Storm Wolves Finish Their Season at Racehorse Falls

For our final outing of the spring season we revisited a group favorite from last autumn: Racehorse Falls. This time around the weather was damp, but warm, and the creek bed was wreathed in verdant spring growth. The song of migrant birds filled the air. Familiarity was juxtaposed against change and freshness of the season. Upon arrival one of the first things we noticed was that the surrounding area had been cleaned up quite a bit. Over the fall and winter seasons this area had been used as a dump area several times, but a cleaning party came through in early spring and did some serious work. Tires, tents, carpets, garbage, and old space blankets, were removed, renewing much of the surrounding area's sense of natural serenity. The only thing left behind was a single mop wedged high and out of reach in an alder. Spring cleaning coupled with spring growth left Racehorse Falls looking pretty different, but on approaching the creek we found something immediately familiar: our fossil shop from last season was still in business on a log on the bank. Discovering this, we immediately set to improving its condition, gathering fossils and adding to our collection.

Hustling to get the best fossils.

Sometimes the best fossils are inside the rocks

With plenty of time to spare we spread out along the creek; hunting fossils, skipping rocks, and exploring. A light mist washed through, leaving the landscape damp. This spring the Storm Wolves have seen a lot of growth with fire lighting, having practiced in a multitude of environments and conditions. Although Racehorse is a great place to explore and relax it is also a perfect place to work with fire without ethical or legal restrictions and we wanted to make sure the season wrapped up with each of the boys getting another chance to practice this critical skill. So, after everyone had a chance to find best fossil and soak up the sights, we gathered back together to eat some lunch and discuss the Art of Fire. Everyone was in general agreement that the best place to look for fire starting materials would be downstream in a deeper patch of evergreen forest, so we grabbed out packs to look for place to settle in and have a fire. We settled in under a copse of Cedar within throwing distance of a ready made fire pit in the creek bed. We circled up, split the boys into arbitrary small groups, and set off with the goal of each group to gather a kindling bundle. This has been the basic routine on most of our outings over the course of the season. We have spent a lot of time learning about the different trees and the kindling they produce, especially the quality kindling produced by the Western Hemlock. For the most part we have let the boys learn through trial and error what worked well and what didn't, and today was no different, except that we had the luxury of an extended outing, and therefore much more time for additional trials. After about 20 minutes of gathering fuel, we had the boys circle up around the fire and our classic drill of distributing matches commenced. Each group of boys had a kindling bundle and we went around the fire each taking a turn at using a match to attempt to ignite our bundles.

First Attempts.

Each group of boys was given three attempts at lighting their bundle, and although we came close on several attempts, none of the bundles were quite there. After all the boys had gone we asked them what had happened with their bundles, why they thought they hadn't lit, and how they could be improved. As we discussed this we demonstrated lighting some of the materials they had used and talked about how well or poorly they burned. Moss, for example, had been used in a number of the boys' bundles, but didn't burn very well even though it seemed to be dry. We then demonstrated lighting the bundles that we as mentors had gathered ourselves and talked about some of the materials and techniques we had used to be successful. Because this was our last outing for our spring season and our last outing focused on the Art of Fire, we wanted to make sure the Storm Wolves left with a really solid understanding of fire lighting. So, after our discussion and demonstration, we headed back out into the forest to do some in depth exploration of what we are looking for when we gather fire starting materials, and to help the boys gather a second round of kindling bundles.

Looking for western hemlock with low hanging branches that create a dry area in the wet rain forest.

Refined bundles in hand, we returned to the fire pit. Once again we went around the circle using matches in attempt to ignite our bundles, and this time after several tries each group of boys was successful. As each group lit their bundle we laid them in the fire pit, adding each flaming bundle on in succession and taking some time to enjoy a small fire, reflecting on our growth this season. We wrapped up with a discussion of where we had been over the season and where we would like to go in the future. We talked about some of the highlights of the season, skills we had learned, progress at the service site, and skill we would like to explore in the coming seasons. With that we made on last scramble for our favorite fossils and returned to the bus, winding down our day and season with Explorer's Club. We look forward to seeing the Storm Wolves out over the summer!

Lighting our bundles in turn.

Be sure to go and check out the rest of the photos from this outing here.

Grey Fox Kits Explore the Art of Harvest at Galby Lane

The Grey Fox Kits arrived at Galby Lane and quickly circled up by the trailhead. The boys were excited to see that three returning Mentors would be joining them. On behalf of the Boys EC we’d like to thank Adnan for his caring heart, spirit for exploration, and ability to step outside his comfort zone and Stretch his Edges. Throughout his internship Adnan set a strong example for the boys by providing them thoughtful Mentoring while also offering them a window into a new culture of people, explorers, and a community halfway around the world. We also thank Tim and Soren for their long-term commitment to the Grey Fox Kits and to community building.

As we chatted the Mentors took the opportunity to tell the Explorers that in the fall the group would start the Earth Skill Journey the Art of Carving. Passing around hand carved utensils the Mentors talked about the responsibility and weight that comes with this powerful tool. The boys are definitely excited about this prospect and it will be their continual awareness and respect for our tool culture that dictates if they are ready.

Important note! Every Explorer must watch the knife safety and usage video before starting this skills journey. If your son does not have a knife already, he'll need to come with his own. We have a number of suggestions for his first knife in this Introduction Letter to the Carving Journey.

Leaving the parking lot we wandered along the trail and quickly got inspired and veered off it. Hiking among towering Hemlocks, Spruce, Cedar, and Maple we climbed over the maze of nursing stumps and logs. Finding an opening in the canopy we rested in the sun, lounging on the loamy Earth as we ate.

As we handed out jobs we brought our attention to our skills focus for the day, the Art of Harvest. Approaching harvest from a seasonal focus we recognized that as spring turns into summer the landscape is rich with food and medicine; in order to take part in the harvest we must be able to identify edible and hazardous plants. Challenging the Explorers the Mentors split up the group into four parties giving each three bandanas. The challenge was to find three wild edibles, tag them with pipe cleaners, and be able to track their way back to them.

Spreading out into the land the boys turned their eyes and noses to the ground, whispering amongst themselves they investigated and explored their curiosities.

After five minutes the Mentors gave a Crow Call and the groups trickled back in. Circling up the Mentors did a head count and there was one Explorer missing.  Getting back into our parties and adding a Mentor to each we tracked the Explorer back to the trailhead. He had not stayed with his group and ended up getting turned around. Calling the groups together we met at our randevú spot and circled up to talk about the importance of staying together. At the start of each outing we revisit our culture of safety and it is easy for this message to go in one ear and out the other. It is only when issues arise that the lessons really sink in. Our gift is that we have safe spaces to practice and engage in this group culture.

As we sat, we listened to a story about two backpackers who were split up in the Pasayten Wilderness when one went off to fish at a lake. Knowing the first rule to being lost, the backpacker without the food waited for the other to return. After waiting a day the backpacker decided that she was going to follow her friend. Tracking the boot prints and direction of travel she followed her friend for another day and found that she was not the only one tracking him. Fresh Cougar tracks followed his boot prints. On the third day they reunited and shared their resources, rejoicing. The story really hit home for the Explorers after their experience that afternoon.

Finishing our harvest challenge we walked around to each tagged edible and studied their forms and textures with all our senses. Using multiple senses to get to know these edibles is one of the best ways to remember them. The Explorers really did well, identifying: Red Huckleberry, Salmonberries, Oregon Grape, Sword Fern, Maple, and Alder. We examined them for their defining features and looked for their propagation throughout the landscape to understand the ecology that each thrived in.

After a very focused activity the group was ready to play. We set up bandanas, outlined the boundaries for Spider’s Web, and started sneaking around. Getting into our animal forms we crawled through the Sword Ferns and Oregon Grape dodging behind nurse stumps. From the Spider’s vantage point he quickly trapped flies on the web. In the end our game provided quite a challenge for the boys. Circling up we debriefed the game and went around the circle sharing our powers and challenges.  This event was truly unique in the Grey Fox Kits history as a group. The boys processed the experience together as an authentic, genuine, and caring community. They practicing focused listening skills while learning to be vulnerable and speak their truths in front of their peers. This form of connection is vital in a supportive and functional community, and it makes the Mentors hearts sing. Sitting in the woods Walt Whitman’s words echoed through one Mentors head, “Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the Earth.”

Breaking our circle we connected back with the trail only to get off it again on another exploration. Our mission was to track down a location where some of the older groups had built shelters last fall. With focused navigation we found Matt Fogarty’s old shelter, which was a burrow dug into the remnants of an old growth stump. The Explorers nestled into the duff and mulch feeling their deep desire for shelter. From there we tracked down the rest of the structures, which were all flattened. Thinking back to the heavy lowland snowfall in late March we realized the culprit. With all the abundant building materials the group sprang into action. In twenty minutes we had a solid framework, had woven twigs throughout, and piled on about a foot and a half of leaves and downed Hemlock bows. What an effort!

We ended our season with one final circle sharing apples and giving thanks. The Grey Fox Kits over the last few seasons have become a highly functioning and caring group that values one another as community members. They know how toCollaborate and Compromise while Speaking Their Truths. This group is ready for the Art of Carving this fall and all the adventure which lies ahead for them this summer. On behalf of the Boys EC Mentoring we thank parents for their trust and support and look forward to the long summer days and outings.

Remember to check out our summer camps if you have not already done so.

For more pictures please visit the Grey Fox Kit’s photo gallery.

Exploring Fragrance Lake Trail with the Grey Fox Kits

After the Grey Fox Kits adventurous outing at the 100 Aker Wood, the Explorers got just what they needed and spent a relaxed day exploring the magnificent trails on the way to Fragrance Lake and basking in the sun breaks between the forest canopy. As these boys develop their relationship and connection with the wild places of Whatcom County, it is essential that they experience moments where they are forced to live deliberately and other times when they feel joyful and connected. In times of crisis wild places will call them to build their leadership and problem solving skills while learning to cope with stress and resilience. In lighthearted and joyous moments the landscape will allow them to feel a sense of connection and comfort while giving them a deep reverence for all life. It is the blending of these layers of experience that will create well-rounded males who can lead with integrity, courage and authenticity while being sensitive, interdependent, and compassionate.

We left the Fragrance Lake parking lot and crossed over the interurban trail entering into the lush valley at the base of the sharp rise into the Chuckanut Mountains. The group started up the steep grade to Fragrance Lake and after a few switchbacks we found a giant Cedar tree. Linking arms around the Cedar, it took eight of us to bridge its circumference. We could truly feel the strength and stability of the roots that have held this giant for centuries.  Hiking along, the Explorers started to notice the towering secondary growth forest. We took a moment to compare the sturdy stands of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar against the young Cherry and Alder of the 100 Aker Wood.

After hiking for a short distance, we found a nice little patch of mossy forest floor to hold our opening meeting. We opened our discussion calling attention to the small snag twenty feet a way from us. Mentors used this snag to refresh the group’s memory and checked in about our experience on the last outing. Today we would investigate and deepen our knowledge of forest succession, snags and widow makers. Some of the boys still seemed shaken up about by the experience and other said that they were not afraid at all. Mentors told the group regardless of their stance on the matter the landscape created our need recognize and identify these hazards and to understand their importance within the ecosystem. Mentors explained to the group that often times dead or dying trees provide more habitat than living ones.  Each Explorer was given a new job in addition to their normal exploration jobs. All twelve of these jobs were specifically designed to help the group get to know an aspect of a snags role in the forest.

After our meeting one of the explorers called Hide and everyone went diving into the bushes. One explorer managed to hide right behind the seeker disguising himself as a pile of backpacks utilizing an Explorers Club Art of Camouflage skill; being able to hiding in plain sight.

Switchback after switchback the group’s Widow Maker Watcher pointed out all potentially hazardous branches and snags that we needed to circumvent. As we rounded a bend we came across a beautiful old Cedar snag. Our Tree Naturalistidentified it as a Western Red Cedar.  Once the Decay Detector had determined its stability the group got close and checked it out.  The Hard Snag and Soft Snag Scouts examined the trunk and found that the sapwood layer was still firm. It turns out that the Cedar was still a hard snag. As we examined the tree further theSnag Habitat Locator examined all the holes in the trunk and identified that they were rectangular. With this information and a little help from a field guide he determined that these holes were in fact made by a Pileated Woodpecker. The Pileated Woodpecker is a primary cavity nester that prefers to make its nest in a snag with hard sapwood that protects soft inner heartwood; it is ideal for nesting. The explorers were full of wonder when they realized that if they took time to slow down and observe they could track the animals that have been living and moving through this landscape.

Hiking on a little farther the group was stopped in their tracks by a mighty Douglas Fir. Although this tree was still living it had sizable widow makers about 75 feet up its trunk.  As we looked up in amazement someone called, “over here”. The group crowed around to see what the Secondary Cavity Tracker had found.  It looked as though some time ago a Woodpecker had drilled deep into the fir bark looking for insects.  The primary nester left the perfect opportunity for a secondary cavity nester to come in and colonize.

Rounding the crest of the trail the Explorers found yet anther great mystery of this landscape. On a large sandstone rock stood two Cedar trees that looked as though they grew right out from the rock. This provided a perfect opportunity to see how tree root systems grasp the land and rock to hold the soil together. Looking through the woods, a little ways off the trail, the Explorers could see another formation of sandstone much higher than the one they were on. As a group we safely explored the rock, climbing through its narrow, cracked passageways. On top of the formation a toppled Cedar stuck out over the forest floor. All along the top side of the tree, Cedar saplings were sprouting out. It was clear to us that this decomposed tree had a direct role in enriching the soil.

Leaving the rock we pressed on towards a location that Rowen called the bouncy tree. As we crested the top of a ridgeline we found ourselves in a swath of Salal and Douglas Fir.  Rowen led us off the trail and we came upon the bouncy log, which was so large it could support the weight of the whole group. As the boys waved back and forth on the log the group got a feel for just how much a tree can sway in a storm. Circling up back on the trail we only had a little over an hour left and the group had to make a decision. Should we keep going on the trail and possibly find a spot to make an earth shelter or turn around and use one of the other locations we tracked to find shelter materials? With quick deliberation the group decided to turn back. I congratulated them on their quick decision and they responded saying, “Yeah we know, can we go now and stop wasting time.” I promptly got out of their way and headed down to the lush valley where we had begun.

The boys sprung into action finding the essential components for the earth shelter frame. Others set out to find the ribs for lining the sidewalls. By the time they starting piling on debris it was time for our closing meeting. It was hard to pry the Grey Fox Kits away from their shelter, but mentors told them that our last outing of the fall season at North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead will be another excellent spot to build shelters. As we passed around our snack the boys gave thanks for the magnificent trees of the Chuckanut Mountains and for a great group to explore them with. After we broke circle, being good stewards of the Earth, we dismantled our earth shelter and left treading as lightly as possible. Every time these boys step out into the woods they rekindle their relationship with the landscape and grow in insight and leadership. The mentors are thankful to have opportunities such as this to explore with the group and for the parents support and encouragement.

Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.

Grey Fox Kits and the Importance of Shelter at the 100 Aker Wood

The Grey Fox Kits arrived at the 100 Aker Wood ready for adventure. It was amazing to see the comradery and relationships that are building within this group. We said goodbye to the parents and the boys found a cozy little mossy patch surrounded by a stand of Doug Firs to hold the opening meeting.  It is amazing how many times we can explore the 100 Aker Wood and still find locations that we have not yet been to. With a few seasons under their belt, the Grey Fox Kits are settling into the Boys Explorers Club culture. During our meeting, we checked in with each other about our summer adventures. It was so great to hear that the Grey Fox Kits are getting opportunities to adventure inside and outside of the Explorers Club. We greeted our new mentor, Tim Massey, who would be exploring with us. He had the great idea to have everybody say their name since there were a few new boys in the group. After some introductions, Tim and I turned the meeting over to our volunteer Mentor, Soren Brotherton.

            Soren is part of the Explorers Mentor Apprenticeship or the EMA Program. The EMA Program is part of our program for arriving adults called the Four Shields Program. When the Grey Fox Kits reach thirteen years old, they will transition into the Four Shields Program.  A mentor apprenticeship holds the opportunity for the Four Shielder’s to deepen their connection to mentoring and service. It was really wonderful to watch the former Explorer lead an opening circle. Soren’s leadership skills really showed as he gave out jobs and helped the boys flush out the day’s safety concerns.  The EMAs are truly enriching the Explorers experiences during outings. They are offering the boys a window into the Boys Explorers Club cultural history. EMAs connect with the Explorers in a way that the older Mentors cannot.  These arriving adults approach challenges, debriefs, and group dynamics with different opinions and insight. Mentors would like to thank the Grey Fox Kits for accepting Soren into their culture, and Soren for mentoring with such acceptance, care, and patience for these boys.

            As we discussed safety, the group started to become aware of a change in the weather. The boys' body postures started to droop and Mentors noticed they were getting cold. During our fall season, staying warm and dry is one of our biggest safety concerns. Mentors stressed the importance of ourmotto, LIBK- Let It Be Known. In order to stay safe as a group, the Explorers must learn to be able to communicate when they are starting to feel cold. In Explorers Club, we learn how to read the climate of our group both physically and mentally.  By the time we were finished discussing safety, Mentors were getting a lot of calls to play Hide, but we knew that the group needed to get their blood pumping in order to stay warm. Heading into the 100 Aker Wood, the Grey Fox Kits had no idea what adventures and lessons were in store for them.

            The Mentors searched for a place to have an energetic opening game. The Grey Fox Kits scouted a steep hill and decided that this would be the perfect landscape to get our blood pumping.  We played Hungry Hungry Martin on the big incline of Doug fir, Cedar, and Sword Ferns. As we played, we ran, crawled, and hid up and down the hill. In this game, one Explorer is a martin and the rest are squirrels. The squirrels try to escape the martins teeth by making it to a marked tree. It was fun to watch the martins getting into their role experiencing the predator mind as they watched the other 11 squirrels draw nearer and nearer. Often times when we play games in our outings, they call the group to engage in decision-making. Our Tribal Elder of the day, Lachlan, along with the help of the group, facilitated a beautiful example of group decision-making and our motto Collaborate and Compromise. After playing a round, some Explorers wanted to make an adaptation to the game and have two martins. Lachlan called the group to circle up and started the process by asking the group for a vote of either one martin or two. The two martin option proved to be the most popular by a seven to five vote. The Tribal Elder then asked the Explorers who advocated for one martin why they held this opinion. After Lachlan had heard their opinions, he turned to the Explorers who advocated for two martins. The group Spoke Their Truths and recognized their need for collaboration. The Tribal Elder then suggested that the group play one round with two martins and then the next round with one martin. He then asked if there were other suggestions, and if anyone was not okay with the decision. This whole group process took about five minutes and went really smoothly. To watch this group process as a Mentor is so rewarding. These boys are on their way to becoming leaders and understanding what it means to be part of a community.

            After playing one more round, we circled back up again to discuss the days skill, the Art of Shelter Building. We started our conversation of shelter by recognizing the four survival needs. Every Grey Fox Kit should be able to tell you what these needs are. Of the four needs the most pressing need for survival is shelter. Mentors passed around Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival, which is one of the best resources for guidance with shelter building. Mentors modeled an earth shelter by making a mini replica while talking about the important first steps, knowing where to set it up. Understanding how water flows through the landscape of a potential shelter site and the potential hazards are the keys to staying warm, dry, and safe while sleeping in an earth shelter. After some lunch, the Explorers set out to find a place for the perfect spot to build their shelter.

            As we pushed on into the 100 Aker Woods, the wind started to pick up and the rain started to come down in sheets.  As we searched for a sheltered location, the boys stumbled upon some other earth shelters. The Grey Fox Kits decided that this would also be the spot that they were going to set up their shelter. The boys chose their spots with intention. They scouted for widow maker limbs and found a high, dry, and flat area with lots of building resources close by. 

            That’s when it happened, a cherry tree 60 feet tall and a foot and a half wide blew down in a large gust of wind with a resounding crack and a boom shaking the earth beneath our feet. The tree had only landed thirty feet away and the Explorers panicked, but Mentors directed them to stay put. This was one of those situations where Mentors had to model triangular leadership and be more directive. The group used their eyes to scout the tree line again and for any widow makers in the proximity. After scanning we still felt solid about our shelter spot, however we could not safely harvest any materials without endangering ourselves. In the Boys Explorers Club, we work in partnership with the landscape to teach and learn. We used this teachable moment to again reiterate how important it was to build your shelter in a hazard free location. The group had chosen wisely, this is a lesson that the Grey Fox Kits won’t soon forget. As we finished our discussion, the wind blew even harder and we decided that it was time for a change in location.

            As we headed out of the woods, some boys tried to get ahead by running the short distance back to the trail. Once the group was together and the situational risk was lower, Mentors discussed how important it was to stay together as a group and be just as aware of the trees in our travel to the next location. We, as Mentors, must model appropriate group behavior even in times of high situational risk. The trail we had come in on had turned into a river and afforded us the opportunity to see how water moved through the landscape in times of heavy rain. Again the 100 Aker Wood was teaching us about the Art of Shelter Building. 

            We nestled under a Cedar tree and some of the boys began to shiver. We hunkered down and playedThirty Second Freak, moving our arms and stomping our feet as fast as we could. Even with the warmth that we generated and the shelter of the Cedar, we still could not get comfortable. The rain was coming down in sheets. Soren and I set up a tarp shelter while the boys played many games of Everyone’s It. Once completed, we sat under the tarp shelter and sipped hot drinks as Mentors told stories about dealing with the elements. I told the group a story about the importance of insulation from Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival.  Tom's story talks about watching the squirrels build their nest in order to understand how to build shelters with insulation that functions well. The group discussed the human bodies need for insulation and how we could use our layered clothes in the same way.

            Sitting under the tarp, we revisited the Grey Fox Kit’s outing history of weathering storms. In their first fall season, the boys weathered a cold and rainy day much like this outing at Whatcom Falls Park. As the Grey Fox Kits group develops, they will start to build a strong culture derived from shared experience. The Grey Fox Kits called for Mentors to incorporate elements of falling trees and rain storms into their new name and indeed it will. Hopefully, at the end of this fall season, these Explorers will emerge with a new name representing the resilience attitudes that they have been cultivating. Their name will be created by the group and represent strength as a community and perseverance.

            We ended the day on a lighthearted note, playing a silly game called Screaming Toes and sliding down a trail that got very muddy. Soaked to the bone and covered in mud, we rejoiced in the weather and learned how to play regardless of the season. In our closing circle, we gave thanks for: food, shelter, warmth, for having the opportunity to explore, for the weather being our teacher, for tarp shelters, for free-spirited play, and for finding our strength in our connection to the group and ecosystem. At the end of our meeting, Tim pointed out that there was not one complaint the whole time. Attitude is everything and this skill will transfer to all aspects of the Explorers lives as they grow and mature.

You can check out more pictures from the outing in the Grey Fox Kits photo gallery