Exploring Sehome with the Daredevil's Club

The Daredevil’s Club (DDC) Explorers gathered at the top of Sehome Arboretum on the last day of Spring Break. Ready to check out the explosion of changes happening every day as the weather is getting warmer, the sun higher, the days longer, we were prepared for an expansive outing. As Explorers arrived, we met some new visiting mentors, Brian and David, who were just as eager as everyone else to get out on this spectacular day.

We began with a search for a good spot for an opening game and an opening meeting. Explorers spread out and searched for the right place, discovering a small open space amongst a host of Indian plum, hazelnut, salal, baldhip roses, and more. Matt then pulled out a long rope and several cumbersome and noisy items. He laid the rope down in a large circle amidst all the foliage and dried leaves. The challenge of the day was set forth: one person would be the guardian- bindfolded in the center. The items would be laid down in front of the guardian. The group’s mission was to retrieve the items without getting pointed to by the guardian (who was an expert listener.) They also could not put any body part on the ground inside the circle. They were given time to discuss, and the game began.

Scrambling feet provided for a quite a few outs at the onset. Those who were caught were sent to a dungeon for 1 minute, then given another go. Some tried sneaking around the edges and through the bushes, some tried crawling, some tried distractions. After a while, real strategies developed. The direct route, in this case, was not the best. A distraction to aid another could be quite successful. Using a stick to move the items was essential, but that stick had to be held to the side. Patience, teamwork, an oblique approach, and choosing a good tool all proved important.

We circled up after the game, asked a few questions, and then brought our minds toward the framework of the day. We rememberedlast outing- big work and big challenge. We also recognized a few key lessons. We then decided to play with some opposite experience for this outing. This one would be focused on pure exploration. It was up to the Explorers where to go and what to do. The mentors just wanted three things to come out of the day: a sit spot, a visit to the tower, and a good opening and closing meeting.

Immediately, one of the big growth edges of this whole day became apparent. When given the authority to create the whole day, the DDC was in a situation where they had to make decisions together. They quickly decided what they wanted to do: try out a new game at the tower then play a game of Spider’s Web. Simple enough. Well, having the power to choose and the challenge to agree creates quite an interesting climate. Yes, there were long discussions, disagreements, all kinds of different leadership styles, and a bit of confusion. We did, in time, try out a new game; we saw some great views from the tower; we looked a little bit at how games develop and change over time. Matt shared a story about a leopard and an eagle. Anyone remember it? It’s worth retelling if you do!

While on the mission for a Spider’s Web spot, we found some new patches of woods, including some lively trillium. We took a good look at this wonderful native plant and at how it lives out its life. Any Explorers remember this plant and its life cycle? We also found a newt… which you can see some fuzzy pictures of in the photo gallery.

Regrettably, we didn’t take many pics this time either, and this Explorer blames it on the beauty of the day. We did have a little more edge stretching conversation about decision making and leadership as a group. Definitely recognized the power of a circle. Then decided to just B-line it for a good Spider’s Web spot. Sometimes, you just have to play and enjoy the day! We picked a spot that had some good natural obstacles: nettles. The course was set up, and we began. It was an excellent challenge all around, and a lot of fun. After two rounds, we gathered back up again, drank water and snacked, and set up the Sit Spot.

DDC members split off and took 15 minutes to just get to know the place, dream, listen, hang. It was an almost completely silent sit spot. A magical time. We re-gathered and held our stories as we made our way to the closing meeting spot. At the closing meeting, we heard some pretty great sit spot experiences, including a visit by a shrew. With a few minutes left, it was imperative to end this outing the right way: a game of HIDE!

Well done, DDC! Thanks parents for your enduring support. Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.