Moving on we got further into the woods, just far enough to
play a game of HIDE! This game always gets Explorers immersed in their
environment and scanning their landscape for nooks and crannies to hide in,
ferns to peak through. With our mindset adjusted to moving through the forest
we set off towards Clayton Beach. Along the trail we were able to gaze out at
the San Juans and even see the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains all the way
out on the peninsula. We truly live in a stunningly gorgeous place and although the
boys may not have fully appreciated this at the time, it was a treat for the
mentors to see this magnificent view as the backdrop to our outing.
Further along the trail we arrived at a wonderful ravine
full of sword ferns, a bubbling brook, and even a few small waterfall. This
ravine is a classic Explorers location and always ripe for exploration. The
boys were immediately lost in scurrying up and down the creek, climbing around
the waterfalls, and playing in the creek. This evolved into free play where the
Storm Wolves got lost in imagination and groups of boys snuck around spying on
other groups, one boy switching teams to become an undercover agent, only to
truly join the second group and become a double agent. Soon everyone was spying
on this group or that and no one knew who was who. Time for Spiders Web.
Eating some lunch the Storm Wolves were called upon to
harness their focus and set the game up on their own. With a few gentle nudges
from the mentors the boys were able to pull it together, pick a web and food
source, decide who would be the spider, and get the game going. The expansive
landscape and varied terrain made for the perfect location for Spiders Web. The
game went on and on, slowly but surely the flies maneuvered the food source
back to the web for a controversial finish. Luckily the spider today was very
mature and let the flies revel in their victory despite a bit of stretching the
rules to win.
Packing up we trekked down to the beach. At Clayton Beach it
is impossible not to get lost in the expansive sandstone and scurry up and down
the rock faces. The Storm Wolves looked completely in their element and their
nimbleness and agility was impressive. Although we could have spent all day
clambering on the rocks, the outing was coming to a close. We had just enough
time for a sit spot at this beautiful location gazing out upon Bellingham Bay
and the San Juan Islands. Afterwards the boys returned for a closing circle.
We set aside extra time for our closing circle because we
had a lot to talk about. Not only did we want to reflect on our season and all
we did, but we also were going to think about where we wanted to go in the fall
and what skill we wanted to focus on. After going around and each boy shared a
bit, we transitioned to some other news. Peter took a moment to share with the
Storm Wolves that this would be his last season as a mentor.
The boys weren’t really sure how to handle this news and
were a little bummed out that Peter would not be back next season. Peter explained
that he has had such an amazing time working for Boys Explorers Club and
getting to explore with all the groups he worked with. It has truly been a
blessing and a big part of his life that he cherishes and holds close to his
heart. The Storm Wolves in particular have been a big part of this experience
and feel especially important to him with all the experiences we’ve shared over
the years and all the wind and rain we’ve weathered together. Peter hopes to
come back from time to time as a volunteer or substitute mentor so perhaps this
won’t be the end of the road, but at least in his official capacity as a
mentor, this is the final season.
As
with all things in nature there are seasons that come and go, life and death
constantly spiraling in perfect balance. There are so many great memories and
experiences to look back on that I think we all will appreciate everything
Peter has brought to this organization and this group in particular and thank
him for his time and dedication to being the best mentor he can be. We have so
many fond memories that we can all look back on our times together and smile
for what was while we transition to all the possibilities for new memories and
experiences in the future.
All in all this was an awesome season with so much to look
back and remember. This was the year that the Grey Fox Kits became the Storm
Wolves and stepped into their new name with purpose, intention, and a maturity
that proved they were worthy of such a powerful name. This group continues to
be incredibly strong, resilient, and compassionate towards one another. Each
outing is full of fun and excitement and leaves everyone looking forward to
what is in store for this fall.
Make sure to check out the rest of the photos here!
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