Townsend's Chipmunks Delve into the Art of Carving

The Townsend’s Chipmunks met up at North Galbraith Mountain for a highly anticipated outing. Not only were we returning to the location of our first outing together in the fall, but today we were going to delve into the exciting world of carving and all the responsibilities that accompany learning how to safely handle and use a knife. Starting things off we hit the trail and made our way back to the bike jumps where every group of Explorers can’t help themselves but take a few runs on an imaginary bike leaping from jump to jump. With our wiggles out it was time for opening circle to discuss a plan for the day, divvy out jobs, and introduce our volunteers for the day to the group.

With that out of the way it was time to head out through the deforested land, harvesting carving materials along the way, and setting up base camp in a small stand of preserved forest beside the stream.

Gathering up for opening circle

Trudging through the recently deforested landscape being developed

Taking some time to discuss "widow makers" and other hazards of the forest

Inspecting the stump of a once mighty Western Red Cedar

While the group knocked the rust off of their shelter building skills constructing a debris hut, one of the mentors pulled aside pairs of Explorers for an introduction into carving. Working closely with two Explorers at a time ensured proper oversight and critique while the boys situated themselves properly to begin carving. With a small, fresh branch of Big Leafe Maple, each Explorer was tasked with removing the bark, carving a pencil point, a flat point, and learning how to accurately cut a segment of the branch off. All these skills incorporated deep and shallow cuts, a couple different carving techniques, and the ever vigilant mentor reminding the Townsend’s Chipmunks to maintain safe positioning of body, hands, and blade as different cuts promoted the temptation to lose sight of safety in order to get better leverage, angles, etc.

Beginning to carve making sure to always cut down and away

Continuing to work on cleaning off all that bark!

Remembering to make sure we cut out in front of our bodies and not being tempted to bring the knife in closer for better leverage.

With everyone getting a chance to be introduced to the basics of carving, it was time to check in on the earth shelter and transition to the end of our outing. After a damp and drippy morning, the sun had come out to dry and warm the forest. Spreading out the Townsend’s Chipmunks took fifteen minutes for a “sit spot” where everyone takes time to reflect on the outing and observe the natural world in solitude under the guidance of a few rules: Solo, Still, Silent, Safe, and focusing on observing with our Senses. This time offered the opportunity for mentors and Explorers alike to reflect on the big step forward the group took today in learning carving. Not only does this mean the Townsend’s Chipmunks will be able to utilize the incredible versatility of a knife as a tool to aid our explorations, but the group will now, and forever, be held to a higher standard of maturity and responsibility. Despite the playful nature of this group, there is no doubt they are eager for greater responsibility and today they proved they were up for the task. After taking this big step we can’t wait to see how this group continues to grow and develop over the spring season as they demonstrate a greater level of responsibility and maturity while carving that will hopefully begin to permeate throughout other aspects of our outings, group dynamics, and development as individuals both in and out of Explorers Club. 

Gathering in the sunshine for closing circle after a peaceful sit spot

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!