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.
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!)
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.
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