Written by: Dave Strich
This camp was an inspiration. Nine Explorers and a range of three to seven different mentors worked, played, and explored together from the forests to the tidal mud flats in mixed weather conditions. Boys learned about how to navigate the social dynamics of conflict and compromise. They also to experienced new locations and saw familiar ones through new eyes. Indeed it was a quite a well-rounded week of camp. With the gamut of places, faces, and cases, this week remains unforgettable… and needed a little more time to write this report :)
Day 1, 100-Aker Woods:
We began the journey with a gathering in our beloved Explorers Club home base, the 100 Aker Wood, where we greeted one another. Most were seasoned Explorers, but from different Spring and Fall groups. That being the case, we had some introductions to make. Names were learned quickly by this group, and bonding did not take long. After a few icebreakers and introduction games, we came together and talked about what it would take for us to make this camp a great experience for all. We discussed safety and how to be safe in the woods. Boys learned that there were Vespidae and barbed wire so they had to pay close attention. We explored the swamp and found methane, raccoon tracks, and horseshoe fungus. We also made room for some sit spot time in the forest and then saw a really precise animal signs… does your Explorer remember what Greg showed us at the end of the day?
More highlights from 100-Aker Woods include: wasp stings, learning about stinging nettle and spit poultice using sword fern, games of Hide, authentic navigation, discoveries of new trails that no Explorers group had ever been on, climbing on huge uprooted trees, games of Spider’s Web, and learning new plant and animal allies.
Day 2, Teddy Bear Traverse:
This was an intense day. From the journey to the group dynamics, boys stretched their edges to the brink. When they arrived exhausted to parents at the end of the day, mentors knew they had done good work but deserved a big dinner!
After enjoying blackberries in the parking lot, Greg showed us an impromptu demonstration of starting fire from “fatwood,” flint, and his knife. Then we crossed the road and headed towards the Devil’s Club maze. Mentors scouted the trail and re-minded Explorers about Stinging Nettle and Devil’s Club. After some deliberation, the group went around the Devil’s Club and along the steep hillside. See if your Explorer remembers clambering through head high sword fern and about the danger we almost encountered!
We made it to Woodstock Farm and discussed poisonous plants before taking a well-deserved Sit Spot at Inspiration Point. Between the next two road crossings, we saw how the actions of two can have an impact on the whole group. As we recall the motto, All Things Are Connected, we have to remember that we carry a lot of power that can affect others even if we don’t think about it. We had a few minutes to explore the crabs and tide pools at Teddy Bear Cove before a long coal train stopped us in our tracks.
Day 3, Bakerview to Locust Beach:
Otherworldy. Really. Ask your Explorer and please check out the pics from this day. Arriving at a really low tide, this was a day for pure, unscheduled, unrestricted, exploration. We spent a good two hours on the tidal flats digging in sand, and exploring the water’s edge. We hurried back as the tide began to rise and we saw how land transformed into water. And thank you to the Campbells for access to the beach through your property. We truly appreciate what you do for Explorers Club!
Boys gazed upon flocks of Canada Geese and observed the mellow movements of the seagulls. They dug channels in the mud and started by cleaning their feet early. Only later did we find how futile our efforts were; there was mud everywhere!
We took the challenge to discover the earthkeeper’s den (aka the jungle hut), and considered how the earthkeeper has given our group special permission to be there. Though off-limits to the public, we are allowed to visit because we share the mission of the earthkeeper in leaving a place better than we find it. Please ask your explorer for details on this amazing place.
Then came the mud! Shoes lost, Explorers down, backpacks soiled, it was truly an epic journey to Locust Beach. How fitting to end with a full mud gush (especially Explorers who chose a mud flat sit spot) and a big wash in the ocean.
Day 4, Bloedel-Donovan Park
It’s amazing what we can discover within the city limits. Boys learned that they have a stronger leg and they should be mindful of actually shifting directions when walking “in a straight line.” Like Tom Brown Jr. says of wilderness skills, “It’s better to practice in a safe setting before actually needing to perform when your life is at stake.” Explorers know that a straight line into the forest may actually be curved and totally away from where we think we are going.
The outing went the same way as it took a long time to mobilize. Perhaps the grey skies may have held Explorers in a state of uncertainty. As we scuttled over to Scudder Pond we did some coyote service by freeing a Black Cottonwood tree from the English Ivy that had begun to creep up its side. We learned about the medicine in Broadleaf Plantain, Cottonwood, and Heal-all. Mentors tried to eat random berries throughout the morning, but the Explorers stopped them because we hadn’t properly identified the plants… thanks boys!
Other outing aspects include: Lunch in a secluded forest nook near the pond, close games of Hide, and learning about proper tool and stick usage. As Explorers get older, their responsible use of tools will earn them many benefits… but they still have lots of practice to do first.
Day 5, Clayton Beach
The grand finale to camp this week. We revisited proper tool usage as Steve shared about his famous walking stick and Dave brought out his broken bow. Then down to the forest and the beach we went. Boys took an interest in figuring out the four cardinal directions using shadows, sundials, and topographical features. Mentors cleaned up endless amounts of broken glass while Explorers ate lunch and then came an epic game of Spider’s Web. Wow, was that fun! The day got away from us as we got down to the beach later than expected. But what a way to celebrate our last bit of time together… running down sand dunes, riding doors in the water, building and stepping on mud traps, feet in the sand. We barely fit in our closing circle and made it back on time!
Thanks to volunteers this week: Tim (everyday), Nick (Monday), and Brian (Wednesday), and EMAs Soren (Mon, Wed, & Thurs) and Kyle (Wednesday). Your influence on these boys’ lives is vital and unforgettable. Thank you so much for spending so much time with us. Thank you Explorers for doing such good work this week. You explored well and stretched your own personal edges! Thank you parents for your support and encouragement. It is a pleasure to get to know you as we get to know your boys.
Please look at more pictures in the photo gallery. We hope to see you for the fall season introductory meeting on September 14th!
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