Arriving at the Hundred Acre Wood on a Monday morning we
kicked off our Salish Seas camp in typical summer camp fashion. With an older
group of boys in our group this week the mentors decided to kick it up a notch
and hike down to Arroyo Park for the day. Upon arrival at the park we had an
opening circle where we introduced ourselves, talked about staying safe while
exploring, and chatted about what our week had in store for. Moving on we
trekked down to the creek and were amazed at how low the water was running this
time of year. Following the creek upstream we arrived at an incredible natural
bridge made from an ancient fallen Western Red Cedar that allowed us to cross
the creek and climb up the other side. Actually, we could have just walked
across the nearly-dry creek bed, but who wouldn’t want to use such an awesome
natural bridge. On the other side we climbed up into the foothills of the
Chuckanuts where we looked practiced constructing debris shelters and learned
how to play a few Wild Whatcom games like “Where’s My Egg” and “Eagle Eye”
before gathering together for our first closing circle of camp. Our first day
flew by and we were all grateful for a strong group, good energy, and four more
days of camp ahead of us.
On the second day we met at Whatcom Falls Park. We set the
intention of exploring a bit, playing in the creek, and learning how to carve.
As we journeyed down to one of our favorite swim spots in Whatcom Falls we
enjoyed navigating along the creek and getting a feel for the winding landscape.
Dropping down into the ravine, we ate some food before jumping into an
introductory lesson on carving. Although most of the boys in this camp had
already learned carving, we wanted to ensure everyone was on the same page so
we started from square one. After some basic safety and technique instruction
it was time to get our blades into the wood. Using a technique called
“batoning” the boys shaped a piece of wood for a spoon. After the rough shape
is formed the knife can be used to carve out the initial shape of the spoon. As
attention waned from carving, it was time to jump into the water and explore
the creek. Cruising down stream we found some rapids that made a perfect
natural waterslide down to a gorgeous pool surrounded by steep cliffs and giant
boulders. This landscape truly looks like paradise… and certainly was on this
day. With our time winding down we had just enough remaining for a sit spot
where everyone had moment alone to take it all in while relaxing and reflecting
on our day. 
Day three brought us our most expansive adventure of the
week. Heading out to Bakerview Beach we enjoyed a gorgeous day of sun with just
enough breeze to keep us cooled down. Tramping right over to the Nooksack
Delta, we scared up an eagle feasting on a freshly caught flounder. We set up
basecamp and got lost in exploration, free play, carving, and even some shelter
building. Before long it was time to stretch our legs so we rallied together
and trekked out as far as we could towards to ocean. What felt like nearly a mile
of sand and shallow pools led us to a deeper channel where a finger of the
Nooksack had carved through the sandy beach. There was even enough current for
us to float down the channel and out to the deeper waters. As we floated along
someone would occasionally disturb a flounder that would shoot up, whack into
you giving you quite a fright, then burry itself back in the sandy depths once
again. It was quite exciting and a great way to cool down in the midday sun.
After pushing further out up to our waists in the bay, the tide started to come
in which was our signal to head back. Many of the boys were amazed at how
quickly the water came in. At some spots you could watch it creep over the sand
from pool to pool as it inevitably enveloped the beach. Making it back we had
just enough time for some more free play and food before closing circle and
hiking back for pick up.
Our fourth day brought with it the anticipation of our
overnight at Deception Pass State Park, but before we could go to the park we
had to load up in the bus and cruise down to Mt. Erie for some rock climbing.
Along the way we took a break to eat lunch at Heart Lake before twisting and
turning up to the top of Mt. Erie. When we finally arrived at the top we met a
couple of rock climbing instructors from Mt Baker Mountain Guides. They
informed us that a huge group of girls from the YMCA had also decided it was a
good day for rock climbing and had already snagged the routes we wanted.
Luckily for us, we had a group of ambitious boys who were up for a change of
plans. Driving back down Mt. Erie we headed to a new location, gathered up our
gear, and trekked up the steep hillside to a lesser known rock face. With a
somewhat exciting approach, a handful of the boys were plenty satisfied with
the level of adventure and decided not to climb. However, for those who did get
into a harness and rope up, it was quite a gorgeous place to get some rock
climbing in. Cruising up and down the rocks we had boys of all experience
levels decided to stretch their edge and take advantage of an amazing
opportunity. Many of them had a blast getting familiar with the routes,
watching one another take turns overcoming obstacles and just having a good
time. Not to mention the breathtaking views we had of raptors soaring high above
the forest canopy and endless views out to the islands. Winding down we
gathered up our gear, trekked back down to the bus, and after reflecting on our
experiences and thanking Mt Baker Mountain Guides it was time to head to
Deception Pass State Park.
With only a short drive there from our climbing expedition,
we had plenty of time to set up camp and cook dinner before relaxing and
getting lost in goofy shenanigans that only adolescent boys can come up. There
were even a few impromptu rounds of “Where’s My Egg” played while everyone
waited for dinner to be ready. Pasta with red sauce and salad was on the menu
and it was absolutely delicious after a long day of rock climbing. As we
finished up dinner to the continuous screaming of jets flying closely overhead,
everyone relaxed and decided it was time for hot chocolate and stories. With
the light fading everyone gathered together to sip their hot chocolate and
listen to one another make up impromptu stories that left everyone laughing and
begging for another. With quiet time approaching (at least for us but
apparently not the jets who continued training until midnight) we headed to bed
and tried our best to get some shut eye.
In the morning we awoke to another beautiful summer day and
everyone was eager to get some breakfast in our bellies. The traditional Boys
EC Oatmeal was on the menu and aside from a couple of us, everyone packed it in
grateful for the calories and even had a few comment that it was the best
oatmeal they had ever eaten! With such praise it was interesting that a couple
of the boys didn’t seem to want to eat there oatmeal. Explaining the necessity
of properly fueling our bodies with calories and nutrition, the mentors were
able to get most of the stragglers to finish their oatmeal, but one stubborn
individual just didn’t want to eat. It is vital for everyone in the group to
take care of themselves so that the group can properly function. Especially in
a group that operates on coming to a consensus to make decisions, if someone
has low blood sugar and becomes “hangry” it can lead to a big letdown for the
rest of the group. Unfortunately this is what happened this morning and it took
two and half hours longer to get to the beach than we were planning on.
However, with such a hot and sunny day, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise
that we did not spend too much time in the summer heat. At the beach most of us
headed down to the water’s edge to construct a sand city to defend from the
incoming tide. Some of us took up our knives and passed the time carving, while
others just found a nice spot to sit and observe the military aircraft rumbling
by overhead. Before we knew it, it was time to hit the road and head home.
Stopping for some ice cream sandwiches along the way we took a moment to each share
something that was especially fun about our week, something that we found
challenging, and an epic memory that we would never forget. Reminiscing on the
week passed the time and soon we were back in Bellingham and reunited with
parents. 
Our week of camp was packed full of exploration, adventure,
and too many good times to count. The boys that made up this group all showed
tremendous comradery by the end of the week building new friendships
strengthening ties with old friends as well. Everyone stretched their edge at
one point or another this week and we all walked away with new skills, fond
memories, and a fresh appetite for adventure and exploration. There is no
better way to spend the summer than out immersed in the wonderful natural
landscapes that make up the place we call home. What a tremendous week of camp
with a stellar group of guys to finish our summer programs with. Thanks again
for helping us make this summer one to remember!
Check out the rest of the photos from our week of camp here.
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