The Short-Tailed Weasels gathered at the parking lot of
North Lake Whatcom Trailhead for their last exploration of the spring season.
Once they assembled, the group headed down the trail in searching of a spot for
an opening meeting. Hiking along the forest was wet and saturated. The shades
of gray in the low hanging cloud ceiling and slight southerly breeze chilled the
air and refreshed the group. The climate reminded us of the weather much more
typical to our Pacific Northwest spring season. It was powerful to witness the
Explorers mindset and relationship with the rain shifting in this way. In
Explorers Club we go out often in the rain and cold. Our aim is for the boys to
begin to see this weather as a gift more than an advisory.
Finding a clearing next to the trail the group circled up as
the mentors passed out jobs for the day. With a little encouragement from the
swarming mosquitos the boys were able to recall each of the Explorers Club jobs
and delegate a few that were deemed less desirable. The group was anxious to
move, but the mentors held the circle explaining there were a few more
important topics to address. The boys stretched their edge and
worked hard to make a plan for the day in spite of their discomfort. Our aim
was to hike a mile down the trail in search of multi-tiered waterfall then
follow the creek down to the shore of the lake for a sit spot. We would end our
day leaving a good chunk of time for Spider’s Web.
With a plan in order and our minds oriented toward the
landscape we headed out in search of the falls. On the way the boys explored
their skill for the season the Art of
Harvest, taking moments along the trail to investigate the flowers and
fruits of spring. Together we looked at Stinging Nettle stalks, Indian Plum
fruits, Western Hemlock tips, and the elegant flowers of Red
Columbine, Aquilegia Formosa. The boys were also introduced to a very
helpful plant Herb Robert (more commonly known to the Explorers as Stink Bob) whose
fresh leaves can be rubbed onto the skin to repel mosquitos.
After a solid effort the boys arrived at the base of the
waterfall. Looking up the pools overflowed and cascaded down smooth Sandstone
faces. Climbing over a logjam the group tucked into the woods and sat down for
some lunch. Before we explored the falls any closer the mentors wanted to layout
some ground rules. The Mentors talked with the group about two issues: making
sure we stayed off the steep trail above us, and watching our own impact of
erosion on the creek. The mentors stressed the connection of clear, clean, and
cool water and its relationship with healthy habitat for the amphibians, macro
invertebrates, and fish. Deepening this connection the mentors explained that
this creek also poured directly into our own water source Lake Whatcom.
With that the group explored freely up the first half of the
falls getting close enough to feel the spray of the water off the rocks and
practicing their balance on logs that bridged the creek. It was at this moment
that one of the Explorers got on the side of a hill and he did not feel he
could go up or down. In this case the Explorer perceived that the risk was
great, but the physical risk was quite low. One of the mentors worked with the
Explorer for over half an hour helping him to overcome his fear and navigate
the hurdle. This was an empowering moment for both the mentor and mentee. Our
longer outing format and deliberate mentoring style provides the time and space
for the Explorers to overcome their hurdles and find the power in their
challenges.
Simultaneously the rest of the boys were hopping down the creek
checking out tiny fish and Water Striders on their way to the lake. Rallying
the group the mentors sent the boys out on a sit spot near the lakeshore.
Getting quiet the boys relaxed back against the trees and listened to the wind
move and waves lapping against the shore. As we sat an American Dipper
frolicked on the streams edge feasting on bugs. This was yet another reminder
that species in the forest were rejoicing for the rainfall.
The Short-Tailed Weasels came back from their sit spot to
find three concentric circles drawn into the forest floor. Earlier a few boys
had asked why it was difficult for the Explorer to navigate the seemly easy
obstacle of getting down off the hillside. Asking the boys to stand outside the
widest circle, the mentors explained that each circle represented a comfort
level: the first being completely comfortable, the next being semi-comfortable
but still within their growth zone, and the third being completely in the panic
zone. The group was to place themselves inside the appropriate circle when
asked their comfort level in different circumstances.
As the boys ebbed and flowed between the circles they came
to realize that everyone was different in levels of comfort in each scenario. Together
they came to realize the important lesson that their peers all have individual powers
and challenges and it is the job of the group to help each other work through
them.
Feeling the push of the clock we hiked back near the parking
lot, stopping at a dense grove of Cedar and Sword Ferns for a round of Spider’s
Web. The first round was over in about five minutes with the Spider wining
after decimating the fly population. Gathering back up, the group used circular
leadership to modify the game to increase the level of challenge for the
spider. The next game lasted quite a bit longer and had to be called halfway
through because we needed to have a closing circle.
Bringing our focus together the group passed around apples
and shared some genuine thanks as well as one thing they heard and how they felt
on their sit spot.
Our outing had come full circle as the mosquitos started to
swarm us once again.
Before going our separate ways for the summer the mentors
asked the group where they would like to go on their upcoming fall 2016 season.
The boys mentioned wanting to begin their carving journey, which is definitely
on the table, and wanting to visit Lake Padden, Clayton Beach, Arroyo Park, and
return to North Lake Whatcom.
Parents, thanks you for your strong support and commitment
to the program. Our time spent building relationships with your sons throughout
their first season in Explorers Club has been wonderful. Our mentors have begun
to vision and dream for their years ahead in the program. We look forward to
exploring with them in our summer programs and again this fall!
For more photos from the day please visit the Short-Tailed
Weasels photo album from
the day.
