Barred Owls make a splash at Squires Lake - 6/4/16

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!' Robin Williams

It was almost like we had a few different outings last Saturday at Squires Lake. Early on, the group struggled to make decisions. Then a little somewhat fractured time as several boys explored the creek bed draining from the beaver pond while others had lunch or worked at re-engineering the flow of the water. Then, well, let's leave that for a minute....

The decision making was challenging. Should we take the longer, potentially more interesting ridge trail or stick to the more direct but hillier lakeside route? Our multiple decision circles alternately featured collaboration, conflict, impatience and compromise (see Mottos - Collaborate and Compromise). Oh, and there were sticks...more than a few sticks. Our tribal elder earned his stripes this day! 

Compromise won the day as they decided to take the lake route to the beaver pond and the ridge trail on our return. 

Re-engineering

Before long, we dropped into the creek bed as a more interesting route to the beaver pond. The going proved tricky; before long, we stopped to rest, have a bite and explore.

Decision-making takes a lot out of a guy

A scouting party reported that the beaver dam wasn't in place, so we decided to turn our attention to the lake. A short walk later, we arrived at a great swimming spot and the energy level went through the roof! 

SPLASH!

So much wildlife!

The relevant motto here is Connect and Protect. "If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it." –David Sobel

And love the lake they did! This is pure Mark Twain/Norman Rockwell stuff!

We wrapped by talking a little about our spring season. We found the Rock Trail interesting - love those caves! - but wanted the space to play more games. Our hike to Lizard Lake was rewarded with carving practice and more cave exploration, but it was quite the hike! Our service outing showed once again that hard work is necessary to care for our environment, and last Saturday the lake was just pure fun. We're grateful for the many places to experience nature’s splendor and to practice behaviors that will soon define us as 21st century men.

Click here for the rest of the photos from our outing.

Thanks from your mentors for your support through the spring. Hope to see you in the fall!