Daredevil's Club Campfire at Larrabee

What a day for an outing! The wind and the rain were relentless on the Daredevil Club’s final make up outing for the season. Meeting at Larrabee State Park the outing started off with only fifty percent of the group, but we made sure to have more than enough fun for those who couldn’t make it. Suiting up in our rain gear (and forgetting the camera in the car!) we decided to trek down to the beach to see the stormy weather hammering the coastline. Climbing out onto the rocks we faced the brunt of the strong winds and sideways rain pelting our faces. There are few better ways to experience the power of nature than to confront a storm along the coastline. After enough exposure to the storm it was time to tuck into the cove and see what was along the sandy stretch of the shoreline. Exploring the nooks and crannies of the sandstone we found a few small caves, inspected an old Western Red Cedar protruding from the rock face, and even found evidence of a Pileated Wood Pecker. Climbing up the ridgeline we traversed the Salal and Madrona atop a cliff, scurried down the hillside to the train tracks, and crossed back into the state park to seek shelter and meet up with another member of our group.

Under one of the parks open aired shelters we were able to dry out while we relaxed and chatted, passing the time. It truly is a pleasure for the mentors to just hang out and carry on conversations with this group. Coming from an outing with a younger group the previous day, the mentors appreciated the growth and maturity of the members of this group. Of course they still have an uncanny ability to be goofy and make everyone laugh for almost all of the outing, but the mentors hardly ever have to manage their behavior as is necessary with so many younger groups. Not only is this a testament to the growth of the individuals of this group but affirms their comradery and all that they’ve learned throughout their time in Boys Explorers Club. With our late arriving Explorer reunited with the group, we piled into Peter’s car and scouted out a campsite for our fire.

After a few possibilities, the mentors settled on a nice campsite tucked away in a grove of Wester Red Cedars that provided a thick canopy to keep most of the wind and rain at bay. The spirits of the group were waning as the cold dampness slowly eroded our warm and playful spirits. It was time for a fire. As the molten sparks of ferrocerium hit the tinder, fuel, heat, and oxygen combine to produce a flame that slowly crept up the fatwood and kindling, building upon itself, igniting the ever increasing sizes of wood that were methodically placed upon the flames until a roaring fire was produced. The persistent warmth penetrated the cold and wet. As our limbs warmed and clothes dried, our spirits returned.

Yet again we were back to the goofy old Daredevils Club, the neighboring campers must have thought we were rehearsing for a stand-up routine with all the laughing and guffawing that was under way. But having such a good time can really work up an appetite. Breaking out the hot dogs and marshmallows we took part in something that has been a staple of the human race for thousands of years; cooking over a fire. There is something magical and uncanny about the flickering flames of a fire. It bonds those who stand around it warming their hands and filling their bellies with warm food. The smell of a campfire makes everyone think back to fond memories and has inspired many a good time. The fire is also a great center piece for deeper conversations. We took a moment to focus on the future and discuss our intentions as a group moving forward to the upcoming Spring Season, Summer Season, and beyond. Mentors expressed their desire for the DDC to come out as Explorer Mentor Apprentices in the spring and begin their journey as a volunteer in the program setting a strong example for the younger boys. We also chatted about where we want to go in the spring and what sort of skills we want to focus on. Finally we began visioning our final trip as a group and hope to turn a backpacking trip this summer into a culminating finale for the Daredevils Club to mark their transition into the Four Shields Program. With just enough time for a closing circle of gratitude, we packed up and moseyed back to the parking lot for pick up. This was such a fun outing for mentors and Explorers alike. What a great way to bring our Fall 2015 season to an end.

Daredevils Club Flourish in the Forests of Galbraith

With gray and gloomy weather looming over head, the Daredevils Club met up at North Galbraith Trailhead to get back out on the land after taking a back from exploration to do some service on our previous outing. The thick cloud cover above brought with it a cozy feeling to the forest perfect for our earth skills focus; shelter building. Having a somewhat rough go of it on our first attempt at shelter building this season, the mentors thought it was important for these guys to get a top notch debris hut under their belts so we hit the trail and headed for a nice ravine off trail and away from the busier bike trails.

Cruising through the forest with four Explorers and two mentors felt like a breeze compared to most outings with up to twelve boys in a group. The small group size offers a tremendous opportunity for quick movement, efficient decision making, and some extremely rewarding and sincere interactions. A comradery has taken root this season amongst these boys and with it came the need to address what the future looks like for this group going forward. Taking time to sit down and discuss what we want to do took precedent at the beginning of the outing. After chatting and checking in it became apparent that these guys needed one final season to give the group a “clean death” as one could say. The mentors made a point to acknowledge that in death there is life and new beginnings. Despite an end for the Daredevils Club in sight this fine group of Explorers can embark on the transition from childhood into adolescence with intention, focus, and a greater understanding of what they will be facing in their bright futures. With the big picture stuff taken care of, it was time to get lost in the present and get to work on a shelter.

Hiking around in search of a good location to construct a shelter we sought outcroppings of deciduous trees amongst the vast conifers. Their many leaves offer an excellent source of debris for insulation while the blustery fall winds bring down fresh limbs to be harvested for Y-Sticks, a strong Backbone, and sturdy, straight ribs. Taking advantage of one of the mentors limbing saws, the boys harvested the basic structural components from a Big-Leaf Maple section that came down in our last storm. Carrying these materials away from the hazardous deciduous stand, where the very limbs that fall to provide great building materials can also pose a big risk in windy conditions, we settled on a flat area underneath a young grove of cedar trees. The mentors helped lead the charge on harvesting materials, interlocking the Y-Sticks with the Backbone, and getting a plentiful amount of ribs alternating down the backbone to finish out the structure. Everyone took a turn sawing through branches, seeing who could do it the fastest (while using intention and safety principles of course!), and bonding over the satisfaction of a little perspiration and making piles of sawdust. With the main structure in place, and everyone clear on the level of patience and intention required for structural integrity, we were left with a rock solid construction and just waiting for some latticework of hemlock branches and a thick layer of debris. Feeling confident with the debris hut, the mentors took some time to let the Explorers finish off the shelter while they focused on practicing some skills of their own like harvesting and carving spoons and making bow drill kits from freshly harvested Red Alder.

At this moment, the outing became one of the best either mentor can remember. Explorers were honing their shelter building skills for an upcoming overnight outing in debris huts, mentors were honing their personal earth skills, and the gloomy clouds comforted us like a cozy blanket while refraining from producing precipitation. The air was crisp, refreshing, and full of laughter and joy. Boys took breaks from raking up debris to chat with mentors about everything from what recipe they used to make their lunch to our society’s relationships with weapons and warfare. We even found some time to practice throwing rabbit sticks and spear like branches at a dead log and a quick attempt at starting a fire with a freshly carved bow drill kit. What more could you ask for from an outing? Explorers and mentors alike couldn’t believe it was already time for closing circle and the hike back to the parking lot. If only the outing could go on for the rest of the day and into the evening where many more laughs, conversations, and memories could be shared around a fire before cozying up for the night in our newly constructed debris huts… Oh wait, that’s next outing! After such an incredible day, one can’t help but get excited for all that’s in store for us on our next big adventure.

The Daredevil's Club & Branch Hoppers Serve at Connelly Creek

The Daredevil’s Club and Branch Hoppers arrived at the Connelly Creek Service Site only to see the sky darken and the clouds open up with rainfall. Quickly adorning their rain gear the boys weren’t fazed at all. Doing a once over of the site the group noticed a lot had changed. The Reed-Canary grass had made a comeback, but not quite as much as years previous. The Blackberries were slowly creeping their way over the mulch and re-rooting. The Morning Glory vines had intertwined themselves with our caged Alders and a late summer storm had taken down a tree, scattering branches everywhere.

The group was slightly disheartened, but not defeated. After two and a half years of tending the site the boys are learning the valuable lesson that all relationships take work and maintenance. Their relationship with this patch of land is slowly and persistently testing the boys’ fortitude and diligence to their task, while cultivating their character.  

Our mentors have observed two very distinct character traits budding in our Explorers, as coined by Dr. Kurt Hahn, the famous educator and founder of Outward Bound, 

"I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial, and above all, compassion.” 

These “Five Pillars of Hahnism” are part of the core character traits we hope to cultivate and reinforce in the Explorers. Their “undefeatable spirit” for and “tenacity in the pursuit” of restoring balance to this patch of wilderness is a very real window in what their journey and struggle to be stewards of the land might look like in our modern age. The Explorer’s access and exposure to a plethora of information on environmental dilemmas that await their generation is enough to dishearten anyone. It will be their “undefeatable spirit” and “tenacity in the pursuit” that will enact monumental change in our world and in their own lives personally.

Circling up the boys were excited to begin working, but before they did we needed to cover a few things. With two boys in casts we thought it appropriate to get acquainted with one another by sharing our names and our “best” worst injury. This icebreaker seemed to derail our focus and Tim called the Explorers to bring their attention to the task at hand and remember why we were doing the work. The mentors often remind the boys that our explorations have an impact on the land, and that this service outing is our one chance each season to give back restore balance to the land.

Once we were acquainted the Mentors explained that our initial task would involve maintaining the work that was done the previous season, as Bellingham Parks & Recreation needed to drop a large load of mulch for next weekend’s work.  After an Explorer led demonstration of tool safety the Mentors pulled out a tool, which the group have previously not worked with, handsaws! An Alder had toppled that blocked the path for the Park Department’s truck to dump mulch and the boys would need to work together to limb it and saw up the trunk.

Getting to work the boys put in a solid hour of pushing back the blackberries at the front of the site, clearing and staking out the shrubs that we planted last year, and unraveling the Morning Glory off the Alders. While they worked the group vacillated between focus and distraction. I have to hand it to the boys in their ability to be creative and keep themselves busy. They created a verbal fantasy role-playing game without a board or dice. Their struggle however was to keep their hands working while they played.  This skill takes time to develop and most adults have not yet mastered it.

Their work may have come in waves, but the group got a lot done and should be proud of their effort. We would also like to commend the boys for using the saws with patience and to their upmost potential. Throughout the course of our outing not one Explorer joked with or misused the saws. It was powerful to watch the boys skillfully use these tools. As mentors our hearts lighten to see our motto Tool vs. Weaponempowering the Explorers. They are letting us know that they are ready for more responsibility and although they did much fighting and welding of weaponry in their theoretical fantasy game they can clearly differentiate between the two.

Finishing up our work the crew basked in the sun sharing apples and thanks. With a rainy start to the day the group unanimously expressed their gratitude for the warmth and comfort of the mid-day sun. Thank you Daredevil’s Club and Branch Hoppers for a strong start to our fall 2015 service project. With 1,252 of service hours worked there last year there is no telling what we can accomplish with our number at 169 strong. Parents thank you for your support and care for our work in the community. It is a pleasure to serve with your boys.

Click here for the more picture from the day in Daredevil’s Club orBranch Hoppers photo galleries. 

Daredevils Club hike and build a shelter in the Chuckanuts

The First Daredevils Club outing fell on the day after one of the largest Summer wind storms ever to occur in bellingham. After the previous days chaos it was an exciting prospect to spend the day hiking through the Chuckanuts looking at the effects of the storm. This season marks a huge change for the Daredevils Club with only four of the explorers returning for the Fall season. Having a small group offers both powers and challenges for explorers and mentors.

We started our day as we always do with an opening circle, setting intentions for the day and swapping stories from the summer. With only six of us we held our circle in a conversational and casual manner. After laying out our day we headed up the lost lake trail. Immediately we began to encounter large downed trees and branches. Tracking which kind of trees had fallen and lost branches was informative to all of us on where not to be in a windstorm.

At the first junction we pulled out the map and asked the boys to find out where we were and where we wanted to go. as the six of us huddled around the map the boys seemed reluctant to speak up and share their thoughts on reading the map. The anonymity that comes with a large group is lost on a group this size and I think the boys felt this as Tim and I continued to ask pointed questions regarding the map. As we talked the boys warmed up and because of the small group size we were able to have a nice lesson on map skills and navigation.

Our earth skills focus this season is shelter building with the intention of building shelters to sleep in at the end of the season. This is an ambitious goal, but one that these boys can be ready for by the end of the season. As we hiked we asked the Daredevils to tell us when they found a suitable spot for a shelter. They were reluctant to build a shelter and showed more enthusiasm for hiking. We continued upward past waterfalls, giant madrona trees, and more tangled debir from the previous day. 

Reaching our turnaround point we headed back down the hill in agreement to find a shelter spot on the way down. Toward the bottom of the hill Tim and I spied a good spot for a shelter and led the boys off the trail to investigate. We had a little over an hour left, enough time to build a basic shelter. The boys again were reluctant to take initiative and had a slow start to their shelter. They eventually began to delegate tasks and and got some good work done.

With the day drawing to a close and the Shelter nowhere near completed we sat down and talked about the day. We had a very open conversation about what it was like to be in such a small group. The Daredevils talked about how the heart and soul of the group felt lost with so few of them and how it was hard to find motivation in such small numbers. It was refreshing to hear words put to the quiet and enthusiastic energy Tim and I had been observing all day. We all had a great talk on thinking about ways we could restructure our community for this season and recreate the soul we felt the group had lost. With such a small group we were able to have a very frank conversation about these things and reach some good conclusions about how to move forward.

Throughout this outing we saw both the powers and challenges of having a small group. I am looking forward to the coming season with the Daredevils club and helping them reinvent themselves as a group and community. Thank you Daredevils club for your commitment to the program and willingness to express yourselves in an honest and heartfelt way. Thank You parents for your support of the program, be sure to look at our photo gallery for more pictures from this outing.  

Daredevil's Club Natural Explore Natural History at Whatcom Falls

On a stunningly beautiful May day, the Daredevils Club reunited one last time to conclude the Spring 2015 season. As the first few boys showed up, they were immediately drawn to a large bramble of Salmon Berry whose berries must have heard the Swainson’s Thrush and realized it was time to ripen up! Munching on berries, the boys nonchalantly acknowledged the mentors, set down there packs, and went back for more. Some of the parents even got in on the fun and indulged on a few berries here or there.

With the rest of the Explorers present, the mentors thought it might be worth revisiting the Salmon Berry since the boys clearly felt confident in their abilities to identify and proceed to consume its berries. But once the Explorers were asked to draw a picture of the Salmon Berries leaves from memory, there was a pause and immediate realization that they couldn’t quite recall its three leaflets, toothed edges, and resemblance of a butterfly if the top leaflet is folded back. The mentors reminded the boys of the utmost necessity of making a confident identification before consuming any wild edible even if you think you know what the plant is. It is always worth it to take your time when your life is on the line. We also took some time to try journaling one of our most common feathered friends, the American Robin. Just like the Salmon Berry, most of the boys were stumped when it came to recalling any of the identifying characteristics beyond the red breast and dark brown/black back. Taking full advantage of our field guides, the boys rediscovered the robins yellow beak and white ring around its eye.

Enough of the natural history, and on to the rest of the outing. It was time to get moving, so we headed to the north east of the drop off location, admiring the beautiful trout in the hatchery along the way and finally stopping to rest beside Derby Pond. Here the mentors posed some questions about what the DDC want to do for their upcoming Fall Season. Answers varied from exploring the expansive mud flats, to traversing greater distances in the mountains, and perhaps even the opportunity to put their shelter building skills to the test on a primitive overnight. But the boys quickly lost interest in this subject and wanted to go play in the woods! Who could blame them on such a gorgeous day, in such a gorgeous location?

Before we could get exploring and playing, the mentors reminded the boys of the importance of group collaboration and decision making when it comes to planning an outing. Given the age of this group, the mentors thought it was time to take the training wheels off and let them decide what to do on their own. Stepping aside from the circle the mentors relaxed beside the creek observing the bobbing motions of an American Dipper as it foraged beside a small waterfall. Surprisingly quickly the boys made a plan and were eager to hit the trail in search of a location to play a game of Spider’s Web. But in only a matter of minutes half the group was scampering across rocks in the middle of the creek while the other half was anxious to head down the trail. It became apparent that the Explorers had not come to a true consensus, and when asked how they decided what to do, they admitted to merely taking a vote and going with the majority. This, as all Explorers know (or should know) is not how to properly collaborate and compromise to generate a group consensus. After getting side tracked by some un-Explorer like behavior in regards to a glass bottle that was discovered in the stream, and a stern talking to by the mentors. The boys were tasked with trying again to come up with a consensus for what to do with our outing.

Alas, the boys managed to collaborate and compromise, and we were off again. Crossing the large stone bridge and skirting a side trail on our way to a Spider’s Web spot, we stopped only for a few games of Hide and to watch the teenagers at the falls exhibit incredibly poor risk management in an attempt to impress members of the opposite gender. Getting off the beaten path, we found ourselves primed for some more natural history before getting to our games. Noticing a clear divide in the group in terms of which boys were hanging out with whom, the mentors paired up Explorers in order to break down this divide and allow for greater interaction with group members that the Explorers may not know as well as some of the others. With some obvious apprehension at first, the boys settled in to a fantastic session of natural history journaling utilizing a plethora of field guides, journaling templates, and colored pencils. Be it a Gray Wolf or a Mountain Bluebird, each Explorer illustrated the species, identified its name, Latin name, range, and any other pertinent or interesting information. It was great to see the majority of the boys express a deep focus and impressive drawing ability to produce a quality journal entry on their species.

Finally it was time for Spider’s Web! Getting ready to get lost in play, we discovered that half of the group did not want to stick with their original agreement and instead go play in the stream. With time running out on our last outing of the season, the mentors discussed the importance of integrity and sticking to an agreement that was made. However, it was also pointed out that it is important to take into account the ever evolving contexts of one’s environment, social dynamics, and a myriad of other factors that could lead one to amend a previous agreement. It was a powerful discussion and the mentors even did a bit of role playing to exemplify how to revisit a previous agreement and once again collaborate and compromise. With some help from the mentors the boys efficiently came to a group consensus. This was a powerful topic that we will most definitely revisit in the Fall, but just as the length of this blog is calling for a conclusion, the time of the outing was calling for a game of Spider’s Web.

We hustled up to a tried and true location that has seen many a game of Spider’s Web. The boys quickly set up the game, and were sneaking through the sword ferns and getting lost in the present; such are the powers of play. Wrapping up our game we trekked to the rocks just above the stone bridge and waterfall to have a quick session of splashing in the creek and conclude our outings as we always do with a closing circle. After sharing our gratitude for Whatcom Falls, the birds, the water, the sunshine, the apples we were munching on, and much more, we got our packs and hurried to the parking lot just in time for pick up. It was an outing of growth for these boys. Although taking their group decision making training wheels off led to a bit of a bumpy outing, it is through such trials that these boys will develop the social skills, confidence, independence and responsibility they will need as they embark on the adventures of adolescence.

Check out the rest of the photos from our outing at the Daredevils Club Photo Gallery!

Daredevil's Club & Red Tailed Eyas do great work!

Two and a half years of service in the same place. Wow. I haven’t even spent more than two years in the same place! The Daredevil’s Club and Red Tailed Eyas have been doing more service in the same place than they may even realize.

Remember when we started? Himalayan Blackberry taller than us, right at the trail. Car parts, a cat skull, a swing set, a makeup case, countless bottles and cans. For a couple of boys this WAS the first start at this service site. Wherever we start, let’s track our progress over time.

Now we can easily walk into the park. The blackberry border is keeping itself at bay. The reed canarygrass, once as thick and tall as a forest, is now under eight inches of mulch nearly 100 feet across. The maple tree is growing and budding much lower down, now that seven feet of blackberry is no longer trailing upward its branches…

Before the rest of this blog post continues, I’d like to remind everyone about the backpacking trips available this summer. Boys in both of these groups are eligible to go on various summer excursions. These trips were designed for boys of these ages in lieu of day camps. Please contact us if you have any questions about how these trips are incredible opportunities for your boys to capitalize on what they experience during their fall and spring seasons. THANKS!

Parents, please take a moment to track the history of our service at this site by clicking on the “tag links” below: Connelly Creek. You’ll see how the place has changed over time due to hundreds (dare I say thousands) of Explorer hours poured into Happy Valley park. And you’ll also see how your sons have changed over time too:

As the blackberry’s presence shrinks, Red Tailed Eyas and Daredevil’s Club Explorers’ statures have grown. Explorers now transform their boyhood innocence through focused service as they care for the tender, new plants that we put in the ground last autumn. The reed canarygrass has been trimmed way down whereas most boys’ hair has grown out of control!

The Daredevil’s Club has improved their role modeling and showed the Red Tailed Eyas how to work together and do service. They inclusively mentored boys two years younger than them. Some groups might have shrugged off a younger group but the DDC were kind to the Eyas and helpful too. Though they occasionally got sidetracked by birds or adolescent conversation, DDC explorers set a good example. As a group they have improved a lot since last year.

Red Tailed Eyas were keenly watching the older Explorers. They kept a strong work ethic throughout the outing. In fact, in their last hour, RTE boys transitioned from moving mulch to blackberry removal. Instead of waning toward the end of the outing, Red Tailed Eyas found energy reserves and used focused intention to use loppers, hand clippers, and rakes to free a cedar tree branch from climbing Himalayan blackberry vines deep into the service site. Impressive!

In the end, both groups can reflect on the following: Firstly, they might put a lot of road construction workers to shame! The joke is that these professionals spend a lot of time standing around—one person working while four others watch. Though that isn’t necessarily true (only when I drive by :) ) it made for a good reference point. All Explorers were working during the outing. Although some of us were standing around at different times, it is because we moved so quickly that someone was always waiting for the next group in the process.

Taking breaks IS VERY IMPORTANT. In fact, the Red Tailed Eyas played a game and then had a sit spot before going back for their blackberry work. Without these intention rest times and separation from work, we cannot do a good job. I think it’s important to take breaks and to have fun in between stretches of working hard.

Without the rest/work contrast, our work becomes overpowering and I would venture to say that the quality of work diminishes. We adults would be wise to constantly remember about the importance of transitions, breaks, and rest so we can do our work as accurately as possible. And not only in our paid jobs but in our time dedicated to family and community.

You can see pictures from the outing on the website by checking theDaredevil’s Club photo gallery.

We’ll see both of these groups again on SUNDAY, MAY 17TH.

Daredevils Club- we’ll see you on at Samish Woods Montessori so we can board Stubbs and make the journey out to Point Whitehorn!

Red Tailed Eyas- we’ll see you in the “refrigerator of Bellingham” as we explore Arroyo Park. BUT PLEASE NOTE the DROP-OFF point is at NORTH CHUCKANUT MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD!

Thank you for the opportunity to be your nature-connection mentors. We truly value these experiences and look forward to each outing with you Explorers and your families!

DDC learn the true essence of being a Scout: Triangular Leadership, Responsible Citizenry, and Camping Skills

As mentors debriefed an excellent outing under drizzly, dripping Douglas firs at Fairhaven Park, we reflected about the true meaning of a Scout. It’s one of our most coveted “jobs” during BEC outings. In part, I think, because boys don’t have to carry any physical items. Also because they have the authority to be first, or the last—order matters so much to young people!

Daredevil’s Club Explorers may now start to realize, however, that the Scout has a much heavier burden than books or first aid kits. They are responsible for carrying the safety of the entire group. Often mentors play this role but our hope is to transfer this understanding and responsibility to the boys. They are pre-disposed to serving one another as evidenced in our service outings; being Scout for the group is the truest essence of service and safeguarding the well-being of the group.

Boys also learned this important phrase, “Everyone is safe and nobody was hurt…” So I’ll continue this blog post the same way. Everyone is safe and there is no cause for concern.

Five days before the outing, we received a link to this article that describes a recent danger found in Bellingham public parks. Though we often pick up trash during our outings, we were told to be aware of taped-up plastic bottles because they might contain hazardous materials.

So when we came across one, we were not keen to pick it up like we normally might have. Instead, we stopped our activities and shared about the danger with everyone so that no one would touch it AND that we would recognize this hazard in the future.

The next step was to alert the authorities. So we called 9-1-1 and boys were eager to hear how to speak with the emergency dispatch. What troubles me is that there was an aura that calling the authorities is a faux pas and should only be a last ditch resort. Whereas we shouldn’t bother the 9-1-1 dispatch with everything, it is crucial that we feel comfortable calling for help. I truly hope that boys got that point. We can call for help, declare our needs, and be served and protected by our community, in this case the Bellingham Police Department. Our group is no different: the Scout’s job is to recognize threats, alert the community, and move everyone to safer space.

At that point we moved to another place, well away from the potential threat, to finish our camping skills practice. Fortunately we were still able to watch as the various police units showed up to assess the risk and dispose of the item. How neat to see that HUGE Hazmat vehicle show up and the protective gear donned by the hazmat officer!

More impressively was the incredible progress we made with our camping skills too. EVERY boy knows how to set up an MSR white gas stove. EVERY boy (even our Branch Hoppers substitute) used a lighter and successfully ignited the stove. EVERY boy gained confidence in their “fire” ability. This builds on last season’s fire-by-friction skill as well as the recognition that boys can use a lighter. One year ago, boys learned how cold it is in the dark and rain when we can’t start a fire so it’s good that they all were able to use the lighter in the cold, damp, spring conditions.

EVERY boy had a chance to practice setting up a tarp shelter. Not everyone took advantage of it, but there will be more opportunity in our next outing as we hope to set up three different types at our service site. We saw the ease in tying and synching-down the taut-line hitch knot and saw how it is the best knot for tarp-tying. Please look at the link with your Explorer(s) and encourage them to practice tying this knot. For extra practice, you can send them outside with cordage and a tarp as it gets dark to see if they can set it up a structure. If it’s raining they’ll get extra credit :)

EVERY boy saw how easy it is to setup and use our new gravity water filter. It is so calming to know that we can go backpacking with these guys this summer (or in future years) and that we will most likely not come out with Giardia!

Mentors agreed that this outing was very successful. We took full advantage of each teachable moment and boys stayed committed to the hard skills required for over-night camping. In the end, we are happy with this introduction to “triangular leadership.” We mostly encourage “circular leadership” as boys are younger in order to encourage collaboration and compromise.

However, with the arriving adolescent behaviors in the DDC Explorers, it is vital that they begin to understand how to be more directive to others, how to take directives from others, and when this style is effective. This is what we mean by triangular leadership. In the safety situation with the bottle, in lighting a stove properly, and in setting up the water filter and tying-up tarps properly, the triangular leadership model made sense. To be a good Scout, a critical skill is being able to discern when to encourage collaborative leadership and when to command a directive, triangular approach.

To the Daredevil’s Club families: thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to be mentors for your sons. It is an honor and a privilege that we greatly respect. We are constantly scouting for their safety and will continue to do so. Our hope is that they will grow up and scout for the younger people in their communities. We’ll keep passing down the skills the best we can.

Please see more pictures from this outing in the photo gallery. We’ll see you on Saturday, April 25th at Connelly Creek at 11am for a day of service and big-brother-like mentorship.

The Daredevil's Club Traverse Chuckanut Ridge

We couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day for the DareDevils Club to kick of the Spring 2015 season. Blue skies, sunshine beaming down upon us through the trees, a new explorer to welcome to the DDC, and a traverse along Chuckanut Ridge awaiting us. As we began our ascent to the ridge, we became aware not only of the plentiful bird language, but also of a beautiful outlook to over the San Juan Islands. What a wonderful place to take a moment and fuel up or bodies with lunch before hitting the brunt of the hiking. Maintaining proper energy levels and nutrition on a hike will be key for those of the DDC who will be going on the backpacking trip this summer. This is just one of the many skills the DDC will be focusing on this season as we prepare ourselves for a summer time multi-night backpacking trip. 

Soon enough we were at a junction in the trail. What better place to get out the map and compass and figure out where the heck we are?! Many variables are at play with navigation, so the boys took a moment to focus on their surroundings and focus their awareness. The sun, the landscape, landmarks in the distance, sounds. Next we transitioned to map and compass to ascertain more information to help our decision making. Finally we settled on a route and took the left path instead of the right. Perhaps a seemingly simple decision, yet one path led toward home and the other away from home. The difference between warmth, shelter, and food, or a cold, dark, hungry night in the woods.

As we traversed upon the upper most section of the ridge, we were suddenly surrounded by a new noise. Not one easily heard at first, but more like a meandering stream in the distance. Only this stream flowed with cars not water. Without the mountain to deflect the sound waves, the interstate suddenly became very aware to us. Along with the new noise was a tremendous view of Mt. Baker glowing in the afternoon sunlight. These observations not only help us hone or senses, but are vital bits of information that we can patch together to determine our location and the direction we must go.

Descending down the northern most section of the ridge we began to notice one of the concentric rings extending outward from our unseasonably early spring. Sprouts and buds. All around us plants were beginning to push out fresh new leaves, some even beginning to open up there flowers. Incredible at this time of year! Not only is it fascinating to witness the arrival of Indian Plum and Salmonberry blossoms, but to notice the arrival of the Roufus Hummingbird and other creatures who rely on these flowers for nourishment. What will happen when the Salmonberries are ripening? Will the Swainson’s Thrush know to plan a return flight from Southern Mexico three weeks earlier than usual?

After some pop quiz plant I.D. to pass the time on the trail, we finally arrived at Arroyo Park. There’s nothing quite like a giant glacial erratic with an enormous downed tree teetering atop it to suck explorers into a vortex of interaction with their natural environment. Free play; there truly is nothing quite like it. 

Alas, to end our day we gathered upon the top of the large boulder for a closing circle. While sharing apple slices we each shared something we were grateful for in that moment. This gave us a pause in our journey to reflect on where we had been, what we had done, and what we will be taking with us from this experience. Some of us taking home bird language in our ears, others a lesson on the difference between what you can do and what you should do, but all of us learned a thing or two about the concentric rings of influence that ripple out from an action we, others, or the natural world makes.

Make sure to check out the photo gallery from our outing! There you can see all the pictures from our outing.

Fueling the Fire- Daredevil’s Club heats up their skills

To paraphrase a story that Tim told us:

“One man builds a big fire and stands away from it. He gathers a lot of materials and it gets really hot. The other builds a small fire and sits close by. He needs only a little bit of fuel at a time to keep it going.”

Daredevil’s Club Explorers chose the latter, deepening their connection and relationship to their growing skill. Throughout this outing, boys garnered more skills in the Fire Journey and put them immediately to use. They kept a vigil over the fire, feeding it fuel as more was needed, and safely breathing air into the waning embers. Their firekeeping skills are excellent as their attention and care kept us warm for three and a half hours.

Two boys identified Vine Maple (Acer circunatum) and got new bows for their bow drill kits. The same two guys found a larder of “fat wood” which proved vital for the fires. Many boys made excellent nests, from bark of cedar, soft and inviting enough to catch sparks and coals. We even de-seeded Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) buds and used the fluff for our nests. We practiced using the bow drill kits as well as a magnesium kit to start fire.

We considered the morals of firebuilding too. Like last outing, we recognized that fire can create and destroy. It is a tool like our knives and computers. It is our discernment that will help us to use those tools wisely. We must practice the art of discernment always, in addition to the hard skills of carving and making fires by friction. Mentors feel pretty good that boys got the point-- every moment is a chance for us to practice being responsible and caring. They have the power to create and destroy so they had better stay focused on what is right action at any given time. There are still many adults who have yet to recognize this.

These boys are not afraid of hard work or difficult decisions. In fact, did you see the hill from the parking lot? Yeah, we started the day by going straight up it… and the equally long and steep one behind it! Atop the ridge, under the power lines, we learned a subtle lesson of how to be properly dressed for ascents and rest times. If we sweat too much then our base layers get wet. We can get cold really quick if we do not bundle up after our climbs. In fact, many people suffer from mild hypothermia atop mountain peaks when cold winds and sweat combine to steal our body heat.

But as the chill began, we sauntered into the woods and found a great forest opening to spend our day as we engaged with fire and morals. Fortunately, there was an adjacent landscape on which to play a couple of rounds of Spider’s Web too :) This outing had it all: skills, leadership, relationship with the land, games, community-building, and challenge. How cool! Please see more pictures of the outing in the photo gallery.

Here’s a big thank you to Jake Strich, my brother, for making the journey to Bellingham (from South America) and surprising me to staying the weekend with us. Your participation and volunteering with the Daredevil’s Club was particularly special because I had the chance to share two years of my life with you. Thank you for being a good mentor for the Explorers and integrating so naturally into our community. Undoubtedly the boys enjoyed seeing us together and more so that you laughed and played games along with them.

As we remind the boys, it is important to have a strong beginning, a strong middle, and a strong end. The easy-going-ness of the outing felt like a perfect ending to a good season- which included games and mentoring a younger group to service at our Boys EC restoration site, and a solid foundation into the gamut of skills required making and keeping fire.

And for me personally, this outing provided a nice culmination of two and a half years of service to this program. Though the future is uncertain, there is a strong likelihood that my time as a mentor in the Boys Explorers Club is over. If that were the case, I would be happy with how this last outing went. I saw the boys dictate their experience and grow along the edges that they need to stretch in order to become whole people.

I’ve seen them grow so much in the past two years; I’m thankful to have been a part of their lives for this small sliver of time. Thank you Daredevil’s Club families for the opportunity to serve as a mentor for your boys. It is truly an honor.

The Fall Season celebration (scroll to the very bottom) will take place on December 6th from 4:30-7:30pm. It’s an optional outing and many are scared of the cold and dark but we’ll have a fire to keep our community strong and warm. Enjoy the winter!

Daredevil's Club delves into the fire!

Daredevil’s Club met under clear blue skies at Galbraith Mountain to feel what it is like to start fire with only two pieces of wood. With volunteer Sam, and EMA Jordan in tow, Dave and Tim led the crew into the forest; there was important, focused work to do.

As these boys are truly making the transition into adolescence, it seems essential to empower them with the skill of fire. They are testing boundaries, looking for their place in a bigger world. No longer are they the small boys who joined Explorers Club as it was starting. No. These guys are stretching their elbows for space in the adolescent world.

As mentors, we recognize that transferring to them the skill of fire is one of the many ways to show them the incredible power, and attached responsibility, that is becoming more integrated into their lives. Fire has the ability to destroy and it also can keep us nourished and warm. We are giving the tools and skills to these boys so they can be the destroyers or nourishers of our society. Scary indeed and it requires a lot of trust in them! We mentors toil to imbue them with the skill of how to be discerning and responsible.

Boys were keen to get started with their bow drill kits. Dave asked them to recall the story of how Coyote stole fire from Firekeeper sisters and brought it to the people. They remembered how fire resides inside of wood and that rubbing wood together can bring us the heat and light of fire. Dave showed them the entire bow drill setup, with all of its pieces and processes. Using cottonwood spindle, red alder hearth, a vine maple bow, some nylon cordage, and an elk antler for a top piece, he showed the technique that all of the boys later practiced. Under the curious eyes of a browsing deer and the group, he created smoke, a coal, and flame.

Explorers took turns practicing the bow drill techniques on Tim’s and Dave’s kits while others carved their bows and spindles. We safely used edged tools as we created our kits. This mentor is very impressed by the intention with which these Explorers worked to fashion their materials.

Of course, after some focused work, boys needed a break so their curiosity sent them into the forest after birds and their calls. Though supervised, Explorers were basically on their own and had the freedom to wander. When those of us at basecamp made the crow call, it didn’t take but five seconds for the crow call to come back to us from way off in the distance. We called and again there was a response as the bird chasers were rapidly coming back.

This situation is exactly the kind of trust/responsibility cycle that is crucial for these boys. They knew the boundaries (staying within sound distance); they had the freedom to go where they wanted (the trust), and they adhered to coming back right away (which is the rule). Younge groups are incapable of this level of trust but the DDC was successful at proving themselves.

Though a tiny “test” and perhaps indistinguishable for the Explorers, I realized that this group needs us to give them the tools and rules and boundaries, and then to let them go. The TRUST that they will do right and follow the safety rules is something that we must give them. They proved to me in that moment that they are ready for fire-making skills; they are adolescents knocking on the door for adult skills. Of course we must be attentive to anything that undermines this trust and constantly work on building it, but we need to give them the wiggle room. Scary indeed! Maybe some of you parents are already experiencing this at home :)

To end our day we trudged quickly up to the ridge and along the edge. We held closing meeting overlooking Bellingham and the extent of the Bay, well into the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island. What a great way to celebrate thankfulness and our focused fire intention together. We were graced by a dozen raptors— possibly Red-Tailed Hawks perhaps Bald Eagles— “kettling up” to our south, riding the thermals as boys thanked the many birds they found during the outing.

Thanks for a great day Explorers! See you all on Sunday. Photos can be foundhere.