Everything is connected and everything serves. Our second Grey Fox Kits outing revolved around the revelation of these two essential secrets. As the Explorers gathered in the Larrabee State Park parking lot, we got ready for our Foundations of Service outing. The rain was coming down, a good number of our crew was waylaid by sickness or sprained ankles, but those who showed up were ready for anything. With good spirits and lots of thick rain gear, we set forth.
We began the day with a little fun and a little recap of the skill of camouflage. One of the Explorers Mentoring Apprentices (EMAs) from our oldest group of Explorers, Soren, was hiding somewhere in the bushes. In fact, he was standing up and
looking directly at us. Explorers were challenged to spot him. After some moments, we moved closer, then closer, until finally pairs of eyes started to brighten and Explorers spotted Soren standing almost right in front of them with a branch in front of his face. We welcomed him into our group, as well as our other mentors, and gathered in a circle. Another round of the name game was an important part of this first gathering. A few games of Hide got us acquainted with the landscape. Then it was time for a solid opening meeting to put our minds toward the order of the day.
looking directly at us. Explorers were challenged to spot him. After some moments, we moved closer, then closer, until finally pairs of eyes started to brighten and Explorers spotted Soren standing almost right in front of them with a branch in front of his face. We welcomed him into our group, as well as our other mentors, and gathered in a circle. Another round of the name game was an important part of this first gathering. A few games of Hide got us acquainted with the landscape. Then it was time for a solid opening meeting to put our minds toward the order of the day.
We gathered on the stage, sat in a circle, pulled out our lunches, and took a moment to breathe and listen. As we munched, we casually 
discussed who lives here. For which beings is this place a home? Answer came out steadily. More questions became attached to this important question. What do these beings do? Do they do anything for us? Anything for one another? We picked just a couple and started to think about all that they do for the world and how they are connected. Munching onward, we came to the topic of service. Explorers were asked if they had ever given a present to someone and how that felt.
discussed who lives here. For which beings is this place a home? Answer came out steadily. More questions became attached to this important question. What do these beings do? Do they do anything for us? Anything for one another? We picked just a couple and started to think about all that they do for the world and how they are connected. Munching onward, we came to the topic of service. Explorers were asked if they had ever given a present to someone and how that felt.
We then considered the two big secrets: everything is connected andeverything serves. As our lunches approached full consumption, we brought our minds toward out service task for the day: pulling english
ivy. Then the big question: is english ivy bad and evil? Answers came flying forth: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, kinda. Then a pause, and this the pearl of wisdom straight from Quinn, “well, if everything serves, then english ivy must serve, so it can’t just be bad.” Voila! We considered this insight, how everything that is invasive is a native somewhere (and vice versa), and how english ivy has some really great properties that help other beings. We also considered that it is out of balance here, and our work is to help bring back the balance.
ivy. Then the big question: is english ivy bad and evil? Answers came flying forth: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, kinda. Then a pause, and this the pearl of wisdom straight from Quinn, “well, if everything serves, then english ivy must serve, so it can’t just be bad.” Voila! We considered this insight, how everything that is invasive is a native somewhere (and vice versa), and how english ivy has some really great properties that help other beings. We also considered that it is out of balance here, and our work is to help bring back the balance.
So, with the food gone and the discussion having come to a head, we decided to put ideas into action and live the Explorers’ Club motto of Get Dirty! We packed up and headed to the service spot, allowing for small adventures along the way. The actual service of pulling the ivy was full of all kinds of neat learning opportunities, insights, teamwork, nature observations, applied physics, fun, hard work, and dirt! We managed to play a few games while serving and still pulled a HUGE amount of ivy. This Explorer has already been asked by the park ranger to express her deep thanks for all the great work.
After a good deal of time and effort, we looked at the clock and 
decided it was time to wrap it up and head down to the beach. It’s very important to take time to appreciate what/who you are serving: to allow for moments to not do or change anything, but to just enjoy. This is a vital nutrient of service. So, we headed down to the water. Soren, being a perpetual trickster, had run off and hidden himself somewhere along the trail. We kept our eyes wide open as we walked, and finally spotted him very close to the beach. Good camo, Soren! Good awareness, Explorers!
decided it was time to wrap it up and head down to the beach. It’s very important to take time to appreciate what/who you are serving: to allow for moments to not do or change anything, but to just enjoy. This is a vital nutrient of service. So, we headed down to the water. Soren, being a perpetual trickster, had run off and hidden himself somewhere along the trail. We kept our eyes wide open as we walked, and finally spotted him very close to the beach. Good camo, Soren! Good awareness, Explorers!
We wrapped it all up with a nice exploration of our wonderful waterfront, some (at first unintentional) forays into a knee deep muck of eel grass, and an introduction to the Sit Spot. With a final circle, apples to share, and a round of thanks, we ended our day. Wonderful work, Explorers! Thank you for your service. Thank you, parents, for all your support!
Be sure to check out our pics in the photo gallery.
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