The Branch Hopper’s arrived at Lookout Mountain Forest
Preserve to a light drizzle and cool temperatures. Heading up the logging road
the group looked for a spot to have their opening meeting. Finding a crowded stand
of Western Hemlocks the boys circled up, nestling into the duff.
The mentors brought the groups focus towards our skill for
the season, the Art of Water. Giving
some thanks the mentors took a moment to talk about significance of our drizzly
day. April’s high pressure produced the warmest temperatures on record in the
20th century with over fifty percent less rainfall than average for
April. Getting the boys to quiet down and listen the entire forest was
literally singing with joy for the rain. The Swainsons Trush and American
Robins buzzed around eagerly feasting on the plump Salmonberries and bathing in
puddles. The forests vibrant shades of green had come back again and a fresh
smell filled the air.
Four years ago the Branch Hopper’s Explorers Club journey
began with a simple activity, moving water from one jug through a gauntlet into
another jug with the end goal being that the boys realizing that water is
precious. Although this activity has long passed from the boys’ memory, it is
apparent throughout our many outings together that the group has fully embraced
the power of the rain.
Once jobs were delegated we turned our minds to our
location. Lookout Mountain is comprised of a vast network of logging lands and
is a major drainage for Lake Whatcom, Samish, and Padden. It is important for
the Explorers to understand this watershed connection and how rainfall moves
throughout the landscape.
Packing up we returned to the logging road and peeled off
onto the Waterfall Loop Trail. Cascading down on a bed of Sandstone the two-tiered
falls was stunning at almost fifty feet tall. Climbing down the steep Arroyo
the boys spent good deal of time following the creek in search of amphibians. Although
we did not find any frogs or salamanders we did find a very interesting logjam
with a network of tunnels to crawl through. Meeting back up at the falls
overlook the Tribal Elder did an excellent job facilitating a decision regarding
how we could use the rest of our outing time.
The group decided to spend fifteen more minutes exploring the falls and
then to head back up on of the logging roads in search of a bigger creek that a
mentor had scouted with the prospect of a game of Spider’s Web and sit spot.
Hiking up the logging road the group feasted on the abundant
Salmonberries. We also harvested some Stinging Nettles and Western Hemlock
needles to make our forest tea for closing circle. Hiking along with the Branch
Hoppers provided some time for the mentors to check in with each Explorer. It
became apparent to the mentors that these boys are both very excited and
nervous for middle school. Questions like: will I be able to open my locker,
will I be late for class, and will I fit in or be made fun of all came up.
The Branch Hoppers shadow of self-awareness is growing and
with that comes self-doubt, power struggles, leadership opportunities, increased
autonomy and responsibility, internal conflict, and experimentation with identity. Our ability as mentors to provide the
container for these boys to share open and honestly with one another as sensitive
and caring males while they grow into this next stage of life is vital. Our
mentors will be tracking this closely as we go on backpacks and explore
together in the fall.
Arriving at the creek there was three-times as much foliage
as when the mentors had last scouted it, causing us to change our route and
find another location to bring our season to a close. Looking up the road the
land started to get very steep and the Explorers would have to grasp the nettle as they sweated and
strained in the final push up the terrain. This was difficult for the group,
but provided an excellent physical challenge for them.
Breaking off from the logging road we hiked off trail until
we came to an established fire pit most likely made by mountain bikers. The
Explorers decided that this would be a great place to play a game of Spider’s
Web and have our closing meeting. As Brian and the boys set up the game, our
EMA for the day Logan Bartz and one of the Branch Hoppers got a small twig fire
going in the pit.
After a few round of the Spider’s Web Brain sent the boys
out on a sit spot while the mentors prepared for a closing meeting. As the boys
sat the land was calm and still bringing the group’s energy down to baseline. Listening
to the sound of the wind through the trees and the faint calls of birds through
the forest the boys gathered around the fire. Although the fire was a powerful
way to close the spring season it proved to be a bit of a distraction as the
boys all wanted to roast their apples slices while sharing some thanks. Their
thanks were however heartfelt and the mentors got some great feedback on what
the group would like to do next season. A few of the locations mentioned were
mud mucking in Mud Bay, intertidal exploration at Point Whitehorn, bouldering
at Clayton Beach, and revisiting Lookout Mountain.
Brian and I are so thankful to be part of the Branch
Hopper’s lives and are excited for them to step into new leadership as they
enter into middle school and go on backpacks for the first time this summer.
Parents thank you for your strong support of the program and for your
dedication to helping your boy’s connection with themselves, their peers, and
the natural environment.
For pictures from our Lookout Mountain exploration please
visit the Branch Hopper’s photo album from the day.
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