Grey Fox Kits Weather the Storm at Lake Padden

On a wet and windy Halloween it was only fitting that the Grey Fox Kits were going on an outing. Meeting up at Lake Padden it became apparent that we were going to need to find cover and quickly. Sheets of rain pelted us as we slogged through the muddy field to the shelter for opening meeting. Knowing that the weather was forecasted to clear up after an hour or so the Grey Fox Kits took this time to hunker down out of the rain and brainstorm a new group name. Of course as these boys get older they begin feeling less and less like a “fox kit” and voiced the desire to create a new name that was more representative of their experiences and growth over the last few years. Given their propensity for inclement weather it was clear that Storm was going to part of the name sticking to the Canidae family the boys settled on Wolves thus making the Storm Wolves! The mentors made sure to remind the Explorers that with a new name comes new responsibility. If they want to call themselves the Storm Wolves then they are going to have to act like it and demonstrate their growth as both individuals and as a group. The notion of being held to a higher standard was accepted by the boys and the Strom Wolves were formed.

Even though they go by a new name, the group formerly known as the Grey Fox Kits still managed to fit in a few rounds of their favorite game, Where’s My Egg?, as the weather cleared up and the rain ceased to fall. The break in the weather also afforded us with a window to get up into the cover of the woods. Meandering along the horse trails up into the hills it became apparent that although the rain had died down the wind could still be heard rustling through the canopy above. Even though it was just a breeze that ruffled the leaves, it still conjured up the memories of some of the close calls we’ve had as a group. A few of the boys became a bit hesitant, but with words of encouragement from their friends and reassurance by the mentors they pushed on and quickly became lost in the moment, reconnecting to all the joy that can be found from a good romp in the woods with your buddies. This was a powerful moment for the mentors to reflect upon because it marked a great stride towards conquering a fear, a justifiable one at that, but a fear none the less that has lingered with this group ever since our close call last fall. It is said that time is the best medicine, and over the past year these boys have taken that fear of the wind and honed it into a heightened awareness and strong respect for the power of the wind.

Getting further up into the woods we found a great spot to set up a base camp. As the Explorer’s demonstrated their growth and maturity by organizing their own game of Spider’s Web, the mentors took some time to get a fire started. Gathering firewood is no easy task after such a downpour and required much scouring of the landscape, rummaging under fallen logs, and gathering up the fine branches of the Western Hemlock for a sufficient supply of firewood. The mentors demonstrated a couple different methods to start the fire. After getting a coal with a bow drill, the tinder bundle was just a bit too damp so they fell back on the tried and true flint and steel. With a fire started the boys quickly gathered around as they were drawn like magnets to the flickering flames and warmth. They took this time to poke and prod at the fire with sticks, burn leaves, and even get some tips on how to properly tend a fire to keep it going strong in damp and cold conditions. This time also afforded Explorers a chance to kick back and joke around with one another sharing many a laugh and fond memory.

Before the outing was over we had just enough time play a few rounds of Hungry, Hungry Martin that got everyone running around and warmed up. We put out the fire in a fashion used by natives for many years where a trench is dug around the fire, flames are extinguished and the burnt remnants of the fire are buried. Next we gathered up duff, leaves, and branches and spread them over the area to make it look like we were never even there. We can’t leave no trace, but we can certainly do our best to cover up our tracks and return the landscape to the way we found it. With just enough time left for closing circle we shared our thanks, ate some apples, and packed up for the hike back down to the parking lot. Everyone was in high spirits for the hike down and as the breeze rustled through the leaves in the canopy the Storm Wolves left the forest in high spirits and with smiles on their faces. They truly have come a long way and demonstrated a tremendous courage and fortitude to overcome past experiences and remind themselves that although the forest can be dangerous at times, with awareness and respect we can still explore and revel in the bountiful memories that the forest has in store for us.

Join us for the Co-op's Community Shopping Day - Saturday, November 21. Shop for Thanksgiving – or just grocery shop at either Coop and 2% of total sales that day will be donated to Wild Whatcom.

BEC: Grey Fox Kits explore east of Clayton Beach

Wind and Rain. Stretching Edges. Grasping the Nettle. Celebrating the Season.

These four themes seem to follow the Grey Fox Kits from outing to outing. Whether diligently working on the art of shelter building or exploring the hidden niches of fun forest hideaways, these Explorers are constantly aware of the elements. More than any group, the Grey Fox Kits are focused on the present moment; their awareness skills have grown so much and they are just starting their fourth season!

Much thanks go out to Jake Ray who stepped up as a mentor for this outing. He has joined the Grey Fox Kits and other Explorers club groups before, but he took a day off from studying for finals in order to be a mentor with us when one of our team was sick. Thank you for joining us on this outing, Jake!

After last season, boys were not soon to forget the importance of keeping their eyes out during and after wind storms. We started the day a bit hesitatingly as boys observed the wind and trees, nervous about any falling widowmakers. This reverence and respect for the natural world is invaluable. Though they may have started off the outing frightened, they came into their own as they settled into their outdoor home in Larrabee State Park.

Spring brings with it a new life that we observed in the fruiting mushrooms and sprouting Indian Plum. Even Stinging Nettles were popping up after a dormant winter. We also learned about the life inside of dead trees or snags. Though they can come crashing down and be destructive, these same trees hold the power of life. Indeed boys learned the term, “Fatwood” and are starting to recognize that decomposing stumps hold fire! Even the snags, especially the Red Alders which are most prone to falling in windy conditions, harbor tremendous amount of firewood and bow drill kit spindles and hearths.

We didn’t get into the art of fire with the Grey Fox Kits, as they have much to learn first. But they are definitely excited to learn and practice their earth skills so that they can progress to learning that art. This season, they’ll consider the art of harvest- this includes edibles that we’ll find later in the season in addition to that of wood for shelter, fire and carving. And speaking of carving, boys have already begun to express their interest in edged tools and it seems likely that they will start the Carving Journey in the fall (perhaps flirting with it in the summer).

Explorers monitored the trees and settled on a safe forest nook to eat lunch. From there they found a swampy meadow and insisted on clambering through mud slicks, nettles, salmonberry and trailing blackberry to get to a downed bigleaf maple in the middle.

We then discussed ethical harvesting as licorice fern root became a focus of many an inquisitive hand! Boys were keen to harvest this plant but only one was patient enough to open the plant identification book and make sure that it was a safe idea. Though this is an edible plant, we have to change our behaviors to make sure that we don’t harvest without knowing exactly what we’re harvesting!

A short jaunt into the forest led us to Explorer-high sword fern. Organic shelters were built, Elven palaces discovered, and inclusiveness became a theme. We played countless games of Hide and it’s clear that these Explorers are getting better and better at the art of camouflage each season!

We hiked up the hill for a final adventure and came to two huge glacial erratics on the hillside. They formed caves in which Explorers didn’t hesitate practicing the art of spelunking! Mentors cautioned boys about climbing atop the boulders, however, because they were slippery but a couple of boys slid down the rock faces.

Though the boys were unharmed, they took out mosses, lichens, and licorice ferns along the way. Part of the responsibility that comes with the Art of Harvest is learning how and when to amp down the exploration and adventure feelings. These boys are in the perfect place to begin distinguishing when and how to balance fun with responsibility.

After having paused for nearly four hours the rain began to fall again while we held closing meeting. We gave thanks and started the long downhill walk to the parking lot, grateful that the wind and rain gave us a small window of time to explore and have a rad outing.

Thank you Explorers for stretching your edges and grasping the nettle. You are definitely growing into a cohesive and caring community! Thank you parents for your support of these boys and this program. We appreciate your letting wet Explorers into your cars!

Please see the photo gallery to view more pictures from this outing. See younext time for the Connelly Creek Traverse on April 19th.

BEC: A Spirited Exploration with the Grey Fox Kits at North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead

In keeping with the apparent 2013 season theme for the Grey Fox Kits, they arrived at the North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead aware of the ominous looking rain clouds rolling in from the South. However, the boys were not too concerned with the weather; instead they were excited to see that Soren Brotherton and Brian Mulligan would be joining us on our outing. It has been a joy to watch the Explorers share connection and experiences with these mentors as their history grows over multiple seasons. By cultivating long-term relationships with a community of mentors, the boys are able to grow and witness a healthy variety of different forms of mentorship. Matt Fogarty once summed this idea with a simple statement, “Teach who you are.”  Mentors engage the boys with genuineness and care; this guides their leadership and mentoring style. In turn, the Explorers are able to develop a more complete understanding of what it means to be a male in  our community.

Despite their normal squirreliness, we formed a circle to unify our thoughts before we set out for the day. After a few challenging fall outings, the Mentors planned to focus the group’s attention on their transformation this season.  The Grey Fox Kits are resilient and have learned to weather the elements. Matt Fogarty compared the group’s experience to that of hardening a plant off before putting it into the garden. In this process, the seedling is moved from a place of shelter and abundance to a place outside where it is intentionally exposed to the elements. At first the seedling wilts, but after while, it slowly strengthens into an established start. Once hardened off, the start is ready to be put in the garden where eventually it will produce a harvest for its community. 

With some great inspiration under our belts, we changed our focus to the surrounding landscape. The Mentors explained to the group that North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead was the beginning of a large wilderness area that spans all the way to the North Cascades. The logging roads that lead to the top of the mountain have many junctions and crossings requiring us to track them to avoid getting lost. Once we oriented ourselves and assigned some jobs, we set out for our Exploration. Arriving at our first junction, we circled up the group. The boys quickly decided to explore the ridgeline trail instead of the lowland valley. The group climbed the ridgeline trail keeping a watchful eye out for bicycles speeding down the trail. It became apparent to the mentors that the Explorers needed to engage their bodies and get into their rhythm. We hiked unwaveringly into the rain until we arrived at the power line clearing.  Many boys pointed out various widow makers and snag hazards along the trail. Standing in the clearing, we noticed just how hard the rain was coming down. Although we were getting soaked, the group took the opportunity to gaze west at the dark rain clouds as they moved steadily across the sky. Slowly the boys are developing an awareness of their extended surroundings and are learning to anticipate changes in the weather. This is a very important survival skill that will be required of them time and time again in future outings.

Following the Explorers, the ridge trail transitions from the power lines into a grove of young Red Alder. While hiking, Matt and Soren spotted what they thought was a deer rub. They called the group over and we examined the Alder trunk for signs of antler velvet or hair. Matt encouraged the group to utilize deer trails in their travels as he pointed out the faint trail that led off to the east. Deer trails can teach us a lot about thriving in the landscape. During prior explorations, deer trails have led us on safe passageways and have revealed safe places to build shelters and bed down for the night. Using this moment as inspiration, Matt burst into a game of Cougar Stalks Deer. In this game, the cougars try to catch a deer as it attempts to escape. As the deer flee, cougars try to catch up. Whenever a deer turns around, all the cougars must stop. If a deer spots a cougar moving it must go to the back of the group. The Explorers stalked Matt all the way up to the ridgeline trail until we got to the viewpoint. Feeling cold and hungry, the group decided that this would be a great spot to put some fuel in our tanks.  Sharing hot tea and munching on sandwiches, we looked out over the bay and north towards Lummi Island and Georgia Strait. Each time we climb to a vista near our homes and look out over the topography we gain more insight on how the expansive geography that surrounds us is connected. The group reflected on just how special it is to live in a place where the mountains meet the sea. The Explorers were also very curios to see over the edge of the sandstone cliff located a few feet in front of us. One by one the Mentors spotted each boy as he peered over the edge of the cliff. Once everyone finished lunch, we packed up and headed out along the ridge. We followed our curiosity with no particular destination in mind.

After a few minutes of hiking the group came to another viewpoint. This time the vista drew our focus in a Northeasterly direction over the Galbraith wildland toward Lake Whatcom and Stewart Mountain. The boys turned toward the mentors and said, “You were not kidding when you said we could easily get lost out here.” Turning back towards the trail, a few Explorers started to Let It Be Known that they had reached their limit on hiking any further. This was a great time for the Mentors to step back and provide the Tribal Elder with an opportunity to lead the decision-making process. After hearing each of the Explorers opinions, the group made a very cohesive compromise to turn around and play Spider’s Web near the trailhead. Matt Fogarty, being the trickster that he is, broke up the circle by looking at Soren and yelling “Deer!”, The chase was on and the boys pursued Soren all the way back down to the power lines. Just when it looked as though Soren was about to be caught, he would round a corner and disappear into the bushes only to reappear when no one was expecting it, what fun!

Following the power line clearing westward we descended into a valley tucked away and littered with a series of mountain bike jumps. As soon as the group saw them they immediately dropped their packs and ran to jump all over them. One purpose for this outing was a well earned celebration of this season where the boys had bonded. The boys let loose as they tested their acrobatics maneuvers. Free play and creative space is so important to the development of our youth. One of the greatest gifts mentors can give to the boys is the freedom of time and space to let the Explorers engage with each other, the landscape and their imaginations. All too often, our  excessively scheduled culture does not allow for this freedom.

The group ran for half an hour without tiring.  Afterward, they circled up to play a round of Spider’s Web. Liam took on the role of the Spider and quickly found a perfect vantage point to watch the major thruways to the food source. Try and try as they might, the flies were relentlessly called back to the web. This challenge really helped the Explorers experiment with the forest colors as they tried to camouflage themselves and determine when they had the best opportunities to move. Any slip up and the attuned senses of the spider would catch them and strike. It was great to watch Brian bonding with the boys as he hid and crawled with other flies under Sword Ferns. After a long game, someone called, “Hey where is the bandana?” It turned out that Matt had fooled all of us by switching out the bandana for his hat. We then circled up to discuss the game. It was apparent to us that the Explorers were really getting into the spirit of competition.  The flies congratulated the spider on a job well done and they in turn congratulated the flies for their diligence and stealth. We all decided that the true purpose of this game was not to win or loose but to play and have fun.

The group quickly packed up and handed back their jobs(?) for a closing meeting. We sat it a tight circle as the sun slowly faded into the West. Sharing apples, we went around the circle discussing our favorite moments of the season and giving thanks. The boys were thankful for the rain and the storms that the fall season brings, for the joy of being together out in the land, forSpider’s Web, forest snags, and the ability to turn our challenges and problems into possibilities into opportunities. The Mentors are deeply grateful for the privilege to be a part of the boys’ experiences and development during this fall season. We would once again like to give a big thanks to all the parents and families for your support and trust throughout this season. We would also like to thank all the Volunteers Mentors, EMA, and Staff for their support this season.  

Please check out more pictures from the outing at the photo gallery. We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Solstice Gathering on December 14th and at the winter outings we are offering for the first time ever!

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

Exploring in Arroyo Park with the Grey Fox Kits

In their second Explorers Club season, Grey Fox Kits were asked to recall the most important lesson from last fall: How do we prepare for rain?!

The rain had been dumping for hours as Explorers showed up to Arroyo Park for an exploration. Parents smiled nervously while saying goodbye and boys checked that they were as rainproof as they could be. But these Grey Fox Kits not only prepare for the rain, they embrace it. And ironically, the rain slowed its pace and had all but stopped after only an hour on trail!

Soren, an EMA from the Firestalkersgroup, volunteered his afternoon with the Grey Fox Kits and was a helpful and strong mentor during the outing. He asked boys lots of questions and kept a great energy through the outing. Thanks for your great work, Soren!

We marched up the first hill in the Chuckanut Mountain range before having our opening meeting. Boys recognized and appreciated the high water level in Arroyo Creek and then kept to the switchbacks as we ascended. By the “Grandpa” Douglas Fir, we played Incoming.

Grey Fox Kits recalled their earth skill journey for the season: the Art of Stealth and Supersense. So, we threaded through the forest and up a steep hill using our Fox Feet. We saw Trilliums (Trillium ovatum) poking up through the forest duff, learned how to identify it, and avoided stepping on them. Please ask your Explorer how long it takes for the Trillium to grow!

Explorers then embodied an animal and displayed the senses those animals use when moving around. We left our backpacks and ventured to “Cougar Rock” as those animals while Soren guessed what animals we were. This mentor recalls seeing a Garter Snake, a “stick-tailed” lizard, some wolves, a bear or two, and some feathered friends too. Which animal was your Explorer?

Cougar Rock, aptly named by the boys, who acted like cougars during later activities, became the heart of our outing. Following the motto Challenge By Choice, Explorers took turns climbing a mossy log from the ground to the top of Cougar Rock. With mentors spotting, boys practiced themotto, Stretch Your Edge.

Everyone, even those who stayed on the ground, had moments of pausing and slight fear and before overcoming their hesitations. We may be scared in our lives, but taking calculated risks can empower us and expand our capacity to develop. Congratulations to everyone for that growing experience!

Quinn shared some trinkets from a recent trip to the desert. How different the ecosystems are between the southern California high desert and our Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest!This made Dave nostalgic for his old stomping grounds.

Talking about the desert was so magical that he immediately transformed into a deer and Explorers transformed into cougars. Naturally boys started to chase Dave; though his glance made them freeze, eventually they caught him! This also happened about an hour later to Soren, who changed into a deer, as the Grey Fox Kits once again transmuted into tawny Cougars.

We gathered our backpacks and realized that another transformation had occurred. We noticed that Steve was missing and simultaneously we heard a Wolf howl. We ran down trail to see if Steve was OK and laughed when we realized that indeed it was Steve doing the howling! It became a bit more comical when an actual dog came running down the trail looking for the same howling that we were.

Our closing meeting was powerful as boys practiced the motto Collaborate and Compromise so that we could get started. We shared our motto of Attitude of Gratitude over dirty hands and apple slices. And though we were all in high spirits to share the experiences with our parents, it is important that we stay together as a group, Explorers. Remember the motto,Safety First. We have to make sure everyone gets back!

Explorers, thank you so much for embracing the rain. Your energy is impressive and inspiring. Parents, thank you for your support and encouragement in getting your boys to explore in all weather!

Please check out the photo gallery for more pictures. Our next outing will focus on service at Larrabee State Park on Saturday, May 4th from 12:00-4:00pm. 

Don’t forget to look for the best dates for Summer Camps too! You can registerhere. See you next time!

BEC: Grey Fox Kits Weather the Storm at Lake Padden

On a wet and windy Halloween it was only fitting that the Grey Fox Kits were going on an outing. Meeting up at Lake Padden it became apparent that we were going to need to find cover and quickly. Sheets of rain pelted us as we slogged through the muddy field to the shelter for opening meeting. Knowing that the weather was forecasted to clear up after an hour or so the Grey Fox Kits took this time to hunker down out of the rain and brainstorm a new group name. Of course as these boys get older they begin feeling less and less like a “fox kit” and voiced the desire to create a new name that was more representative of their experiences and growth over the last few years. Given their propensity for inclement weather it was clear that Storm was going to part of the name sticking to the Canidae family the boys settled on Wolves thus making the Storm Wolves! The mentors made sure to remind the Explorers that with a new name comes new responsibility. If they want to call themselves the Storm Wolves then they are going to have to act like it and demonstrate their growth as both individuals and as a group. The notion of being held to a higher standard was accepted by the boys and the Storm Wolves were formed.

Even though they go by a new name, the group formerly known as the Grey Fox Kits still managed to fit in a few rounds of their favorite game, Where’s My Egg?, as the weather cleared up and the rain ceased to fall. The break in the weather also afforded us with a window to get up into the cover of the woods. Meandering along the horse trails up into the hills it became apparent that although the rain had died down the wind could still be heard rustling through the canopy above. Even though it was just a breeze that ruffled the leaves, it still conjured up the memories of some of the close calls we’ve had as a group. A few of the boys became a bit hesitant, but with words of encouragement from their friends and reassurance by the mentors they pushed on and quickly became lost in the moment, reconnecting to all the joy that can be found from a good romp in the woods with your buddies. This was a powerful moment for the mentors to reflect upon because it marked a great stride towards conquering a fear, a justifiable one at that, but a fear none the less that has lingered with this group ever since our close call last fall. It is said that time is the best medicine, and over the past year these boys have taken that fear of the wind and honed it into a heightened awareness and strong respect for the power of the wind.

Getting further up into the woods we found a great spot to set up a base camp. As the Explorer’s demonstrated their growth and maturity by organizing their own game of Spider’s Web, the mentors took some time to get a fire started. Gathering firewood is no easy task after such a downpour and required much scouring of the landscape, rummaging under fallen logs, and gathering up the fine branches of the Western Hemlock for a sufficient supply of firewood. The mentors demonstrated a couple different methods to start the fire. After getting a coal with a bow drill, the tinder bundle was just a bit too damp so they fell back on the tried and true flint and steel. With a fire started the boys quickly gathered around as they were drawn like magnets to the flickering flames and warmth. They took this time to poke and prod at the fire with sticks, burn leaves, and even get some tips on how to properly tend a fire to keep it going strong in damp and cold conditions. This time also afforded Explorers a chance to kick back and joke around with one another sharing many a laugh and fond memory.

Before the outing was over we had just enough time play a few rounds of Hungry, Hungry Martin that got everyone running around and warmed up. We put out the fire in a fashion used by natives for many years where a trench is dug around the fire, flames are extinguished and the burnt remnants of the fire are buried. Next we gathered up duff, leaves, and branches and spread them over the area to make it look like we were never even there. We can’t leave no trace, but we can certainly do our best to cover up our tracks and return the landscape to the way we found it. With just enough time left for closing circle we shared our thanks, ate some apples, and packed up for the hike back down to the parking lot. Everyone was in high spirits for the hike down and as the breeze rustled through the leaves in the canopy the Storm Wolves left the forest in high spirits and with smiles on their faces. They truly have come a long way and demonstrated a tremendous courage and fortitude to overcome past experiences and remind themselves that although the forest can be dangerous at times, with awareness and respect we can still explore and revel in the bountiful memories that the forest has in store for us.