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!

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 Traverse the Arboretum

The Townsend’s Chipmunks gathered at the base of the Sehome Arboretum for their last outing of the Spring, although the weather could have fooled us into thinking it was midsummer outing. The Sehome Arboretum is a hidden gem in bellingham; offering sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, steep hillsides, and a variety of plant and animal life.

Having all gathered in the parking lot we made our way to the base of the trail and the map displayed there. Since the Townsend’s Chipmunks have been together for a full year now their decision making and ability to work as a group is progressing to the point where they need less help from mentors as they plan their day. We all looked at the map and tried to decide where to go. With guidance from Brian and I the townsend’s Chipmunks were able to effectively make a group decision that everyone felt good about.

 After hiking for only a few minutes we found a steep sandstone formation. Unable to resist the unique rock we all made our way over for further exploration. As we drew close to the edge the Mentors made it clear to the boys that if they wanted to explore close to the edge they needed to have three points of contact (two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot) on the ground at all times. The boys responded well to this, cautiously crawling to the edge to peer down and giving each other plenty of spice as we climbed down the steep hillside adjacent to the sandstone.  

Finished exploring the sandstone cliffs, we headed back to the main trail and all decided to keep moving up. We soon passed a shrub with dark purple berries which some of the boys called edible while others were not sure. As alway with eating wild edibles it is important that you are sure that you have correctly identified the plant, not just that someone told you what it was. This was the perfect opportunity for the Townsend’s Chipmunks to pull out our field guide. A handful of the boys showed a lot of focus and dedication to figuring out what plant we were looking at. We spent some time identifying the major characteristics of the plant and then started looking through the field guid. After many options and some very keen observations from the Explorers we finally identified the plant as Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis). Reading about this plant we found that it was in fact edible (though not eaten in large quantities by the native people here). We all tried the a berry and immediately knew why the native people here did not eat them in large quantities. The indian plum had a bitter and astringent flavor with large pits in the middle.

After all of our focused time with a field guide it was time to move again. Our trip to the towers went quickly and we soon reached the sunny observation tower. With views out over the San Juan Islands and out over Baker and the Twin Sisters range to our East we were quite happy spending some time here. After spending time exploring the tower we decided it was time to head back into the woods. We climbed, slid, hiked and crawled our way down a steep ridge flanked by sandstone cliffs and giant sword ferns seeking as pot forSpiders Web. We were rewarded by our search when we stumbled upon a deep ravine with patches of sword fern that reached 4 - 5 feet in the air. Quickly we set up the game and played with our remaining time. The game was short, but the location and quality of play were phenomenal.  

With our day ending we navigated back toward the upper parking lot feeling tired and happy after completing our traverse of the Sehome Arboretum. Thank you Townsend’s Chipmunks for a truly amazing first year. It has been great to see you grow and strengthen as a group through the course of your adventures together. and thank you parents for your support and dedication to the program! Be sure to look at our photo gallery for more pictures!  

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.