Townsend's Chipmunks Delve into Shelter Building

The Townsend’s Chipmunks kicked their fall season off at North Galbraith Trailhead with a full outing of shelter building! Welcoming a few new members to the group, we were all present and accounted for and hit the trail. Cruising down past the dirt jumps we followed a logging road back to search for a long time favorite spot of past Explorers Club groups who built shelters that withstood the test of time. Immediately it became apparent that the logging operation to clear the forest had stepped things up. As far as we could see there were vast swathes of cleared trees, brush piles, and sporadic Big Leaf Maples left standing all alone. For most of the group, they had never seen this place before so it was all new to them. However, for the mentors who had spent many outings playing in these woods sharing countless memories of shelter building, games of Life and Death in the Forest, and unforgettable outings with groups now graduated into the Four Shields program, it was a little tough to swallow. After trying to get our bearings on the freshly altered landscape we gave up our search for the shelters of past Explorers and decided to start fresh.

Taking a turn down a new bike trail, we found a nice clearing under some cedar trees to have our opening circle. Before we could even begin, we started unearthing a variety of small bones from within the layer of duff and decaying leaves on the ground. Dropping everything and beginning a mini excavation we discovered a dozen or so bones; vertebra, limb bones, and even a skull! Our C.S.I. skills determined it must have been a medium sized rodent like creature with large hind legs. Perhaps you or your Explorer may have a guess? After sanitizing our hands we got back to our opening circle where we welcomed a few new members to the group and discussed our Earth Skills Focus for the season: The Art of Shelter Building! But before getting into any skills work, we needed to get some play time in so we revisited the rules for HIDE and played a few rounds. The new group members were impressively good at hiding for newbies to this game and it was a sure sign that they were in the right place.

With some games out of the way, we jumped into skills work. Starting with mini-shelters is a great way to grasp the basics of structural design without using too many resources or taking too much time. We learned about “Y-Sticks” and how they can interlock to support a “backbone” in a tri-pod like structure. Placing more sticks along the backbone we add enough “ribs” to round out the skeleton of our shelter (perhaps the skeleton we found was a sign of things to come!). Next we can add a layer of brushy material that will support the insulating layer of debris. The debris layer is often overlooked as the last step, but usually takes the most time to get sufficient amounts of debris like downed leaves, old sword fern, duff, or anything else you can find to insulate and water proof your shelter. With the basics under our belts we felt ready to re-locate and build a full scale shelter together as a group.

Before we could head out, we had to decide if we wanted to take the left or right fork in the trail. In most groups it would be easy; just vote! But not in Explorers Club. Instead of using a majority rules method, we make sure to take the time to work together as a group to collaborate, compromise, and come to a consensus. This often means spending a long time in circle, but many indigenous cultures based their societal decisions around consensus decision making instead of a majority rules model. With a consensus, everyone can believe in the decision and come together as a unified group to act upon the decision together as a whole. We ended up having one Explorer not want to budge despite everyone else in the group wanting to go the other way. In this situation we remind the group of our motto; “We not Me” and talk about the many ways a compromise may manifest itself. Despite the struggles that the Townsend’s Chipmunks had today learning how to collaborate, compromise, and come to a consensus, they showed great progress and all took away a fresh perspective on how to come together as a group and make a decision that makes everyone happy. It is important that we learn how to collaborate effectively and begin understanding what it means to compromise one’s personal desires for the greater needs of the group. Just imagine how differently our current election process might look if we all had to collaborate, compromise and come to a consensus! Now that would be a sight to see.

Back on the trail we trekked along until we found a good location for a shelter. Abundant resources nearby, a reasonably flat area to construct the shelter. We were closer than would be ideal to a Big Leaf Maple and an old snag, but for the sake of our outing, we discussed why not to build near deciduous trees and widow makers that drop their limbs in wind storms. With that out of the way we found a couple sturdy Y-Sticks and a solid backbone and got to work on getting ribs and latticing for our shelter. Running short on time we didn’t get around to piling on all the debris, but for our first attempt at a full size shelter we felt pretty good about the fruits of our labor. With just enough time left to have a closing circle to share some gratitude and munch on apple slices the mentors were impressed at the thoughtfulness and focus this group brought as each Explorer shared something they were thankful for with the rest of the group. Hiking out through the logging land, back to the dirt jumps, and finally arriving at the parking lot, a posy of dirty Explorers with smiles on their faces was a welcome site for the parents. For some Explores this was their first outing and what an outing it was. Shelter building, skeletons in circle, and plenty of exploration. I would call that a successful way to kick off our fall season.

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

Towsend's Chipmunks Explore Along the MIghty Nooksack

The Townsend Chipmunks met at Cascade Montessori on a rainy day for their first outing using the Wild Whatcom bus. Now that this group has been exploring the various parks and forests in and around the greater Bellingham area, the mentors decided it was time for these boys to get out into a little more of a wilderness setting. Loading up the bus we cruised out Mt. Baker Highway to the Deming Homestead Eagle Park located alongside the mighty Nooksack River. The inside of the bus buzzed with excitement and enthusiasm as we made our way east and soon we had arrived.

Unloading our packs the boys quickly took shelter under the trees beside the parking lot to escape the dreary drizzle. Holding our opening circle among the shelter of the trees we had a bit of trouble focusing and forming a circle. It seemed everyone was rather excited to get out exploring and a bit distracted by the rain. Finally getting into a circle the mentors made sure to cover a few important things that popped up during our first few minutes on the land. Nothing to serious arose, but it was important to discuss two topics in particular: respectful interpersonal communication and how to properly dress for rainy weather. Reviewing a few topics of conversation we discussed some techniques to help avoid conflict and escalation and improve interpersonal communication among ourselves. We often forget about the emotional side of risk management, but managing emotional risk can be just as important as managing our physical risk. Speaking of physical risk, the mentors noticed a couple boys who were wearing denim jeans in the cold, drizzly weather. Remembering the old saying “cotton kills” we discussed what we could do to help us stay warm; primarily this means keeping cotton dry or even better, not wearing cotton at all. Getting rain gear on was the best we could do, but next exploration the best way to avoid this scenario is just leaving the cotton at home if it is looking like it may rain that day.

Now that we had discussed the importance of respectful interpersonal communication and how to keep ourselves warm and dry we were ready for some exploration. Heading out we soon hit our first obstacle; a strong side channel impeding our access to the flood plains and beyond those the Nooksack. Traversing eastward we took notice of a few wooden boards someone had put in place to be used as a bridge to cross the side channel. One by one we crossed and found ourselves in a flat, mossy flood plain full of young Cottonwoods and head high Japanese Knapweed. The broad leaves of these plants made it difficult to see much more than fifty or so feet in any direction. Despite our proximity to the park and Mt. Baker Highway, we were immersed in a wild setting, off trail, and needing to find a way to the river. This was much different from what the Townsend Chipmunks had experienced in the past. The flat gravel or packed earth trails of the parks and forests around Bellingham make it easy to confidently trek off into the woods knowing there is a highly developed and heavily trafficked trail to guide us. Out on the flood plains all we had to go off of was an old footpath that looked to be used more frequently by deer and coyote than human. Yet the Townsend Chipmunks took off confidently down this trail. The mentors decided to let them get a bit of true exploration in and let the boys lead the way.

After a few minutes of trekking it became apparent the Townsend’s Chipmunks assumed the trail would take us right to the river. Putting full faith in this forgotten footpath was a reminder to the mentors that these boys are still honing a greater awareness of their surroundings and the ebbs and flows associated with moving through a wild landscape. One must take note of everything around them; the level of the land, the plants growing around you, the micro-climates you are passing through, the tracks of other creatures and where they may be going, the direction of the sun and the time of day, the sounds and sensations around us and off in the distance. There is so much to track and so much to pay attention to. Of course this was the Townsend’s Chipmunk’s first outing in a wild place like this, so after some trials and tribulations the mentors stepped in and refocused the group. We had hit a second side channel and it was time to pause and re-evaluate our situation. People were getting hungry, thirsty, and energy was waning. Despite a few Explorer’s motivation to press on, the group always comes first. We backtracked to a clearing and settled in to eat some lunch, drink some water, and make a new game plan to get to the river. One benefit of tracking is that not only can you follow tracks of animals and where they went, but you can find your own footprints and follow them back if you ever get turned around in the wilderness. We tracked our path back to the trailhead and the mentors took a route that they knew would take us down to the river. Despite a little frustration and confusion, this first taste of wandering in the wilderness was exactly what the Townsend’s Chipmunks needed. Not to mention anytime you wander off trail in the wilderness you are bound to encounter a little frustration and confusion from time to time.

Finally breaking out of the Cottonwood saplings we hit the sand, rock, and silt of the banks of the Nooksack. Immediately the boys found a bounty of tracks from canine to ungulate to avian. The Explorers scattered across the landscape pursuing the natural wonders that called to them. After we got through the initial excitement we gathered our packs and made it down to the river. Here we spent the next few hours lost in free play. Splashing in the side pools, discovering new tracks and natural curiosities, and even building a bridge over a side channel to a log jam, there was so much to do and so little time! The mentors found it deeply gratifying to finally see the Townsend’s Chipmunks out on a vast, expansive, wild landscape like this. It was exactly what they needed. As if to mark this moment the clouds burned off and the sun shone brightly for the last part of our outing. Drying out, except for those who decided to wade into the water, we were warm, dry and happy. Fulfilled by exploration and free play we headed home feeling rather satisfied with what we had accomplished. Although we still had to review how to listen respectfully in our closing circle, there was a great step in growth taken today by the Townsend’s Chipmunks. This group is really coming into its own and after a successful day in the expansive wild lands along the Nooksack they will no doubt have many more exciting explorations like this in the future.  

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

Townsend's Chipmunks Explore Lake Padden

On an unusually cold November day the Townsend’s Chipmunks gathered at Lake Padden park for their final outing of the Fall season. Frost covered the fallen leaves and the small puddles along the parking lot and trail had a thin layer of ice covering them. We began to gather in the small patch of sunshine playing games and waiting for the other last few explorers to arrive. Finally, we circle up and did some animal forms to stay warm; fishing heron, hunting raccoon, owl with a pellet. Then the boys began to make up their own animal forms; proud pigeon, the crab, happy cat.

Feeling warm and limber we made our way into the forest. Almost immediately, the boys took us on a small deer trail leading up a steep bank. Finding ourselves off trail so early in the day was a great way to start. We hit another path, but the boys crossed it and again began forging their way up a steep hillside through stands of devils club and sword fern. As we made our way upward the hill grew steeper and steeper until finally we were threading our way through large slabs of sandstone. Barely clinging on to the hillside with the help of roots and hardy salal bushes we reached the summit. We were welcomed by a lush valley of sword ferns. Perfect terrain to play Spiders Web!

This is the Townsend’s Chipmunks first season as a group and they have heard of Spiders Web from elder brothers and friends in Explorers Club and have been asking to play all season. They have been practicing their skills of camouflage and stealth through other games and have reached a point where they are more then ready to play Spiders Web. After we discussed the rules of the game we set out to find a suitable place for the Web and the Food Source.

The game began and apart from a few questions to clarify rules the boys disappeared silently into the forest. From my hiding places, I would occasionally hear boys being found or hushed discussion from sword ferns on the strategy of the game. I was impressed by their integrity while playing and their ability to work out their few disagreements with little or no help from the mentors. As we debriefed the game, the boys were very articulate in discussing what they liked about the game, what was challenging about it, and what they would try in future games.

The cold had caught up with us and it was again time to keep moving through the forest. We spotted a sunny stand of hemlocks on the ridge and made our way toward them in search of warmth. We crossed a log bridge and made our way up onto a beautiful ridge overlooking Lake Samish and the Chuckanuts. It always amazes me that even in parks that I feel I know really well I always find myself in new places on these outings. We all sat on the ridge soaking up the sun and marveling at the view. Exploring the ridge, helping each other over hard terrain, finding new plants, looking at mushrooms, laughing in the sun, Hide!, new places, and a true joyfulness at the sunlight we had found.

As we headed back we all kept exclaiming at how fun our off trail trek at been! Being in places that feel so far away from other people really is an inspiring feeling. We ran down a steep hill bounding like deer. We stopped suddenly as we saw the trail far below us. None of us wanted to get back on the trail and put an end to our romp through the forest. We all looked back up the hill at the ridges and valleys we had explored that day then turned around and headed back onto the trail.

Parents, thank you for bringing your explorers to us this season, what a great fall! Explorers, thank you for being such a great group to work with! I hope to see you all over the winter and look forward to working with all of you in the Spring. For only being together as a group for one season you all are very capable and fun individuals to explore with. Make sure to check out our photo gallery for more pictures.

Townsend's Chipmunks Explore 100 Aker Woods

Small winter wrens and song sparrows chatter from the shrubs at the edge of fairhaven park as the Townsend Chipmunks begin to arrive. The first few boys duck into hiding spots in these bushes to await the rest of the group. A few scramble up into a tree catching the attention of a douglas squirrel who had been spending his morning in the same tree. The boys hide for a while but eventually come out as the rest of the boys show up.

They mill around pointing out strange seed pods to each other and discussing whatever soccer games or hikes they had been on that morning. I remember the first outing; the boys mostly quiet, shyly talking to one another, a group that hardly knew each other. Now after only Three outings together these Explorers are becoming quite the group.

Once everyone has gathered we make our way across the open field and up into the forest of 100 Aker wood. This place has a long history with Explorers club and is an exciting and diverse forest to spend time in. Our first task of the day is to have a short sit spot. A sit spot is a really important part of being in the forest and is a great tool to observe the baseline of the forest, to hear the birds, plants, and other animals at their natural rhythm. As everyone spreads out to find their spots small birds from the underbrush chirp short alarm calls and Explorers voices drift up through the canopy. I am surprised when almost immediately the voices of the explorers disappear and after a few minutes the birds come back with song. The boys spend about fifteen minutes at their sit spots in almost perfect silence. When we called them back in they exclaimed at the number of birds they had heard, animals they had seen, and new plants they had observed. The boys excitement was so overwhelming that we all followed each Explorer around for a tour of their sit spot.

 Hiking out from here we began exploring the land with the intention of finding a good location for some games that would challenge our ability to hide and be stealthy. Winding trails led us through mud deeper than our boots, across hillsides, up and down valleys, through forests of Sword Fern, piles of Big Leaf Maple leaves, and finally to one of the most perfect areas for hiding! We set our backpacks aside and prepared to play.

We Played a game called Eagle Eye Which is a great combination of hiding ability and ability to quickly move from hiding spot to hiding spot silently. (Parents ask your Explorers about the details, it is a great game to play while out hiking with the family, but watch out they are all really good!)

I played as the Eagle the first round and by the time I had finished counting the boys had silently become part of the landscape. As they moved in closer to me with each round I began to see a leg sticking out from behind a fern, and arm draped across a fallen Red Alder, or the top of a head just visible from behind a log. We played many rounds of this; taking turns being the eagle and hiding. As with all games issues of fairness and honesty came up. The Townsend's Chipmunks showed a lot of good problem solving and patients when working through these points of friction with one another.

The day flew by and soon enough it was time to start heading back toward the park entrance. We hiked back through the oncoming rain and found a small Western Red Cedar to tuck underneath for our closing meeting.

As we began our closing meeting runners in costume began to run by on the adjacent trail. For a moment we were all distracted by the costume clad runners; once we began our circle of thanks our focus was held despite the zombies, cowboys, and other strange characters running by us. All the boys were very thoughtful and sincere in the closing meeting. They were really respectful of whomever was talking at the moment and would have kept focusing in this circle if our time had not run out.

As we made our way back we played more games of Hide! and rolled down some grassy slopes. It was really exciting to see these boys mature so much as a group after only three outings together. I am excited to continue working with these boys and go on more great adventures with them in outings to come. Thanks to Login and Jordan our two EMAs for the day. Parents thanks for sending your sons out with us and Explorers thankyou for putting such a big smile on my face. For more pictures of our outing check out the photo gallery!