The weather was balmy and warm when the Grey Fox Kits met at Whatcom Falls Park. Everyone was looking forward to games and fun adventuring outside. Though we did play games and explore together, we faced a deluge from the sky for nearly the entire outing! To paraphrase what Milo said about the day, “I feel like a real explorer because we are walking through the forest in a group and completely wet.”
Progressing from dry to wet, we started the day with a three rounds of Hungry, Hungry Marten. In this simple game, one person is a Pine Marten (Martes americans) and his job is to catch the squirrels who try to tag his tree. This game builds on the camouflage and sneaking techniques that we developed in the first outing. Plus we also had a chance to consider our owl eyes, which allow us to focus on our peripheral vision in order to be aware of our entire surroundings.
The drizzle began to fall and we took shelter in the forest. We crossed the bridge to see the falls and then tromped up a hill to have our opening meeting. There we had a bite to eat while discussing the plan for the day. Soren joined us for part of the day as a part of the EMA (Explorers’ Mentoring Apprentice) Program. As a member of the oldest group, the Firestalkers, he is a mentor-in-training who provided some on-the-ground tips to Explorers for games and exploring.
As Soren handed out the jobs, we also welcomed Kalifa, who is a member of the Daredevil’s Club. He was yet another mentor, though only three years older than most of the Grey Fox Kits. Explorers appreciated his comments and insight into games as well. Thank you, Soren and Kalifa, for your leadership and being good role-models for and friends to younger Explorers.
The unrelenting rain had soaked many of us so we decided to play many games to stay warm. We played tree tag, hide, and eventually learned Incoming. Ask your Explorer which game he liked the best. Grey Fox Kits snuck through the forest during their introduction to an Explorers Club classic called Spiders Web. Crawling through the brush didn’t seem to matter anymore because everything was wet!
Explorers worked with so many Explorers' Club mottos during the day, the foremost being,Stretch Your Edge. In dealing with adverse conditions, boys and mentors alike tested their vigor to stay out for so long. Despite some tears and willingness to rush home, Explorers took the rain and cold in stride. When we are forced to test our resolve like this, we become more empowered individuals. I feel confident saying that we all grew stronger as a result of this outing.
Another important motto was Slow is Fast and Fast is Slow. Some Explorers needed to change socks, put on other layers, and even fit gloves over wet, damp hands. In remembering this motto, we didn’t rush while putting on these clothes. We utilized patience and didn’t get frustrated. We stayed focus on the simple tasks at hand that were made more difficult by the weather.
We abided by many other Explorers' Club mottos that teach us to take the conditions that are presented to us and do our best in dealing with each one. Grey Fox Kits learned that their mind is a powerful tool in overcome difficult situations. We practiced the Tibetan Breath of Fire and kept ourselves warm with breathing and focus on our cores. We learned that keeping our heads warm and dry can provide warmth to the rest of our body also. And we discovered the depth of the motto, Be Prepared. I’m sure we will remember the importance of warm layers and full rain gear for the rest of our lives!
Explorers, thank you so much for your resiliency and dedication to the natural world. Indeed your commitment to each other also kept the group safe! Parents, thank you for your support and for the warmth you provided your Explorer when he got back!
Please check out the photo gallery for more pictures from this outing. We look forward to seeing you for our next (and final) outing for the season on December 2nd.
Lastly, here is a link to the annual February winter outing. Though optional we encourage you to consider joining us at the Baker Lodge for a weekend of winter celebration!
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