It is impossible to fit the breadth and depth of a full five-day camp into the confines of a few thousand symbols on the face of glowing boxes. In fact, one could argue, a large part of the beauty and power of a week of Exploring is that one has a chance to recuperate from our increasing overexposure to such powerful tools. The living wilderness all around us (yes, including the little mites under our keyboards or in our iphones) is wonderfully unfetter-able. The butterfly outside the door, thankfully, does not beat her wings in metronomic 4/4 time; the wind prefers the vortex to the straight line; the track of the coyote ages even as we look at it, responding to the constant changes in moisture, pressure, and heat. We are change, and there is no set container.
All that said, we can share story, and those stories can shape
the moment. Stories that whisper of past events are seeds scattered in the fertile soil of the present. If planted well, they might grow into greater actions and events in our future. We have many story seeds to share from this past week, and it is a good idea to ask your son questions about the camp in order to find them. Please let this little outing report just serve as a talking point and a reminder of a few highlights.
the moment. Stories that whisper of past events are seeds scattered in the fertile soil of the present. If planted well, they might grow into greater actions and events in our future. We have many story seeds to share from this past week, and it is a good idea to ask your son questions about the camp in order to find them. Please let this little outing report just serve as a talking point and a reminder of a few highlights.
100 Aker Wood:
We were exceedingly privileged to introduce our new Explorers Club mentor, Greg Schayes, to our Cascadian Camp Explorers. Together, we all created an amazing camp experience, filled with stretched edges that turned to wonderful growth points. 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 icebreaker and introduction games, we came together and talked about what it would take for us to make this camp a great experience for all. Each Explorer gathered a stick, and, after a deeper introduction, he broke that stick with his own bare hands. The remnants of the sticks were gathered together, and Explorers were invited to try to break the bundle. Though we heard cracks, no one could succeed. We talked about the strength of a group working together, how some individuals might crack a little from time to time, but the strength of others can keep them together. We also honored how it takes a full individual to make this happen. Explorers took to this lesson throughout the week. At times there were cracks and even the threat of breaking the bundle, but they stuck together and created a powerful bond and a rewarding experience.
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 icebreaker and introduction games, we came together and talked about what it would take for us to make this camp a great experience for all. Each Explorer gathered a stick, and, after a deeper introduction, he broke that stick with his own bare hands. The remnants of the sticks were gathered together, and Explorers were invited to try to break the bundle. Though we heard cracks, no one could succeed. We talked about the strength of a group working together, how some individuals might crack a little from time to time, but the strength of others can keep them together. We also honored how it takes a full individual to make this happen. Explorers took to this lesson throughout the week. At times there were cracks and even the threat of breaking the bundle, but they stuck together and created a powerful bond and a rewarding experience.
More highlights from 100 Aker Woods included: wasp stings, learning about the power of narrow and broad-leaf plantain, stinging nettle, games of Hide, authentic navigation, discoveries of new trails that no Explorers group had ever been on, finding a yew tree!, a magical sit spot, games of Spider’s Web, and learning new plant and animal allies.
Whatcom Falls Park:
This day began with inspiration, and that inspiration led to an 
amazing challenge. The previous day, Greg had asked the group to finish with some thanks and with identifying one thing they wanted to get better at this week. So many people answered that they wanted to get better at stealth. So, we all developed a challenge. Would it be possible to make it from the wetlands all the way to the falls without being detected? A big challenge, for sure! Explorers rose to it. After some lake investigation, and after braving the most dangerous part of the whole week- crossing that street- we gathered before the edge of the wetlands and discussed how to work as a group. Explorers developed hand signals, and the scouts recognized that they had a big job to do. We practiced along the path, and stopped for a moment to appreciate the myriad plant and animal life of the wetland. At the other end, the challenge began. We quieted as we circled up, preparing for full stealth. Just as we were about to embark, three deer slipped out to of the forest and onto the trail quite close to us. These teachers showed us how to look up and down the trail, to listen to the bird language, and to slip in and out of vegetation with very little sound. Following their inspiration, we began. What a journey! It kept us captivated for most of the day. Please ask your Explorer how we did. He might relay to you that we managed to sneak past not just humans, but other species as well! Great job, all. Of course, we could not keep it
up forever. More highlights included: finding the falls and an excellent swim spot, navigating back home, spotting a curious water mammal, and finishing with a strong closing meeting and thanksgiving circle.
amazing challenge. The previous day, Greg had asked the group to finish with some thanks and with identifying one thing they wanted to get better at this week. So many people answered that they wanted to get better at stealth. So, we all developed a challenge. Would it be possible to make it from the wetlands all the way to the falls without being detected? A big challenge, for sure! Explorers rose to it. After some lake investigation, and after braving the most dangerous part of the whole week- crossing that street- we gathered before the edge of the wetlands and discussed how to work as a group. Explorers developed hand signals, and the scouts recognized that they had a big job to do. We practiced along the path, and stopped for a moment to appreciate the myriad plant and animal life of the wetland. At the other end, the challenge began. We quieted as we circled up, preparing for full stealth. Just as we were about to embark, three deer slipped out to of the forest and onto the trail quite close to us. These teachers showed us how to look up and down the trail, to listen to the bird language, and to slip in and out of vegetation with very little sound. Following their inspiration, we began. What a journey! It kept us captivated for most of the day. Please ask your Explorer how we did. He might relay to you that we managed to sneak past not just humans, but other species as well! Great job, all. Of course, we could not keep it up forever. More highlights included: finding the falls and an excellent swim spot, navigating back home, spotting a curious water mammal, and finishing with a strong closing meeting and thanksgiving circle.
Bakerview Beach:
Otherworldy. Really. Ask your Explorer and please check out the pics from this day. With the mist and the lowest tide this Explorer has ever seen, this was a day for pure, unscheduled, unrestricted, exploration. We spent a good three hours on the tidal flats digging in sand, running forever and not even coming close to the water’s edge, watching the seagulls hunt, identifying the raptors and the vultures, discovering all kinds of curious natural and manufactured artifacts. We took the challenge to discover the earthkeeper’s den (aka the jungle hut), and were graced to meet the earthkeeper himself. 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 and a big wash in the ocean.
The Fragrance Lake to Larrabee Traverse:
This couple of days proved to be the ultimate edge stretcher, growth medicine, wonder-maker, wilderness enhancer, sleep-depriver, fun creator, service provider, the ultimate recipe for a true Exploration. We stretched our bodies up the hills, learning about our packs, finding plant food, plant medicine, hearing crazy bird language, navigating along the trail, discovering the great beautiful lake, finding a mud-thick swim spot, learning more about bald-faced hornets (the hard way), staying together, pulling apart, coming back together again, and finishing strong; we learned about setting up camp, putting together our tents, our food, our water stations; we ate wonderful meals; cleaned and prepared for the raccoons that we knew were coming; listened to rustling bushes all
around us as night settled; heard an excruciating 2/3 (we’ll have to wait till Fall for the rest!) of the old Russian Tale of The Soldier and Death; worked through being tired; figured out more about teamwork; got up way too early; explored; packed up camp; lounged on the lawn; performed service even when we were tired; hiked to the bay and finished with a sit spot and a strong final meeting. What an experience. All were ready for a good night’s sleep after this wonderful work!
around us as night settled; heard an excruciating 2/3 (we’ll have to wait till Fall for the rest!) of the old Russian Tale of The Soldier and Death; worked through being tired; figured out more about teamwork; got up way too early; explored; packed up camp; lounged on the lawn; performed service even when we were tired; hiked to the bay and finished with a sit spot and a strong final meeting. What an experience. All were ready for a good night’s sleep after this wonderful work!
Explorers, this was truly a journey! We thank you from the fullness of our hearts for your great work this past week. The highs and the lows were all essential, and the result is an abundance of a 
sense of exploration, of skill, of fun, of service, and of connection. Parents, thank you so much for your enduring support, your patience, and your care.
sense of exploration, of skill, of fun, of service, and of connection. Parents, thank you so much for your enduring support, your patience, and your care.
Please check out pics from the outing on our Summer Gallery Page.
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