Foothills Explorations Camp, Session 2: July 18-20, 2016

"Immersion in the natural world brings life enhancing peace, joy, zest, the ability to meet life's challenges with a positive attitude, and to see the interconnectedness of all things." Deep Nature Connection

The boys of Wild Whatcom's Foothills Explorations Camp Session 2 began our journey of nature connectedness at Bellingham's backyard forest, 100 Acre Wood. 

We practiced being respectful in circle and responding to a crow call. We also learned games such as Hide!, Hungry, Hungry Marten and The Wildlife is Watching.

100 acres is a big space!

The lineup

Twelve other boys (most pictured here) and two mentors are a lot of names and faces to remember. Fortunately, quality time log-sitting when you've been called out during a game of Hide! provides the needed "get-to-know-you" opportunity.

Lake Padden park is a known gem, with hiking, dog-walking and socializing, golf, sport courts, playground, fishing, boating and, on day two of our camp, an ideal off-trail exploration spot for young boys. 

Fallen trees, frogs and friends...what's not to like?

 Conor and Brian quickly realized that the best thing we could do for these explorers was to get out of the way and let them explore this magical place. A few hours of log walking, creature examining and fantasy playing passed quickly. Then it was time to learn a new game - Eagle Eye. You might have picked up on the fact that our games have a common element - stealth. We do a lot of hiding and camouflaging as we mimic life in nature.

At Explorers Club, we are guided by a series of mottos. Here's one that comes to mind when I think about all that nature provided our explorers this week - 

All Things Are Connected In the course of our exploring, we come to realize that all things really are connected – mosquitoes and streams, cows and the Salish Sea, litter and otters, the skies over China and over us – and that all our actions have an impact.

"If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything." – Alan Watts

We finished a stellar day at Lake Padden by splashing in the lake. People in many parts of the country might not consider 70 degrees and partly cloudy to be swimming weather, but here in Whatcom County we know better!

On to Clayton Beach for our final day. Tuesday's outing was going to be a tough act to follow, but Clayton Beach offers such natural splendor that we needed only relax and experience the forest, surf, tide pools, blackberries and more.

That's the look of engagement we like to see!

Spider's Web is a favorite of Explorers Club boys young and "old".  After their success with Hide!, Eagle Eye and more on Monday and Tuesday, we were ready for the challenge of this more complex game. It is hard to resist the urge to dash toward the "food source", but once again stealth and patience rule the day.

Low tide exposed scores of sand dollars.

From the forest to the bright sun of Clayton Beach. While some boys chose to wade in the surf, others explored tide pools for crabs and other fun beach life. And, for our final activity, we moved down the beach to a known sand hill, only to find a patch of blackberry bushes at the top of the hill. Yum!

Giving thanks is a Wild Whatcom defining value and core routine. At the end of each outing, we sit in a circle and share something for which we are especially grateful. As we finished our time together, the boys spoke of games played, places visited and friendships found. Conor and Brian would like to echo their wisdom in getting to the essence of meaningful engagement enhanced by the wondrous natural places in our beautiful corner of the world. Thank you for sharing your boys with us this week.

Click here for more photos from our camp. Enjoy the rest of your summer. We hope to meet again on the trail or in town.