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.
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.
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