to us. Originally, we were going to skip having jobs for this outing, but the boys suggested we could do several of the jobs without the missing materials. It was great to see their interest in contributing to the well being of the group. So those jobs that were available were assigned and we headed off to check out the trail map. 

A few of the boys were excited to visit a "fort" they knew of. A look at the map revealed that said "fort" was in the opposite direction to the mentor's planned route. So we had a decision to make. The boys talked it over and decided to check out the "fort", to the consternation of "they who knew" (mentors). If you listened with all your senses, you probably would've sensed a silent "but, but…" from both mentors. Luckily, the coyote spirit took over just in time and the mentors followed the boys along the stream to a thicket of salmonberry bushes (the "fort", I think) and, to everyone's surprise, ice on the stream! 15 fun-filled minutes later, and to our relief, no immersions in the icy water, and the Barred Owlets had a true Explorer's Club experience to remember and retell at future gatherings. For their part, the mentors were reminded to stay humble and trust the boy's instincts.

Now the time was right to hike into the trees and hike we did. On the way, we played a few games of HIDE! and explored the cavity at the base of a fallen tree. Coyote den? Probably not - too big. Further along the trail, we had another decision to make; this way to a promising Spider's Web location or that way to search for an earth shelter that had been constructed by an older Explorer's Club group.The boys decided we had time to do both and to begin by looking for the shelter. 

Up and over a ridge we climbed in search mode, with our efforts quickly rewarded. The shelter was well-constructed, but incomplete. So, while some ate lunch, others piled leaves on and tossed leaves into the shelter to provide a dry, warm place to spend a night or ride out a storm.

This operation soon morphed into multiple activities: shelter building, lunch, exploration and "hanging out". Before long, it was time to engage in that time-honored Explorer's Club game - Spider's Web. In this game, the designated spider guards the food source while the rest of the Explorers, or "flies", try to capture it and return it to its home base. Stealth and camouflage are key strategies for the flies, while constant attention serves the spider well. We had interesting terrain for the game, with the earlier summited hill on one side and a gradual drop off on the other. In the middle - many fallen trees to provide cover but also present obstacles. The spider chose to stay in the middle. I can only speak for myself, but this was challenging for the flies (of which I was a proud, but ineffectual member). I tried going down the incline and around behind to no avail. I tried climbing the hill and circling around that way…caught again. I was trying to navigate down the center when the game ended. 

The sun, already low in the sky, was now dipping toward the horizon. Time for our closing meeting, which was delayed briefly as Steve demonstrated fire by friction, much to the fascination of a band of young boys eager to learn more and try it themselves. In due time.

Our closing meeting, a time to give thanks and share apples, was also a time to reflect on the group's first season together. Our thoughts ranged from our first outing at Whatcom Falls Park, where the boys first played HIDE! and Spider's Web and finished the outing swimming in Whatcom Creek, to our service outing at Connelly Creek, spent beating back Canary grass and uprooting blackberry bushes, to the heaviest rain of the season at the start of our exploration of the 100 Aker Wood, to the joy of discovering the icy stream at Lake Padden. Through it all, the boys got to know each other and the mentors, learned about Explorer's Club traditions and values, connected with the land, and contemplated all they had to be thankful for.

As with any group, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Eight and nine year old boys overflow with physical energy that at time is poorly directed. Feeling, and sometimes bodies, are hurt. But the Barred Owlets are game to improve and surely embraced this opportunity enthusiastically. They're forming into a group with shared values, goals, experiences and memories. Steve and Brian are eager to pick up with these boys in the Spring to continue their journey of growth, maturation and connection.

For more pictures from the outing please visit the Barred Owlets photo gallery.

The Barred Owlets Weather a Storm at the 100 Aker Wood

The Barred Owlets arrived at the 100 Aker Wood and quickly circled up under a tree. What started off as a drizzle quickly turned into a deluge and the group was forced to run across the grass field to the cover off an awning. Under the shelter we had our opening meeting. The mentors explained to the group that the 100 Aker Wood had been a stomping ground for the Boys EC since its inception six years ago. After handing out jobs, Brian and I talked to the group about the importance of Being Prepared. Having the right gear on a day like that is critical and makes the difference between having a great outing and being wet and miserable. However, having the right gear is only the first step to thriving on the cold days. Knowing how to use the gear is just as important. As mentors we did our best to remind the boys that keeping your rain jacket zipped up and having a hood over your hat keeps your head dry, both very important.

Once we were prepared and the jobs had been handed out our Front Scoutstepped bravely out from under the awning and the rest of the group followed out into the storm. Heading into the 100 Aker Wood we passed by a Bald Hip Rose thicket and a huge mud pit. Earlier, our volunteer for the day, Patrick Hutchins, was talking about how much he liked mud and he got his wish! Heading up the hill and into the forest we were grateful to have partial cover under the canopy of the Douglas and Grand Firs. Soon we came a junction in the trail. The group circled up to make a decision about which way to go, but it was clear that we needed to get warm first. Partnering up we locked arms with one another and moved them back and forth as fast as we could while stomping our feet. The mentors call this activity the 30 Second Freak Out. After we got warm we played a few rounds of Hide. The Barred Owlets are getting much better at the skill of camouflage, as the seeker in the game it took me awhile to find them.

Once we had taken some self-care the group circled up again and discussed their options. After some debate the group decided to head east and then try to loop back around to the other trail. It is an edge for the Explorers to set their own personal wants and needs and compromise with the group, but they are getting better. The storm was really the one who helped facilitate this group decision. The more some Explorers dug their heels in the colder the group got. As mentors we could try and convey to the group that lack of compromise only wastes their time, but it is much more powerful when it comes from teachers with natural consequences.

Navigating through the 100 Aker Woods is a lot like following a mazing. There is a myriad of trails that snake in and out of one another. The Explorers learned to track the landmarks and to leave trail markers when they came to junctions. Finding a dense Cedar grove the mentors set up a tarp shelter and the group huddled under it while we ate our lunch. As the Explorers refueled our two Explorer Mentor Apprentices, or EMA’s, for the day Jackson Perkins and Evan McNamee told the group of their backpacking adventure in the Chuckanuts last summer. While on the backpack a rare summer storm blew in dropping the temperature and raining almost four inches in two days. The story was one of learning to survive and working together to make it through the experience. None of the Explorers had tents, only tarps like the ones we were currently under.

After the story the group was inspired and we left the shelter of our tarp to play a game called Tree Tag. In Tree Tag one person is “it: and another calls out different types of flora and fauna, and the group has to run to those in order to stay safe. The boys must have played this game for an hour straight! On days like that it is often the work of the mentors to give up what they have planned for the day and just try to stay active and warm.

While boys darted from Cedar to Sword Fern, Jackson and another mentor set up a different activity called Camouflage Gauntlet by taking pipe cleaners and hiding them just off the trail to display the different forms of camouflage. Gathering the group together we lined up single file and tried to use our best Owl Eyes to spot as many as we could. While some Explorers were waiting to go they started playing a little rough with one another. This has been an issue for the Barred Owlets. Learning to respect each others space and listening to one another is the only way the group will create a comfortable space in which the boys can learn and grow. This is an edge Brian and I have been working on with the group. Be sure to remind your Explorers of respecting each other’s space and listening to one another’s requests. We talked about as a group about the word Escalation and how to identify it, recognize it, and call it out so that situations can be defused.

Once everyone had gone through the Camouflage Gauntlet the mentors took the group back through and talked about each one; finding that camouflage could be utilized through color, shape, location, direction, and distraction. Just as we wrapped up it was time to start heading back. By then the rain had all but let up and the group rejoiced. Packing up the tarp and gathering our soggy backpacks we navigated back to Fairhaven Park using the cardinal directions as our guides. We made sure to honor the group decision to take the loop trail back to our original junction.

As we came out of the woods onto the grass field the sun burst through the clouds and we circled up under some Cedars, basking in the heat. As the steam rose off our jackets in the closing circle the boys gave some thanks and shared a snack. The boys gave thanks for the opportunity to share the day together, for food and warm drinks, for shelter, for the rain and challenge, and for the opportunity to explore and play games in the 100 Aker Wood. The mentors would like to thank the Barred Owlets for their courage in weathering this storm. It is experiences like these that will bring the group together and transfer into valuable life skills. The mentors would also like to thank the Patrick, Jackson, and Evan for being such great mentors. It was vital to have extra hands and eyes to help guide the boys through the day. 

For more photos from the day please visit the Barred Owlet’s photo gallery.