Friday, May 6, 2016

JM: The highs and lows of our Sehome Arboretum traverse - 4/29/16

When I think about leading an outing with the Jumping Mice, I’m reminded of a quote from Tommy Lasorda, former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. Mr. Lasorda described the job this way, “Managing is like holding a dove in your hand. Squeeze too hard and you kill it, not hard enough and it flies away.”

In one five hour outing, these boys excelled in a navigation exercise, failed to listen and follow
Just one route down!
direction with potentially harmful result, managed rock-climbing risk responsibly, and demonstrated decision-making focus at a level way above their pay grade. So, do the mentors loosen or tighten the grip?

As mentors, we look for opportunities to stretch each Explorer’s edge (see mottos). Situations that cause them to assess, to think things through, to exercise restraint while challenging themselves are sweet spots for us; at these times, we encourage the boys to think before acting (soon we’ll introduce the  “S.T.O.P.” model of assessing challenging situations), while reminding them that the guideline is challenge by choice (mottos). The tricky thing with the Jumping Mice is their tendency to lurch forward; the great news is they’re showing they have what it takes. A little more practice….well, perhaps a lot more.

Oregon Grage - We looked it up!
So, what actually happened on this “Purple Friday”? Well, the spring shower that made itself felt as we gathered was no match for the boys’ spirits. We began our exploration with a look at the trail map and a discussion of what the heck “traverse” means (in this context, it means don’t leave your water bottle, or whatever, behind because we’re not coming back past here!). After a short hike up the trail, we came to our first decision point - Douglas Fir or South Ridge trail? With input from one of our number that “They meet up again not too far.” we chose Douglas Fir and soon found some cool climbing rocks. In addition to working their muscles, the boys had ample opportunity to negotiate single lane routes in use by multiple climbers.

Back on the trail, we soon came upon the promised junction with the South Ridge trail - another chance to form a circle and come to consensus as a group. This decision also raised the stakes a little in that the boys were aware that a traverse doesn’t double back on itself (the South Ridge trail leads from this point back to our original junction), but this option offered the opportunity to play spider’s web, a favorite. After struggling with the alternatives a bit, they decided they had time for the diversion. The Jumping Mice had once again demonstrated singular focus and a quick, clean decision. Very impressive indeed!

After a few years of spiders web games, I still can’t tell exactly what makes for the perfect spiders
Decision time
web course, but I can say, in retrospect, that the placement of the food source in a small ravine made its capture by our band of “flies” a measure of patience and stealth. Likewise, the thick brush and numerous ferns on either side of the ravine provided decent cover for flies willing to take it slow, frustrating the spider. So, a test for both sides, with a predictable draw as a result. I guess it was a pretty good course after all!

Five steps South; 9 steps Northwest (curved tree); 11 steps Southeast (upturned tree root); 6 steps West; 8 steps North.

Next we tried our hand at creating and navigating a path described in terms of Cardinal and Ordinal directions. We’re working on navigation this season. This exercise saw an Explorer set out the target ribbon and create directions, like the ones above, for two Explorers to follow. The Jumping Mice did very well, another instance of strong focus.

And we thought they wanted to go THROUGH the tunnel!
From here, we gathered our packs and returned to the main trail. Our objective - the observation tower. Of course, the boys wanted to run up and down the tower steps, which the mentors encouraged. Throwing things such as pine cones and spitting off the upper levels, however, were expressly forbidden. This is where their inner compulsion to act before (without?) thinking got the better of them; a woman out for a pleasant afternoon hike was caught in the crossfire. Fortunately, she was both unhurt and understanding, but it was time to tighten the grip. Regrettably, we ended our short time at the tower with a stern reprimand for the group. Please remind your Explorer that the throwing of anything is expressly forbidden until further notice. 

A little more climbing inside and around the tunnel and we were finished for the day. The Jumping Mice truly are showing they have what it takes to become a high functioning group of honorable young men. Time, patience and guidance….


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