BEC: Red Squirrel Kits Camp

The Red Squirrel Kit camp was a truly wonderful three days! We explored three great locations throughout Whatcom County and introduced these new Red Squirrel Kits to many of the skills and practices that are so important in the Boys Explorers Club. The camp was a great experience with plenty of smiles, learning, exploration, and, of course, getting dirty.

June 30:

We spent the first day of the camp at the 100 Aker Woods. Peter and Dave introduced games that worked on our ability to hide in the forest and blend into the surrounding environment.

Hiding games evolved into other games that also worked on stealth skills and moving quietly through the forest. Soon, the boys were using fox feet to move quietly in the woods and using deer ears to hear more subtle noises in the forest. Parents, please ask your boys to show you how to do this.

As our skills got better, the sounds of breaking sticks and rustling sword fern fell away. Boys began to disappear into the base of stumps and curl up into the dark forest duff.  The day concluded by sneaking up on another Explorers club group without being seen, which was a great test of the boys’ new found stealth and hiding skills. Following our motto, Attitude of Gratitude, we ended the day in usual Explorers Club style with a Circle of Thanks.

July 1:

On the second day we met at Lake Padden Park. The boys took initiative and immediately navigated a route on the map that would take us to "The Big Fallen Tree".  Excitement was high to see "The Big Fallen Tree,” but there was still time to play a few games of Hungary Marten and Hide along the way, two of the favorites for the camp.

Our attention was soon captured by a large mud pit where the boys enthusiastically scoured the mud in search of animal tracks. We continued on our way, eventually reaching "The Big Fallen Tree" for a lunch break. Explorers spent much time clambering over the fallen tree trunks, examining the large uprooted sections, and counting tree rings.

The afternoon was hot and our energy drew us to the cool shady shores of the lake. There we all turned amphibious, exploring the shoreline with dip nets in search of aquatic life. We ended the day smiling and refreshed from our time in the lake.

July 2:

Our final day was spent at Clayton Beach in the heart of the Chuckanuts. We entered the woods with the tentative plan to end up at the beach by midafternoon. The theme of the morning focused on learning many of the common plants in the ecosystem.

Poisonous Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) grows in swampy habitats like along the disturbed, sunny bank of the train tracks. Dave carefully explained to us how to identify this powerful plant. If we learn about the dangers of the ecosystem and what can actually harm us, then we know how to be more cautious while exploring. This knowledge also creates opportunities for us to thrive and have fun because we know what to look out for.

More tromping through the woods put us into the bright sunshine of the beach. We quickly dropped our packs and began hopping over rocks exploring the many tide pools. Soon our investigations led us into the shallow water along the tidal zone, picking up dead crabs, examining sea anemones, and discovering the delicate, hair-like feet on the underside of sand dollars.

Later, we made our way back up to our packs and moved again back into the forest. The shade cast on us from the big leaf maples and red alders was a welcome relief from the intensity of the beach's sun. Our day in the Chuckanuts was the perfect culmination of our three day camp, blending learning, games, and a healthy portion of simple exploring.

Explorers thank you for being so active and engaged during these three days. It was great to be outside together!

Parents thank you for supporting these boys and this program. We appreciate that you trust us with your sons and are honored to be working with your families. Thanks also for the World Cup score updates when we weren’t able to watch them.

Please see more pictures from this camp on the TWO pages of pics at the photo gallery. Though the words can describe a lot the pictures often give you a different insight into our days. Hope you continue to have a great summer of fun and exploring!