“Whoa, what is that?” asked one Explorer. Another replied, “Dude, that thing is freaky-looking.”
It was amazing what some curiosity, a beautiful day, and a couple of dip nets can combine to create during the recent Daredevil’s Club outing, the finale for the spring season. We made it only 100 feet into Stimpson Reserve when we finally found a nice place to hold opening meeting and eat lunch.
Thank you Finnegan for stepping in as a mentor on this outing. It is no small task! And thank you Jordan for volunteering your day getting to know the program and the boys. You guys brought a fun and light energy to the group that was new and refreshing.
The DDC have had a roller-coaster season: a dark, rainy night on their first gathering; lots of deliberating and group process at Sehome Arboretum; a mixed showing of work and mentoring during the service outing. Finally, it was time to slow down, listen to others, and just explore. So that, we did!
First order of business was to discuss the rule on the sign we saw which states, “Stay on the trail.” Explorers knew they had to consider this because a lot of our work and exploration happens away from the trails. We discussed the importance of following rules and as developmentally appropriate (because it stemmed from the boys!) when it might be appropriate to break rules.
Boys thought they should just break rules when they want but mentors guided them towards the responsibility that comes with breaking rules. We referred to the Civil Rights Movement in this country during which young people performed sit-ins at lunch counters demanding equal service. Many of you parents are familiar with this “history” and the Daredevil’s Club is too.
We said that breaking rules to stand up for what is right can actually lead to hot coffee in the face and getting hit. Breaking a rule comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. Explorers didn’t say much but they sponged up the discussion from the best I can tell. It might make for a good dialogue between you and your boys as the summer progresses and they undoubtedly look to stretch their boundaries of responsibility.
With the seriousness aside it was time to explore in earnest. Dave brought out dip nets and containers and boys took to the first pond. We caught a bunch of samples and recognized many more without catching them. These include: an unidentified amphibian egg mass; a caddis fly; mayfly larvae, nymph and exoskeleton; frog tadpoles; different sizes of red-legged frogs (Rana aurora), and other “long, slimy, wriggling bugs.”
Walking deeper into the forest, Finn introduced us to Rattlesnake-Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) and to a native orchid in the area. Jordan pointed out Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) that was just breaking the surface. And then we dug for salamanders and sure enough Finn unearthed a Western Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon vehiculum). Its name is deceiving because it has yellow-backing around these parts :)
Boys were ready for Spider’s Web to close out the day. Some Explorers were interested in walking onwards towards the other lake, so this presented us with an opportunity to sit in circle and come to an agreement about what to do. This has been an edge for the Daredevil’s Club all season. So, we engaged with this once again… and with some coaching from the Mentors, the group made a decision in only 10 minutes. Remember boys, sitting in a council circle with these tools will help you tremendously: an open heart, two carefully listening ears, and your patient voice. Well done!
We played a long round of Spider’s Weband practiced moving at the pace of the forest. Then a great closing circle to wrap up the day and the season over some apples.
This was a great season Daredevil’s Club! Just as the egg hatches into a tadpole and then grows into a frog, you are also transforming into new forms. You have the playfulness of youth and you are also now taking on the questioning and boundary-pushing of young adolescence. This transition is important and we recognize this growth in you. We look forward to exploring with you during summer camps, excursions, and in the fall season as well!
Thank you for Exploring so fully this season. And Parents, thank you for your support of these boys and this program. We appreciate the relationships with you, your boys, and your families.
Please join the Mentors and all the other explorers for a final gathering at Hovander Park to celebrate the beginning of summer.
Please see more pictures in the photo gallery here. Enjoy the Sun!!!
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