There could not have been the barest ounce, the merest sliver more of Spring in the day as we gathered for our Service outing. The clouds were puffy and rushing by, the sun high and crisp, the plants pushing green, the birds flittering among branches and calling luring songs to one another or tugging on twigs.
A perfect day for a drive out toward Birch Bay, and a wonderful day for planting. When we arrived at Fenton, we found only a handful of folks there, and they were glad for the many hands of the Explorers to lighten the work. The tail end of tree planting for the season was the order of the day, and we were set to the task of mulching. But first, a morning meeting, a story or two, taking in the scenery, and some group recognition of how great it was to be out there on such a day. The Explorers showed some pretty impressive get-it as we took to the tasks. Two
huge piles of mulch and tons of buckets opened the floodgates for all the pent up ant-like behavior we had been storing up over the winter. As we worked, we learned a bit about the mulch, the trees, and the property. We also deepened our knowledge of skillful tool usage: a fitting follow up to the art of carving.
huge piles of mulch and tons of buckets opened the floodgates for all the pent up ant-like behavior we had been storing up over the winter. As we worked, we learned a bit about the mulch, the trees, and the property. We also deepened our knowledge of skillful tool usage: a fitting follow up to the art of carving.
As is to be expected, we learned a bit more about working together, and the result was a better functioning group tending to some lovely little trees in a healing plot of land. The Explorers worked away and even displayed some amazing restraint at the sight of donuts… well, decent restraint.
When the work party wrapped up, we were gifted by our host with a bit of time to Explore. Any Explorers remember where that nest was? What kind of plants were around it? How about the pond… what animals did we see there? Anyone catch sight of that giant bird flying overhead?
Once back in Stubbs, we were excited about the prospect of some time left over to go adventure along the beach at Birch Bay State Park. Beaches, more than any other terrain, it seems, create authentic and unstructured exploration. It never ceases to amaze this Explorer how reliable a beach is for this. We spread out and poked and sat and dug, talked and listened. 
As the time grew near, we gathered for a little revisitation of the skill of carving, and an invitation to find a burnishing stone. With a circle of thanks to close our meeting, we gathered back in Stubbs and headed home.
As the time grew near, we gathered for a little revisitation of the skill of carving, and an invitation to find a burnishing stone. With a circle of thanks to close our meeting, we gathered back in Stubbs and headed home.
Much thanks to all the Explorers for a great outing and good service! Much thanks to all the parents for your enduring support!
Don't forget to check out our pics in the Daredevil's Club Photo Gallery
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