The Branch Hoppers’ first outing was met with glorious sunny skies at Fairhaven Park. We spent a good portion of the day getting to know one another and laying the core foundations for successful friendships and a fun fall Explorer’s Club season. The goal for the day was twofold: to introduce ourselves to the ancient and essentially human art of exploration and to begin learning about camouflage. The day started with Squirrel Tag. Explorers began by scrambling to not get tagged, but quickly adapted and discovered some advantageous strategies. Those “squirrels” became more able to think on their feet at a faster and faster pace.
With a yearning to get into the woods, we had a meeting to orient ourselves to the art of exploring. We began with our Explorers’ Club mottoes: Being Prepared and Safety First. At the same time we discussed the different jobs we need to have a good exploration. Each Branch Hopper received his trail job, knew his responsibilities, and had an important role in the group. Prepared and empowered, we headed to 100-Acre Woods!
We put down our backpacks and played Hide. For many this was the first time hiding in this way in the woods from the searching eyes of another. But the boys got into it and in successive rounds their camouflage techniques improved. Then we slowed down the pace to focus on developing our awareness skills with 15 hidden pipe cleaners in an activity called Camo Gauntlet. Explorers recognized that shapes, colors, and shadow are important aspects of camouflage.
The art of exploration requires Explorers following their inspirations, collaborating, and compromising to spontaneously create the day. This became apparent as the Explorers envisioned an adaptation of Squirrel Tag. The whole group thought it through, and soon enough, Explorers were laughing and running to and from each other, hugging trees for safety, and getting ready to run to the next tree when they were forced from their safe points.
Likewise, the art of Exploration takes working together in safety. As walking sticks became the craze we took the opportunity to learn two more mottoes: “The difference between a tool and a weapon is you” and “A tool is an extension of the body.”With all of this in mind we started our walk into the woods and eventually lost track of Matt. We searched for him and found him hiding in a thicket of blackberry. His camouflage was good but he reminded us about Safety First in looking for hazards while hiding, especially considering blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and the ever-present Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).
After a short while, we found ourselves running out of time. We found a
huge cedar and finished our exploration adhering to the motto: Attitude of Gratitude. We enjoyed apple slices and each other’s company and shared one thing for which we were thankful. Knowing that parents were waiting for us, we quickly left the forest and ran across the field (some rolled down the hill first!) to the waiting congregation of parents. A Big Thanks to all the Explorers for your fine work! A Big Thanks to you parents for encouraging this sense of wonder!
huge cedar and finished our exploration adhering to the motto: Attitude of Gratitude. We enjoyed apple slices and each other’s company and shared one thing for which we were thankful. Knowing that parents were waiting for us, we quickly left the forest and ran across the field (some rolled down the hill first!) to the waiting congregation of parents. A Big Thanks to all the Explorers for your fine work! A Big Thanks to you parents for encouraging this sense of wonder!
Written By: Dave Strich
Don't forget to check out photos from the outing in our photo gallery.
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