Branch Hoppers at Point Whitehorn 4/22/18

If you’ve ever been to Point Whitehorn, you might have noticed several bridges as you walk the trail to the beach. I certainly have. So, when one of the Branch Hoppers challenged me on the way back to the bus to guess just how may bridges there are, I guessed two. He “guessed” 19 and made a bet with me as to who was closer to the actual number. Turns out there are 19. Good guess?…not really. He knew there were 19 because he counted them on the way in.

I mention this because counting them could be considered a childlike behavior. At Wild Whatcom, we try to sweep away the distractions of our twenty-first century world in order to connect our Explorers to their natural environment. We call it wandering or, as we say it in our motto - Be Here Now. One indicator of that connection is the release of the pretenses and tensions associated with our wired existence and the reversion to such childlike behavior. Let’s take a look at what we did on Sunday to see how well we accomplished this objective.

We hiked…

We combed the beach…

We dug in the dirt, damming a tiny stream then releasing a “torrent” on the village we had created below, wreaking untold havoc on its unsuspecting occupants…

We sheltered from the cool sea breeze…

We cooked maple blossom fritters…

We lounged in the sun…

This was a pleasant adventure, replete with innocent play. Mentor Ellen and I (Steve was off getting recertified in advanced first aid to lead our longer backpacking trips.) saw more harmony within the group this outing than has sometimes been the case. Chalk it up to maturity; put it down to the beautiful natural environment; I’m leaning toward excellent mentoring! Whatever the cause, it went great!

This was our last outing of the 2017-18 year. 2018-19 will be the Branch Hopper’s last in Explorers Club (the Four Shields program awaits all who are interested in continuing — ask us for details). Next year’s schedule will be a bit different in that there could be fewer, longer outings, including an overnight or two. Service might look different as well. Details to follow when the schedule is complete.

I should know better than to accept a bet from an Explorer. Now I’m on the hook for a “treat” when we reconvene in the fall. It’s worth it, though, for the reminder to me to relax into the wonders of nature.

Photo gallery. Have a childlike summer. 

Branch Hoppers ascend to Lizard Lake, August 28, 2016

The Branch Hoppers are a veteran Explorers Club group whose appreciation for each other was apparent at the trailhead as they reconnected for the new year. It's nice to see friends so happy to get back together.

Just as great was the Branch Hoppers' acceptance of a new group member and a visiting boy from another group.  Collective and individual strength was evident: a person unfamiliar with the group would not have been able to pick out the new and one-time members. Credit the Branch Hoppers for demonstrating an Explorers Club motto - Widen the Circle.

The boys were to enact other mottos as the day progressed. The collaborated and compromised; they chose to engage with planned activities - or not (motto - Challenge by Choice); they immersed themselves in skills work, play and exploration (motto - Be Here Now).

At times lost in play and exploration and sometimes focused, these boys are at or near a transitional age in which they vacillate between childhood and adolescence. Behaviors associated with both were apparent on a mixed weather Sunday on Blanchard Mountain.

 The Alternate Incline trail can challenge younger hikers, but the Branch Hoppers are strong enough to take on a hill with gusto. It was nice to "air it out" with an energetic hike up to the lake.

Not much of a swimming lake, Lizard Lake offers an excellent habitat for beavers, frogs, fish and more. Upon arriving at the adjoining campground, the boys took a little time to explore.

We then gathered to plan the day. Our tribal elder led a discussion that addressed skills-focused work, organized play and free exploration. A year ago, the mentors would likely have stepped in to guide the conversation; not so this day. The group exhibited behaviors necessary for effective group decision making, including soliciting and valuing input from all interested group members, discussion of the pros and cons of the suggested approaches and group consensus on the final plan, all with no input from Brian or Steve. I wonder if your Explorer can explain our consensus process to you. Hint: the critical last question asked by the tribal elder: Is anyone not ok with this decision?

Our skill for the fall is the Art of Backpacking. Shelters are a foundation element of time in the backcountry: Mentor Steve demonstrated two knots critical to constructing a tarp shelter. Ask your Explorer to demonstrate the Bowline and Tarp (or taut line) knots. Refer to The Hiking Life (under skills; knots) for more information.

While Steve was working his magic, some of the boys lost focus. Fortunately, we have a few more outings to work on shelter building.

No problem with focus here!

We moved from skills work to free exploration. Lizard Lake is a place rich in nature to explore. Interestingly, while a few chose to work on an earth shelter, the majority decided to play a game of Hungry, Hungry Marten. It's fair to say the mentors were surprised none seemed interested in the beaver lodge...or the log crossing...or....

Several boys worked on their carving. Fortunately, no cuts!

A chief attraction of this outing is the boulder field up the hill from the lake. When the boulders crashed down, they created a series of caves that are great to explore. The mentors cautioned that extra care is required as the hazards are real and medical care beyond our first aid kit is a few hours distant. With that admonition in mind, the Branch Hoppers clamored over, under, around and through the caves for a while.

They checked out the site with the "Lizard Lake Legend" was discovered (true to form it was nowhere to be seen).

Verdant forest, large boulders, curious Explorers...so much for which to be thankful.

 

Welcome rain arrived late in our long outing, a reminder that fall is near. We quieted ourselves for a sit spot near the boulder field, then headed down the mountain to our waiting rides. 

As the Branch Hoppers take their rightful place as leaders among Explorers Club groups, it's a process of two steps forward, one step back. On this first gathering of the 2016/17 year, the boys showed outstanding maturity during our counsel and displayed care and concern for their peers. Several also "squirreled out" during Steve's tarp shelter lesson, however, backsliding a bit. On balance, they are a close group that treasures its shared nature connection journey.

Next up - Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve on October 1. Outing details here. And we have more photos from Sunday’s exploration. Here’s to a strong start to the year!

Branch Hoppers enjoy the wonders of Squires Lake

What do you get when you cross ten explorers, second growth evergreen forest, a 275 lb. English Mastiff, numerous tadpoles and at least twoleeches (yes, leeches) on a warm sunny Skagit County afternoon? Answer: the latest Branch Hoppers’ Boys Explorers Club outing, of course!

Our good friend Stubbs delivered us to the Squires Lake trailhead with the reliability of the atomic clock, so we quickly handed out jobs and struck out for the lake. The trail climbs pretty steadily for a third of a mile. When you arrive at the top, however, it is immediately apparent that your exertion is worth the effort: the land for Squires Lake park was donated anonymously and developed by park personnel and volunteers. The result is a picture-pretty park that can be hiked year-round and that has been preserved as an oasis of biodiversity a short distance from I-5. 

We decided to pursue our adventure by hiking clockwise around the lake. The park is showing touches of summer: robins and wrens are flitting about, frogs are croaking, mosquitoes are biting, and tadpoles are transitioning to frogs. This place is a biology lab for anyone who takes the time to slow down and observe. 

And what better way to learn about this biodiversity than by swimming in it? And swim in it the Branch Hoppers did! In a scene out of a Norman Rockwell sketch, several boys splashed in while a few others preferred sunbathing on the shore and yet others peered into the water from the near shore, observing tadpoles, dragon flies and frogs doing their own sunbathing. 

This idyllic scene was soon interrupted when a leech was spied on the leg of one of the swimmers. The uninvited guest was removed and returned to his freshwater environment while his temporary host received a little medical attention and became a bit of a celebrity (15, er... 5 minutes of fame?).  A few explorers began carving, a la Tom Sawyer, and quiet was restored. Enter leech number two. The doctoring was repeated, celebrity status was transferred to our new star and more boys decided sunbathing and carving were now more attractive than swimming.

Next, along came the English Mastiff. Three to four times the weight of the average explorer, this gentle canine was out for a Saturday stroll with his family. Oohs and aahs all around. 

Time for a change of pace. The group decided they wanted one more great game of Spider’s Web before wrapping up a strong spring season, so we packed up our gear and struck off for a suitable patch of forest. Evidence of long-ago logging was found in the form of several extremely large cedar stumps that this day served as cover for flies scrambling in pursuit of the prized “food source”. Abundant deer fern also aided the hungry flies, while the stinging nettle and devil’s club called for cautious movement. We had found an excellent location and enjoyed a fine game, although an ultimately frustrating one for the flies.

As we reversed our course for our hike out, enjoying the shocking-pink blossoms and juicy berries of the abundant salmonberry, it was tempting to reflect on the changes this spring has brought. Yes, there is the plentifuldicranum moss, water parsley and skunk cabbage the warmth of spring has nurtured. And, there are the tadpoles, visual evidence of nature’s constant metamorphosis. Most significant for us, however, is the change in these explorers. As they’ve examined the wonders of Clayton Beach, explored Galbraith Mountain, served the land at Connelly Creek, and now soaked in the splendor of Squires Lake, the Branch Hoppers have matured this spring to the point where they’re better able to collaborate and compromise to make decisions. They’re ready to deal with unexpected developments like our leech incidents with calm and perspective. Finally, the increasing depth of their friendships within the group expose a growing appreciation of the people and natural wonders around them. The tadpoles are growing the legs and developing the lungs they’ll need as adults: the Branch Hoppers are getting ready to transition as well.

Our departure was delayed by a bus door that wouldn’t close, allowing a symbolic lingering that many of us long for before a sometimes daunting transition. The boys took full advantage of the opportunity, as would most of us.

Many thanks for allowing us time with your explorers this spring. We are honored to play a part in their lives and look forward to continuing the journey in the fall. 

The Connelly Creek Traverse with the Branch Hoppers

Branch Hoppers Explorers gathered on a sun-balmy Sunday at Marine Park for the beginning of the Connelly Creek traverse. The water was placid, the temperature climbing, the sky a clear blue. It was nearly a summer day, and all of Bellingham seemed to be celebrating. Marine Park was busier than this Explorer has ever seen it—people in the water and on the beach, the gulls, crows, sparrows, finches, and hummingbirds bustling or basking, the trees sending out joyful blossoms and new leaves drinking deeply from the radiance. There was something sweet about sharing the enjoyment of the weather with the whole community.

Explorers gathered and soon the excitement of gathering again mixed with the wonder of the weather made for an explosion of running, tagging, laughing, and falling. Once everyone arrived, mentors turned right into the skid and decided to open up the day with a rowdy game instead of a meeting. Tail tag!  We found a good location with natural boundaries, circled up, and made sure everyone knew the game. Explorers got ready, set, and burst into action. Tails were pulled, challenges abounded, and on-the-spot awareness proved key. Explorers learned a bit more about the value of owl eyes and expanded awareness, as well as getting a good sense of positive versus negative competition. That said, it did boil down to being a really fun game. The second round included a challenge: everyone on all fours and with the tail tucked in the back pocket. This changed things quite a bit on all fronts. At the end of this round, we had thoroughly exhausted ourselves, which meant it was a perfect time to circle up, have opening meeting, water, and a snack.

In circle, we recognized a mentor who some had not met before. Tim was stepping in to work with us as Steve spent the weekend recertifying his wilderness first responder status. Though we missed Steve, it was a great opportunity to get to explore with Tim. He brought much wisdom and insight to our group. We introduced ourselves in some creative ways, then got down to the business of our day’s plan. It was simple. The Branch Hoppers had a mission: go east, young men! We had to find our way along the creek from where it met the ocean to where we do service. This lead into a few key points about how all things are connected and the power of water. Explorers were first challenged to find east. Any Explorers remember which cardinal direction the sun is at around 1 o’clock during daylight saving hours? Where does it rise? Where does it set? We’ll look more and more into why as we delve further into the art of Exploring.

So, the mission was given, and it was up to Branch Hoppers to get us there. We had a special job situation where, instead of having one tribal elder, we had tried having a tribal council of four people. This would prove very important, as we had some genuine high risk hazards this outing. We had to cross streets and a railroad. Tribal elders and scouts helped the group to stay together and to figure out how and when to cross safely.

Soon after our first crossings, we came to a fork in the road. Again, the group was challenged to come to a consensus decision. After a lot of squirming and a few helpful prompts from the mentors, we decided and we went for it. A new wilderness community began to open up before us as we entered wooded areas. A bird calling above us gained our attention. The knowledge keeper brought out the bird book, and, after some deliberation, an ID was made: a northern flicker. Shortly after that, we found a fascinating nest that looked like an old sock. At the next crossroads, we deliberated again. Needs were stated, scouts employed, and a decision was shortly made. As we began to exit, we decided to try out eating a few of the flowers from a bigleaf maple.

Further down the trail, we found an excellent spot to have some more food and water. It was near Padden Creek and seemed to just call to us. After some food, spontaneous play broke out. Lots of sticks and exploring seemed to be called out of us. As we began to pack up for the journey ahead, we set the Explorers Club goal of learning how to be more skillful and honorable with sticks. Just at that moment, someone pointed out a sign. We were standing on an ancient campsite from thousands of years ago. Perhaps this scene had been played out on this very spot thousands of times before.

More adventures ensued of course, but all cannot be told. Know that there was more edge-stretching with group empowerment and decision making, learning how to endure when tired, learning a bit more- through direct experience- about our water and land, safely navigated real hazards, and finding enjoyment in the face of challenge. There was also plenty of genuine play and thoughtless wonder as we enjoyed the water, the trail, the land, and all of our natural communities.

Ending at the service site brought it all home. Everything really is connected. Parents, you might see the picture of the dead old world rat that we found by the site. We looked at this rat before closing circle and wondered how many living things we passed on our way who depended on this creek to live. We also thought about the ancient campsite and all of the other signs pointing to the history of this trail. How much died to build the soil for all of these beings, and us, to live? That old world rat was a good teacher. Of course, we ended with a good circle, shared food, and thanks.

Much thanks to all the Branch Hoppers for your wonderful work! Much thanks to all the families for your enduring support. Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.

BEC: Branch Hoppers Find Power on Galbraith

Branch Hoppers Explorers gathered for a strong season finish this past Saturday at Galbraith Mountain. We were graced with sunny and cold weather, the perfect condition for a hike up to the top.

The Branch Hoppers are a wonderful group of very talented and unique boys, capable of tremendous feats. Behind the scenes, mentors have had many discussions about how to help activate this group and guide them to places where they can find their own power as individuals and as a collective. We've used a lot of approaches, and each has led to certain insights. Different landscapes and different conditions that the outdoors have presented have brought forth an array of powers and challenges in this group. For this last outing, mentors tried a slightly different tactic than before. We gathered up the boys right off the bat and presented the format for the day. For this outing the boys would have to keep up with the mentors. In order for them to find the power to truly guide their own group and understand the art of exploring, we were starting with a little more overt guidance.

The missions were simple: hike to the top, harvest some nettles for cordage, and harvest and cedar bark for nests. We began down the trail, and right off the bat the question was raised about where nettles grow. A fantastic question indeed! We looked around and recognized that the entrance was a perfect place to start looking for nettles, so we asked scattered and had a two minute nettle scavenger hunt. Indeed we did find them, and it was a good opportunity to really look closely at this wonderful plant. We looked at the branching structure, the leaves, and the stem. Branch Hoppers may remember whether the nettle is alternate or opposite, whether it has entire or serrated leaves, and whether the stem is whole or segmented. After an ethical harvest of a nettle stalk, we were back on our way.

It must be said that the boys rose brilliantly and beautifully to the challenge. It was not a morose and restrictive day by any means-- the opportunities to genuinely explore were ample. The biggest mentor of all, our wild world, perpetually keeps us aware, responsive, and full of curiosity. We navigated the bike hazards expertly as we made our way toward the top. A few boys got hungry and voiced this to the group; we recognized the value of speaking up, the value compromise, and the value of making clear decisions together. We decided to wait for the top to eat our lunch.

As we neared the very top of the mountain, the sun was bursting through the trees. Half the group couldn't resist hiding from the other half and ambushing them just before they made it to the top. When we had rejoined one another, we came together to the impressive overlook and saw the vast wilderness of our own landscape all around us --- even in the direction of Bellingham, the wild water from the Cascades flowed down into the bay, the great thermal River of Arctic air washed over us from the Fraser River Valley, the trees breathed and birds swam through the sky. It was a magnificent day.

We all had lunch.  Then the world opened us up to simply play and explore. Time up on the mountain was a great chance for no structure; all the while the mentors maintained their intention of nudging the group further into the art of exploration. Without making any demands they simply began to work on their fire by friction. Curiosity took hold many of the boys and pretty soon we were all learning how to make cedar nests, and Dave was teaching the art of the bow drill. We discovered an interesting game trail, a recently deceased varied thrush, and curiosities in the rocks.

After good amount of time it was apparent that we needed to move as one. Matt gave the challenge to the whole wolf pack to chase him. He became a buck and took off down the trail. Explorers ran after him but soon learned that stealth and awareness are essential aspects went on the hunt. The “deer” led them all the way down to a junction in the trail where it seemed to have disappeared. When he was finally discovered, the wolf pack work together and caught him.

Shortly afterward, Dave disappeared as well and this time he was the alpha wolf and we were all still the wolf pack. We could not talk or make humans sounds or it would make the alpha wolf nervous.  In order to get him to howl, we needed to all howl in unison. Explorers figured out a good nonverbal strategy and did a wonderful job finding their far off wolf. We ended up in a magical forest spot where Explorers invented a game right there on the spot. Ask your son about the gopher and gopher snakes game. We finished with a very strong final meeting. It must be said that these boys shone as a wonderful group with great powers and the ability to meet the challenges. It's an honor to explore with them.

Don't forget to check out pics of our outing our photo gallery.

Also we're very excited to offer winter outings for the first time in Explorers Club. Click here for details.

Exploring Fragrance Lake Road with the Branch Hoppers

Low clouds coated our landscape as the Branch Hopper Explorers gathered for their first exploration of the season. We had decided to take our exploration to the Clayton Beach parking lot, and our vision was to explore in a direction that no Explorers Club had explored before. We wanted to see what lay up Fragrance Lake Road. Explorers came tearing out of their vehicles, immediately picked up bundles of leaves, and started out with a flurry of leaf throwing.  Spirits were clearly high. Sometimes no opening game is necessary: the landscape and the playfulness of youth do all the work.

We did circle up to start out our day and to bring our minds together. We discussed what we had ahead: a true exploration; a mission to scout out new landscapes; a vision to play at least one epic game. Sometimes there is no finer education than an authentic wander. We looked at the map and considered what we might find just down the road.  We then circled up on trail for a quick round of name game to help out Greg, our EC mentor, and Wes, and Explorer visiting us from the Grey Fox Kits Explorers. Names were shouted and giggled until we had a pretty good idea of who was who. Then it was time to start exploring.

As we began walking down the trail, there was a sign posted in plain view. Explorers were asked to take a look. A few did, but most squirreled out and paid very little attention. Mentors tried a few more tricks, but the information was quite important, so it was time to gather up and get serious for a moment. We looked at the sign and recognized the necessity of paying attention to it. It warned us that there was a bike race on this very trail on this very day. Bikes would inevitably be whizzing by us at full speed, which was a very real hazard. We discussed how to negotiate this, and practiced what would happen if someone yelled “bike!” We got it. Ready and willing, we moved on.

We had gone maybe 100 yards down the trail, when Greg noticedsomething interesting in the landscape just off the trail. We paused and looked. We considered whether or not we should go check it out. Explorers decided to enter the unknown, and, stepping carefully, we began an exploration that would end up guiding us through the entire day. Just inside, Explorers began emitting bursts of excitement as they discovered fascinating fungi, curious plants, or the watchful winter wren. We found a deer trail and decided to let our curiosity get the better of us. Following the trail we found vast openings with giant trees, fascinating shelf fungi, ample track and sign, frogs, and plenty of indicators of what lay just beneath the surface of the soil.

When we came to the edge of a large expanse of sword ferns, we gathered together, sat down and had some lunch. After eating, many Explorers continued checking the land out. After some time, mentors proposed a game of Eagle eye, a game at which many excelled. After a couple more hiding games, we decided to move on to find a good spot for an epic game of Spider's Web and a good sit spot. In order to find a good spot, we needed to learn how to read the land. We noticed particular trees growing amongst an area where there were many sedges. We noticed different trees growing amongst the sword ferns. Given the character of those plants, Explorers learned that they could read what was just beneath the soil --- particularly, in this case, how much moisture. We then considered impact and intention. With that in mind we navigated toward the sword ferns and found an excellent spot to set up our base of exploration.

Here and there, we worked on interpersonal relationships, which is a part of the work of being in community in nature. We found sweet little teachable moments offered to us by the landscape. Some explorers grasped these gems, some resisted. This is part of the work of natural education: nothing is forced, but much is perpetually offered. We then set up Spider’s Web.  The best spider of the group was picked. So much embodied learning happened in this game. Everyone got to know trailing blackberry intimately, and everyone got to know more about sword ferns. Explorers learned how to work in teams, how to work solo, how to communicate in challenging environments, the ramifications of not communicating, the ramifications of not working together, how to read the landscape, how to listen, how to stay still, how to crawl slowly and intentionally, how to move both fast and quietly. The game finally ended with quite a bit of confusion as the flag was out of sight for a long time. But lo and behold it showed up at the base.

We gathered up in a circle, had a drink of water, and had two rounds of discussion. The first round was focused on sharing something that we learned from the game. The second round on sharing how we might improve. A variety of answers came forth. Finally, Matt was inclined to share his thoughts, and felt the call to share a story and to teach the explorers a little more about animal forms. But, oh, you Branch Hoppers Explorers, you are a wonderful set of boys -- smart, fascinating people. You also have some work to do to learn the essential human skill of stillness and attention when needed. Nature does such wonderful work to teach this, and the land is infinitely patient. So the mentors have learned from the land, and the story and the lesson did not come, but it will when these boys are ready.

Mentors did notice that the Branch Hoppers have such wonderful attributes, and each individual has such power, but they have yet to learn how to bring this power together into a solid, cohesive group. They do wonderfully in the outdoors, and they are a great group of individuals to explore with. They will learn eventually that Explorers Club offers so much more, and they will learn this as they learn how to focus their energy. Mentors did play a bit of a coyote track, recognizing that these boys needed a challenge and needed to get into their bodies --- and they needed to recognize situations where working together was necessary.

So Matt took off running. He careened through the landscape, taking on the animal form of a cougar as best he could, he dived and dashed, and Explorers scattered after him as best they could.  Then he disappeared, and Explorers were puzzled. Where did he go? Huffing and puffing they were stumped.  Then he popped up and the chase was on again.  It was not until one Explorer realized how to work with the land and the other Explorers that he was caught.  Explorers were tired, and questions came forth? How do you move with the land?  How do you work together?  Then Greg took off.  Edges were stretched here, make no mistake.  But also the foundations were laid of a need to engage more deeply and to work together.

As Greg was finally caught and we gathered for our final meeting, the goal was set.  Mentors will challenge these Branch Hoppers increasingly from now on.  Our mission is to find situations in nature and amongst the group where their individual powers will work toward creating a group power that is greater than the whole.  Our mission is also to set up situations where Explorers will develop a real desire to catch those teaching gems offered by nature in every moment.  So much wonderful raw material is there. And it is a perfect time for growth.

Thank you to the land and to all the parents for your great guidance.  Thank you, Branch Hoppers for your great powers.

Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.

Branch Hoppers Exploration: Whatcom Falls Park

The Branch Hoppers’ streak of fine weather explorations continued on Sunday at Whatcom Falls Park. Explorers arrived early with the gumption to get into the forest as soon as possible. As we gathered, this newly formed group displayed a deeper sense of comfort and camaraderie with one another.  As such, our goal for the day was to delve into the motto: All Things are Connected.

We did activities that strengthened bonds with other Branch Hoppers, starting with name tag to relearn everyone’s name… this would come in handy later during rounds ofHide and Spider’s Web!

We also delved into the natural world to foster that connection as well. It didn’t take long for our connections to take root. During meeting, we were visited by a four-legged member of the natural community. Ask your Explorer if he remembers the stand-off and excitement surrounding the squirrel that desperately tried to be a part of meeting!

Eventually it left us alone and we conducted our business in peace. Keeping in mind the motto, Be Prepared, we assumed our trail jobs for the day and made sure that we had the right gear for any possible encounters. We also considered the motto, Safety First, and discussed rules for behavior around the falls. Exploration was the goal, but Explorers learned about safe distances from the edge and the importance of mentor supervision.

After crossing the bridge, we had to make a decision about which way to go. Explorers worked hard to facilitate their own vote, practicing the motto, Collaborate and Compromise. In the end, we took the trail toward the falls and made it a spot for forest exploration. Some Branch Hoppers ate their snack. Others found leaves and other “boats” and sent them down the creek toward the falls. We observed the natural paths of the water and how boats responded to various dam points.

Explorers also clambered up embankments and practiced their balancing skills on downed trees. Not only did we enjoy this place, but we took ownership over the area; we practiced the motto, You See It, You Own It, and picked up lots of trash. By the end of the day, we had collected over three bags of trash. In doing so, Branch Hoppers abided by another Explorers Club motto, Leave No Trace, and definitely left Whatcom Fall Park in a better condition than we found it.

We followed Matt up a really cool hill to a clearing between two adjacent forests. In that space we learned about how Spiders build their webs. Then we observed some of the spiders in the area, seeing which parts of the webs were made of sticky and stretchy thread. Ask your Explorer if he remembers the process of web-building or what the spider does with the non-sticky webbing!

Matt and Dave then explained the rules for the game, Spider’s Web. Explorers were ready to play and we set the boundaries in the forest. As spider, Calvin successfully guarded the flag during the entire time. But the flies also won because we were never all on the web at the same time. In the end, we all sharpened our camouflage awareness by spending so much time hiding in the natural world. Like Explorers commented, we began to feel like Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) and other plants as well as like carnivores or other animals.

Crawling through the understory augmented our overall connection and feelings to nature because we were a part of it! Connections between Explorers also strengthened as teams hid and “strategized” together. We lived the motto,Slow is Fast and Fast is Slow. Some flies took a long time to get to the flag but got really close without being seen!

In developing our motto, Attitude of Gratitude, we shared in a snack and listened attentively to others during our Circle of Thanks. After another game, we ran/ slid/ walked down the hill, traipsed through the woods, crossing back over the bridge, and met back at our starting area. By this time the squirrel was preoccupied, running for its life from a dog instead of looking for food handouts from us!

Thank you, Explorers, for living up to so many Explorers Club mottos during this outing. Parents, thank you for your support. Please look at more pictures from the outing on our photo gallery.