The Jumping Mice learn about nature the hard way at 100 Acre Woods; 10/9/16

It was a little past noon when one of our Explorers inadvertently stepped on a Yellow Jacket nest during a game of Spider's Web. To quote from the related Wikipedia article, "These species have lance-like stingers with small barbs, and typically sting repeatedly." We certainly saw that behavior Sunday, as three of our number was each stung multiple times. In addition to the pain experienced by those unfortunate Explorers, each of the group members was justifiably alarmed at this sudden turn of events. "Expect the unexpected" is a Boys Explorers Club (BEC) motto, but no amount of preparation can keep your heart from racing when these wasps swarm. 

Hmmm...not supposed to look like this!

The mentors first concern was to quiet the excited reaction from all 11 Explorers. We identified the sting sites and treated with a little antibiotic, then turned our attention to reuniting the hurting three with their parents and discussing with the group what happened, why (see Life Cycle and Habits in the Wikipedia article), and how to react. You might want to check with your Explorer to ascertain how he's feeling and what he learned about wasp behavior. The boys, including those stung, were able to calm themselves and "Grasp the Nettle" (Motto).

A lighter moment with mentor Jedidiah

"Bees happen." was the reaction of a parent of one of the lucky boys who avoided the stingers. His perspective was typical among all the parents and illustrates an important approach that we at Wild Whatcom often see, and always appreciate, from parents. A caring but measured, unalarmed reaction communicates a lot to young boys. If you're not freaking out, they see that the situation is manageable. 

Spider's Web

This incident will likely stay with all the Jumping Mice for a while. Jedidiah and I will work to assure your Explorer that, while there are certainly hazards in the natural world, we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and teach them to be self-reliant in the outdoors despite those potential hazards.

Effective camophlage!

The "yellow jacket incident" dominated the experience, but it wasn't the only thing that transpired on Sunday. The Jumping Mice continue to struggle with the focus their mentors expect in circle. Mentor Brian will take responsibility for abandoning the "talking stick" approach too soon; we will reinstitute it soon. There has also been some turnover in the group membership, which could be resulting in social posturing. The presence of a Girls Explorers Club group nearby was a distraction as well. I'm not sure why they were squirrel-y, even before the yellow jackets struck. 

Fascinating mushrooms

Just so you know what we're saying to them - there are interesting and fun things older Explorers get to do such as carving, making and managing fires and backpacking (what is your Explorer looking forward to?). However, these are privileges that require focus and discipline and the mentors track whether each Explorer or group is ready to move up to these activities. The Jumping Mice have their shining moments, of course, but overall they're slow to embrace the necessary behaviors. No biggie; in the meantime, we'll have fun and learn other things. 

In circle...

Lest I forget to mention it, our skill for the fall is the Art of Harvest. There's so much going on in the forest this time of year; it's a good time to pay attention to all the land offers, how we impact it when we play and learn out there and what we do to mitigate the impact we have. To that point, we next meet at Connelly Creek for our service outing. Our work there will put a sharp point on the connection each of us has to our natural environment and afford us the chance to do some wholesome, satisfying work. We meet on October 29th, from 10:30 am 'til 2:30 pm.

See you there. More photos here.