Daredevils Club Revisits Clayton

Meeting in the Lost Lake Trailhead parking lot just off of Chuckanut Drive, the Daredevils Club reunited for some exploration at a classic Explorers Club location; Clayton Beach. Hiking down the stairs to the trail we decided it would be good to take some time to explore the ravine and forest before dropping down to the beach. Winding our way along the trail down into the ravine we stopped beside the stream to take it all in. Taking in our surroundings we noticed the landscape had been carved out by this babbling brook cutting a deep groove in the forest exposing rock faces and producing a series of small waterfalls along its way. It is hard not to get lost in a moment of appreciation for the beauty of this forest.

After a few minutes of feeling out the area we decided to trek up the stream in search of fossils. Picking our way along the slippery rocks and ducking under vine maple we slowly worked our way back up the ravine. Little bits of sedimentary rock with darker specks and shapes on them gave us the notion we were on the right track. Finally getting to the top of the creek we found large chunks of the stream bank that had eroded off, exposing numerous fossils of leaves and sticks. The Daredevils Club enjoyed poking around, breaking up some of the other rocks in search for more fossils. Touching a fossil is one of those experiences that evokes curiosity. How old is this leaf? How long had it stayed locked within this riverbank before a heavy rain broke it free? What did this landscape look like when this leaf fell off its tree? Taking a moment to contemplate these sorts of thoughts not only helps us envision a prehistoric version of the very place we call home, but also gives us a unique perspective on the vastness of time and the incredible probabilities at play for an ordinary leaf, one in millions if not billions, encountered the perfect set of circumstances to become fossilized and eventually one day be discovered by a member of the Daredevils Club.

Returning to our packs we took some time to explore a bit more before heading down to the beach. Discovering a downed Western Red Cedar the mentors were instilled with inspiration for the Daredevils Club to complete a fire by friction kit before the culmination of their season, and their Boys Explorers Club experience. Harvesting the curving limbs for of the cedar tree we each cut ourselves a bow for a bow drill kit. Next we needed to find some seasoned cedar to carve into a spindle and fireboard. Discovering the downed cedar was too fresh and tight grained, to split easily we took inventory of our surroundings and pressed on a mission for some new materials to harvest. Remembering a downed cedar from a few seasons ago we headed a bit further down the trail and found it would make perfect material for carving spindles and fireboards. Enough with the forest, fossils, and fire by friction, time to get down to the beach!

Continuing along the trail we made our way down to Clayton Beach where it is impossible not to have a good time. The day was a bit blustery and overcast which in all honesty was perfect for this outing. Not only did the clouds offer protection from the sun, but without the warm rays of sunshine all the fair-weather beach combers were nowhere to be found. Climbing amongst the rocks the Daredevils Club found a driftwood fort that had been built last fall by a younger BEC group. In fact, it was there very group, the Storm Wolves, that had an epic outing of shelter building at Galbraith inspired by the debris shelter that the Daredevils Club had constructed in the fall. It was only fitting that we took some time to add onto this driftwood shelter and in no time the DDC had a cozy little shelter to tuck themselves away in and out of the cool coastal breeze that was becoming a bit chilly.

With some free time under our belts it was time to hunker down and focus on some skills. Getting out our freshly harvested cedar, we split it up into spindle blanks and fire boards using the batoning method with our knives. Next we found a good spot to sit down, eat some food, and carve our spindles. The mentors had a great time hanging out with this group while carving. It is easy to get lost in carving and fall into silence, but these boys are full of jokes and silly anecdotes that make it impossible not to smile. It’s tough to think that this is our last season together as the Daredevils Club. There have been so many good times and so much growth from this group over the years. After our service outing we will have one more outing which will be an overnight at Racehorse Falls. Tim and Peter have set the intention for every member of the DDC to finish carving their bow drill kits and get a coal, and ensuing fire, with each of their own kits. This won’t be easy, but will be a great way for these guys to put a stamp on their Explorers Club experience and demonstrate how far they have come over the years. The mentors are already getting excited about our upcoming overnight and despite it being our last outing together, the Daredevils Club is primed for an epic experience marking the culmination of their time in the Boys Explorers Club. 

Check out the rest of our photos from this outing here!

Clayton Beach Traverse with the Daredevil's Club

Though the sun was out when the Daredevil’s Club met at Larrabee State Park’s Clayton Beach trailhead, the brisk spring morning chilled us to the bone. Eight Explorers and three mentors began the day talking about competition. The roots of the word mean to strive together and meet. As such, we learned how some simple games led to true competition.

In one game, we tried to take bandanas from others while keeping our awareness honed to dodge those trying to steal from us. In another we tossed a ball back and forth and worked together to play by the rules and come up with a faster time. The moral of both of these activities was clear: Competition helped us shine individually but the group shined brighter as we pushed each other to do our best.

We took that lesson into the woods as we immediately reached a fork in the road. Daredevil’s Club Explorers paused and Mentors challenged them to find the correct trail. Though we spent a while sitting, waiting, trying to read maps, arguing about which way to go, trying to “drink” from a stream, and even eating a snack, Explorers eventually built up momentum and worked together to usher those wily mentors down the right trail!

We then found a great stream near the railroad track and we explored both sides of the bank. We combined camouflage skills with the art of stealth during a game called “Where’s My Egg?!” Ask your Explorer what he remembers of the game when Matt was standing on the rock and yelling about his egg.

Time started to creep away from us so we headed back up the trail toward the State Park. We tracked some orange peels that some hiker had left on the trail. This valuable opportunity helped us practice trail-finding, considering markers to show us the way. And after meeting up with the main artery trail, we saw a pickaxe and then heard some noises.

One of the Girls’ Explorers Clubs was rebuilding a bridge on the trail! Explorers and mentors went into super stealth mode and we tried to sneak up on them. Unfortunately, some of us got over-excited and we crashed into the underbrush making noises that gave away our position and the girls froze, staring at us. We had no choice but to say hi. Great job girls on the beautiful trail work. It looks great!

During lunch, Steve shared some more important information about water to help us this season’s Earth Skill Journey. We were reminded that not all clear water is OK to drink. After lunch there was an Earth Skills Explosion during which Explorers had five minutes to get potable water. Cleverly they found faucets at the state park buildings. Unfortunately, some boys didn’t guard their water and it was “accidentally” knocked over. We have to protect our potable water, Explorers!

By then it was towards the end of the outing and we had made our way to the coast. We enjoyed some birding, rock skipping, and eventually we made time for a Sit Spot. What a refreshing way to pass ten minutes in the afternoon sunshine!

As we made the final approach to the boat launch, the tide has risen to an edge where some of us were bound to get wet. Some Explorers embraced the water and others futilely tried to avoid it. Most of us had wet feet or boots as we did our final Circle of Thanks and Web of Connection to one another. We probably could have spent another couple hours Exploring but it was time to go.

Daredevil’s Club Explorers, thank you for your adventurous spirit and willingness to compete today. We learned a lot about how to make the group stronger with our individual efforts. Parents, thank you as always for your support and encouragement of these boys and the program.

Please take a look at the website for information about next outing on April 27th. We’ll be doing a service project from 12-4pm in Happy Valley. And don’t forget to peruse more pictures at the Daredevil’s club photo gallery. Lastly, registration for summer camp starts on April 8th. See you in a month!

Low tide at Clayton Beach with the Daredevil’s Club

Though the rain threatened to make this adventure a wet one, as we gathered in the parking lot of Clayton Beach, the clouds broke and unveiled a wonderful day. The Daredevil's Club Explorers had the good fortune of having three mentors-in-training come along with them on this outing.  These three, from our oldest group of Explorers, were there to share their knowledge and skills, and to model what they've learned about the joy of exploring. Of course, they were also there to have a good time. As the Daredevil's Club Explorers gathered for their opening meeting, it was apparent that we had a great recipe for a good day.

We began our outing with the Human Knot. Explorers were given segments of rope and then gathered in a circle. Each Explorer then grasped the ends of different strands of rope. Once everyone had a good handhold they were given the simple challenge of untangling themselves without letting go of the rope. Contortion, confusion, a bit of chaos, and then a long, slow movement toward completion ensued. This activity would definitely put a smile him the face of any spectator.

Once thoroughly untangled, the explorers brought their minds together for the opening meeting. We went through our tradition of discussing safety, envisioning the day, giving out jobs, and making up an immediate plan of action. It was apparent from the get-go that the Explorers were not short on energy! No way! We cruised down the trail faster than this Explorer can ever remember having done so before. That is, until we came to the salmon berries. Our Daredevil’s Club Explorers then shape shifted into miniature bears, an animal form we have not yet explored but these young people seem to have mastered in the face of our first, native, delicious berries.

We continue down the path, and made our way to the tracks. Exploring by the train tracks yielded some perfect opportunities to go into a risk assessments. Our vision for Explorers is to give them the power to be able to skillfully and safely assess the risk of any situation they find themselves in. So we gave it a shot. Of course, theory is nothing without praxis.  Our assessments did not mean that we do nothing. Explorers got their hands dirty, dived into play and life, but did it safely.

Then came the low tide! This Explorer has learned that it is folly to attempt any scheduled organized activity for the first hour of encountering an open beach.  There is so much to do, so much to explore, and so much joy to be had with open, unbridled exploration. We found such neat stuff! Check out the photos. Check out the video. Wow!

After a decent amount of time, we gathered up again. We talked about what we’d done so far and all the interesting things around us. We then came back to the risk assessment, highlighting the cliffs as an example. We talked about S.T.O.P. as a good way to assess risk.  S meaning Stop. T meaning Think. O meaning Observe.  P meaning Plan. A good and simple tool for all explorations.

Then it was time for big game!  This Explorer shared a story about sleeping outdoors just before his wedding. It served as a framework for the game:Cougar, Lone Wolf, Coyotes.  Our mentors in training proved to be powerful opponents and provided us with the hardest game yet in Explorers. We played for quite some time. When the day finally winded down and we had a chance to discuss, we found that the most challenging games, and even the games that we don't win, can still be some of the finest.  We had an ending meeting including a circle of thanks for the entire season and for the day. This was an excellent day! Much thanks to all the Explorers for your wonderful work in the world! Much thanks to all the parents for your enduring support!

And be sure to check out pics from the day in our Photo Gallery.