On a wet and windy Halloween it was only fitting that the Grey Fox Kits were going on an outing. Meeting up at Lake Padden it became apparent that we were going to need to find cover and quickly. Sheets of rain pelted us as we slogged through the muddy field to the shelter for opening meeting. Knowing that the weather was forecasted to clear up after an hour or so the Grey Fox Kits took this time to hunker down out of the rain and brainstorm a new group name. Of course as these boys get older they begin feeling less and less like a “fox kit” and voiced the desire to create a new name that was more representative of their experiences and growth over the last few years. Given their propensity for inclement weather it was clear that Storm was going to part of the name sticking to the Canidae family the boys settled on Wolves thus making the Storm Wolves! The mentors made sure to remind the Explorers that with a new name comes new responsibility. If they want to call themselves the Storm Wolves then they are going to have to act like it and demonstrate their growth as both individuals and as a group. The notion of being held to a higher standard was accepted by the boys and the Strom Wolves were formed.
Even though they go by a new name, the group formerly known as the Grey Fox Kits still managed to fit in a few rounds of their favorite game, Where’s My Egg?, as the weather cleared up and the rain ceased to fall. The break in the weather also afforded us with a window to get up into the cover of the woods. Meandering along the horse trails up into the hills it became apparent that although the rain had died down the wind could still be heard rustling through the canopy above. Even though it was just a breeze that ruffled the leaves, it still conjured up the memories of some of the close calls we’ve had as a group. A few of the boys became a bit hesitant, but with words of encouragement from their friends and reassurance by the mentors they pushed on and quickly became lost in the moment, reconnecting to all the joy that can be found from a good romp in the woods with your buddies. This was a powerful moment for the mentors to reflect upon because it marked a great stride towards conquering a fear, a justifiable one at that, but a fear none the less that has lingered with this group ever since our close call last fall. It is said that time is the best medicine, and over the past year these boys have taken that fear of the wind and honed it into a heightened awareness and strong respect for the power of the wind.
Getting further up into the woods we found a great spot to set up a base camp. As the Explorer’s demonstrated their growth and maturity by organizing their own game of Spider’s Web, the mentors took some time to get a fire started. Gathering firewood is no easy task after such a downpour and required much scouring of the landscape, rummaging under fallen logs, and gathering up the fine branches of the Western Hemlock for a sufficient supply of firewood. The mentors demonstrated a couple different methods to start the fire. After getting a coal with a bow drill, the tinder bundle was just a bit too damp so they fell back on the tried and true flint and steel. With a fire started the boys quickly gathered around as they were drawn like magnets to the flickering flames and warmth. They took this time to poke and prod at the fire with sticks, burn leaves, and even get some tips on how to properly tend a fire to keep it going strong in damp and cold conditions. This time also afforded Explorers a chance to kick back and joke around with one another sharing many a laugh and fond memory.
Before the outing was over we had just enough time play a few rounds of Hungry, Hungry Martin that got everyone running around and warmed up. We put out the fire in a fashion used by natives for many years where a trench is dug around the fire, flames are extinguished and the burnt remnants of the fire are buried. Next we gathered up duff, leaves, and branches and spread them over the area to make it look like we were never even there. We can’t leave no trace, but we can certainly do our best to cover up our tracks and return the landscape to the way we found it. With just enough time left for closing circle we shared our thanks, ate some apples, and packed up for the hike back down to the parking lot. Everyone was in high spirits for the hike down and as the breeze rustled through the leaves in the canopy the Storm Wolves left the forest in high spirits and with smiles on their faces. They truly have come a long way and demonstrated a tremendous courage and fortitude to overcome past experiences and remind themselves that although the forest can be dangerous at times, with awareness and respect we can still explore and revel in the bountiful memories that the forest has in store for us.
Even though they go by a new name, the group formerly known as the Grey Fox Kits still managed to fit in a few rounds of their favorite game, Where’s My Egg?, as the weather cleared up and the rain ceased to fall. The break in the weather also afforded us with a window to get up into the cover of the woods. Meandering along the horse trails up into the hills it became apparent that although the rain had died down the wind could still be heard rustling through the canopy above. Even though it was just a breeze that ruffled the leaves, it still conjured up the memories of some of the close calls we’ve had as a group. A few of the boys became a bit hesitant, but with words of encouragement from their friends and reassurance by the mentors they pushed on and quickly became lost in the moment, reconnecting to all the joy that can be found from a good romp in the woods with your buddies. This was a powerful moment for the mentors to reflect upon because it marked a great stride towards conquering a fear, a justifiable one at that, but a fear none the less that has lingered with this group ever since our close call last fall. It is said that time is the best medicine, and over the past year these boys have taken that fear of the wind and honed it into a heightened awareness and strong respect for the power of the wind.
Getting further up into the woods we found a great spot to set up a base camp. As the Explorer’s demonstrated their growth and maturity by organizing their own game of Spider’s Web, the mentors took some time to get a fire started. Gathering firewood is no easy task after such a downpour and required much scouring of the landscape, rummaging under fallen logs, and gathering up the fine branches of the Western Hemlock for a sufficient supply of firewood. The mentors demonstrated a couple different methods to start the fire. After getting a coal with a bow drill, the tinder bundle was just a bit too damp so they fell back on the tried and true flint and steel. With a fire started the boys quickly gathered around as they were drawn like magnets to the flickering flames and warmth. They took this time to poke and prod at the fire with sticks, burn leaves, and even get some tips on how to properly tend a fire to keep it going strong in damp and cold conditions. This time also afforded Explorers a chance to kick back and joke around with one another sharing many a laugh and fond memory.
Before the outing was over we had just enough time play a few rounds of Hungry, Hungry Martin that got everyone running around and warmed up. We put out the fire in a fashion used by natives for many years where a trench is dug around the fire, flames are extinguished and the burnt remnants of the fire are buried. Next we gathered up duff, leaves, and branches and spread them over the area to make it look like we were never even there. We can’t leave no trace, but we can certainly do our best to cover up our tracks and return the landscape to the way we found it. With just enough time left for closing circle we shared our thanks, ate some apples, and packed up for the hike back down to the parking lot. Everyone was in high spirits for the hike down and as the breeze rustled through the leaves in the canopy the Storm Wolves left the forest in high spirits and with smiles on their faces. They truly have come a long way and demonstrated a tremendous courage and fortitude to overcome past experiences and remind themselves that although the forest can be dangerous at times, with awareness and respect we can still explore and revel in the bountiful memories that the forest has in store for us.
Join us for the Co-op's Community Shopping Day - Saturday, November 21. Shop for Thanksgiving – or just grocery shop at either Coop and 2% of total sales that day will be donated to Wild Whatcom.
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