Storm Wolves Get Back to the Basics at Stewart Mountain

The Storm Wolves arrived at North Lake Whatcom Trailhead on an overcast day. We were getting ready to practice Wilderness Travel skills and taking the next step on our journey learning the Art of Fire. Hiking the trail leading up Stewart Mountain we crossed through the power line clearing and got off trail to settle in for the day. Since we spent so much time on our first outing of the season hiking up to Lizard Lake and the North Butte, we decided to set up a base camp and hunker down in the same spot for the day.

Exploring and hanging out before practicing skills

Starting off we spent some time exploring our surroundings and getting oriented to the area. The mentors took this time to prep for our skills lesson and let some of the Storm Wolves get a head start on fire starting with a ferrocerium rod (aka “ferro rod” or “fire steel”). With everyone getting enough time to explore we gathered together for our opening circle. The group had a discussion around what materials are important to have with you for “surviving” in the outdoors. A simple method of the “Five C’s” is an easy way to help prioritize; Cutting, Combustion, Container, Coordage, and Cover. All of these items are prioritized by what is the most beneficial in maintaining your “Rule of 3’s” (3 minutes without air, 3 hours exposure to inclement weather, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food) and what is the most difficult to reproduce in nature.

Starting a fire with a Ferro Rod is much easier than making a bow-drill kit!

To mix things up, the mentors wrapped up the lesson and tossed out a tarp for the Storm Wolves to try and set up. This was a pop-quiz of sorts and as the mentors stepped back the Storm Wolves took a minute and quickly formed into a circle and began to collaborate and compromise on how to set up the tarp. It was great to see this group draw on their group decision making skills that they have been honing for the past few years. With a little bit of a struggle they got the tarp up and tried to all squeeze under it. After reviewing their strategy, the mentors shared some tips, taught how to tie a “trucker’s hitch” and set up the tarp in a basic ridge-line set up. 

Circling up to Collaborate and Compromise on how to set up the tarp

The finished product was creative but managed to fit everyone in despite the close quarters

The mentors then demonstrated a "ridge line" set up which offered up a bit more space!

The simple yet effective "Trucker's Hitch"

After our tarp excercise we transitioned to basic fire starting methods focusing on using the ferro rod, and cedar bark processed into a tinder bundle. Additionally we learned about “fatwood” that is the resinous wood you can find in old stumps.   

Working together to learn how to use a ferro rod

Success!

Finally, we rallied to get in a few rounds of Spider’s Web. It was great to see this group get out playing games again, laughing, sneaking through the ferns, and even getting creative by engineering a portable fern blind to hide behind.

Making a portable Sword Fern blind for Spider's Web

Where did he go!?

This was a great outing for this group to get grounded back into the basics of Explorers Club. We got off trail, explored, learned some skills, and played some games. Most importantly we collaborated and compromised and managed to continue developing group comradery incorporating our newer members. This group is always a ton of fun to be a part of on outings and a breath of fresh air for the mentors who are trying to break in some new groups. Their resiliency, creativity, ability to focus when needed yet get lost in the moment, and overall perpetually positive morale makes each outing not only fun for the group, but something the mentors look forward to each month. 

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from our day here!

Grey Fox Kits Play in the Wind at Fairhaven Park

On a blustery Saturday afternoon, the Grey Fox Kits were reunited after a warm winter to kick off the 2015 Spring Season of Boys Explorers Club. We had originally planned on having a day of exploration and carving in the Sehome Arboretum, however, given the windy weather and the eventful history of the Grey Fox Kits, the mentors decided to relocate to Fairhaven Park. Thanks to the flexibility and efficient communication of seasoned BEC Parents we pulled off this last minute switch without a hitch. Both Explorers and Parents were appreciative of Fairhaven Park’s versatility offering grassy fields and open areas under trees to play and carve the day away with peace of mind.

As the Explorers gathered for our opening circle we briefly inspected a dead beetle then caught up with one another about our winter adventures. We took some time to reflect on why we had switched locations, how we felt about wind and where our edges were in regards to plans for what we wanted to do during the outing. Truths were spoken and we decided what better way to kick off our Spring season than to have a game day with some more sedentary activities sprinkled in to change things up from time to time.

We first began with many heated rounds of “Where’s My Egg?!” where the boys honed their sneaking skills and tapped in to Coyote’s trickster ways as they tried to deceive the mother bird of where her egg had gotten off to. Much attention to rules and fairness was another theme of this game. Boys were challenged to discuss rules as they came up and decide upon fair and equal solutions that would allow us to play with honor and respect for ourselves and one another.

After many a round played, the Explorers lost some of their interest and naturally gathered around the packs rehydrating and munching away at their lunches. Boys chatted amongst one another until someone had a joke to tell. One after the other, jokes were told amongst the group. Good laughs shared with good company. It was nice to be back amongst fellow Grey Fox Kits.

To switch things up, the mentors brought out a variety of supplies for activities: plaster casts and a coyote skull, paper and pencil, homemade pickle jar terrarium with spiders included, animal track flash cards, and a handful of natural history books. Some boys were immediately captivated with drawing, while others just wanted to sit and carve. A few Explorers gained insight into more advanced carving techniques, while others honed tracking instincts by inspecting and identifying plaster casts of coyote, bobcat, and deer. But ultimately most of the boys slowly gravitated towards free play with one another amongst the trees in a heated match of pinecone tag.

With a good chunk of our outing behind us, we wanted to get in some more games before it was time to go. As we transitioned to a new area to play we were joined by Emily Highleyman, the executive director of Wild Whatcom. Without skipping beat she was nearly as eager to play games as the boys. Many of the Explorers had games in mind that they were excited to play, but with only enough time for two or three games, it was clear some boys were going to have to realize their game wasn’t going to be played, at least for today. But coming to compromise and finding consensus is common place for a veteran group of Explorers like the Grey Fox Kits. In a matter of minutes the games to be played were decided, rule intricacies were hashed out, and we were transformed into rabbits and coyotes locked in a heated game of “Run Rabbit, RUN!” huffing and puffing from one rabbit hole to another hoping not to become coyote kibble.

Worn out from all the games our outing was nearing its end. We gathered in a circle where our outing had begun and reflected on what a fun outing we all had. Some boys were grateful for fun games, others were grateful for simple things like trees and sky. But overwhelmingly, Explorers were grateful for their thrilling encounter with a falling branch last fall. Though it was a trying experience, and rather scary for most, the boys all said they have learned a lot from the experience, become more aware and in tune with not only their environment but also themselves, and most importantly for any boy their age they now have a thrilling story to share with their friends. All in all we had a complete outing; free play, carving, natural history, games, group decision making, sharing jokes, getting lost in the moment, reflecting on the past, and growing for the future. Who could ask for anything more?

Make sure to check out all the photos from this outing in the Grey Fox Kits Photo Gallery!