Grey Fox Kits all laughed when asked if they had rain gear with them when we met together at Lake Padden. After the deluge they gracefully endured during the previous outing at Whatcom Falls Park, Explorers dutifully abided by the motto, Be Prepared! And though the weather was sprinkly at the start, the skies granted some reprieve and waited until the outing ended before dropping any real precipitation.
We played some Hide as we welcomed Lucas J., a member of the Branch Hoppers E.C., to join us for the day. In doing so we learned about the added challenges of hiding close and recalling the number that the searcher holds up. Ask your Explorer for more details about Hide if you haven’t already because chances are he will always have a story to share about that game after each outing!
Our exploration began into the woods and we were immediately confronted with two group-building opportunities. Explorers had to practice the mottos, The Map is Not the Territory and Collaborate and Compromise while determining which trails to take. They had to refer to trail maps in seeing where to go; they also had to decide where to explore as a group— meaning that some boys practiced letting go of their desire to take a trail so that the group could carry on.
As such, Grey Fox Kits also practiced another vital motto, Let it Be Known (LIBK). This became an important theme of the day as boys worked on their communication, needs, and ambitions with others. By empowering boys to share their truths and feelings, we mentors hope that they will feel comfortable expressing themselves and practicing the art of effective communication. You can bolster this behavior at home by encouraging your Explorer to practice LIBK with you.
We lunched in a small grove between trails and quickly headed uphill to a patch of old growth forest. Explorers dropped their backpacks and immediately took to climbing. They ascended to the top of a knoll and then to the top of a huge root ball. They Stretched Their Edges (motto) by practicing balance and how to handle themselves with heights. Some Grey Fox Kits learned an important rule of thumb: Only climb up something if it is possible to climb down too!
Explorers clambered up and down steep hills, pre
tended to protect bases from invaders, and studied various mushrooms. After our initial survey of the area, we determined that it was a good environment in which to play Spider’s Web. Though the rain impeded us from really playing during the previous outing, we reiterated the rules and weather held long enough for us to get in two very successful rounds this time. Everyone had a blast; ask your Explorer about his experience playing Spider’s Web!
tended to protect bases from invaders, and studied various mushrooms. After our initial survey of the area, we determined that it was a good environment in which to play Spider’s Web. Though the rain impeded us from really playing during the previous outing, we reiterated the rules and weather held long enough for us to get in two very successful rounds this time. Everyone had a blast; ask your Explorer about his experience playing Spider’s Web!
Grey Fox Kits ended the day with a Circle of Thanks and we remembered our favorite moments from the Fall season. Moreover, we shared about the Winter Solstice Gathering on December 23rd as well as the Baker Lodge winter outing on February 22-24. We look forward to seeing you there!
We also very much look forward to seeing you for the Spring season and at Summer Camp. You will soon receive a letter with more information about all of the future outings!
Please look at the photo gallery for pictures from this outing and others. If you see us around town, don’t be strangers!
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