The Jumping Mice build shelter and community on the Fragrance Lake trail; 5/5/18

As we met in the Lost Lake parking lot for the Jumping Mice's latest outing, an exciting discovery in a nearby salal patch got everyone's blood pumping: garter snakes! Lots of them! The boys immediately tapped into their hunter's instincts and immersed themselves in stalking and catching every snake they could see. 

To the untrained eye, the scene may have looked chaotic and disruptive: boys trampling plants and disturbing wildlife. But in Wild Whatcom, we see something else: focused engagement of body and mind, hands-on learning, kids motivated and inspired by the natural world. In other words, nature connection! Before we had even started our outing, the Jumping Mice showed us their ability to Be Here Now, and gave us mentors wonderful teachable moments about respecting and doing no harm to wildlife.

After putting the snakes back where we found them, we gathered for opening circle, introduced two joiners from other Explorers groups, and discussed our plan for the day. A ways up the trail we circled up to make a decision about how to proceed, and within moments were besieged by tons of gnats. Annoyed and distracted, the boys had strong opinions on which they didn't want to compromise: thus, they struggled to come to a consensus. Brian and I let them struggle, trusting the process to teach and trusting the boys to learn, but offered a few tidbits of guidance that helped them come to a decision.

Our next and final destination at the lookout point was, thankfully, bug-free. As we broke for lunch and some carving time, our motto Widen The Circle was in full display as your Explorers shared tools, materials, inspiration, stories, and time together.

After lunch we tasked the boys with building an earth shelter that would support a mentor’s weight. Some took to the task while others were distracted, and the shelter remained skeletal due to the lack of focus. So it goes! 

While the boys took down the shelter, Brian set up his camp stove in order to introduce next year’s skill focuses: art of water and wilderness travel. They were inspired and excited to learn more, and we are inspired and excited to go on that journey with them. A quick game of Spider’s Web and a heartfelt circle of thanks closed out our day with teamwork and respectful listening, a welcome glimpse of the Jumping Mice’s growing maturity.

More photos here!

The Jumping Mice pivot to the Two Dollar Trail: find and learn unplanned stuff! 1/21/17

Saturday’s Jumping Mice outing to the Rock Trail became the JM outing on the Two Dollar Trail thanks to Cleator Road being closed due to snow/ice. True to the spirit of Boys Explorers Club, we worked to Turn Problems into Possibilities and embarked on what turned out to be a great outing! 

After a few minutes orienting ourselves to our location in the Chuckanuts, our small group of intrepid Explorers started excitedly up the trail in search of Fragrance Lake, promised in just 1.7 miles. It wasn’t long before they showed an aptitude for our skill for the winter/spring — tracking and bird language. One of our number was perceptive enough to notice a purple spot on the side of the trail and immediately realized the color was out of place: a foundational tracking behavior involves noticing contrast — when something is different or out of place. 

What our Explorer had picked out was a colony of Springtails, amazing little creatures that can leap astounding distances relative to their diminutive size. Of course, once we were aware and interested, we found several colonies along the trail. Cool find!

Next it was the mentors’ turn to show their stuff. An important mentoring skill is the ability to ditch your plan when your charges light up with a childhood passion. As we took a short rest break further up the trail, mentor Jedidiah picked up a few sticks and started working on making an Atlatl (yeah, I didn’t know what that was either….). The boys were immediately entranced and wanted to try one and/or to make their own. That wasn’t in the plan, but Jedidiah had clearly tapped into a child passion, so we went with it. You’ll notice that most of the photos involved atlatls and primitive rock tools. 

Our planned game of Spider’s Web was delayed as they worked on their tools. Note the intensity of their expressions in the photos. 

Hard to see, but there are many (thousands?) Springtails in a colony. The boys are trying to get these hexapods (6 legs) to jump on their hands.

Don't forget to look up! We were treated to a partial halo (also known as a Sundog, apparently) around the sun. Here's more about these exciting sky phenomena - Sundog

The Jumping Mice worked hard on this outing. It's interesting what can happen when kids connect with nature. 

Sharpening sticks; fashioning Atlatls; creating tools from stone

Mentor Jedidiah holding court

We never made it to Fragrance Lake. When it occurred to us that we’d better get moving if we were going to make it, the boys talked it over and decided to scrap that goal for more time to work on their atlatls and stone tools. It’s unfortunate that several boys were unable to join us; it was a special outing. And, of course, we also didn’t make it to the Rock Trail. I’ll put that on the schedule for the fall. It’s a very cool trail.

Our next outing, Feb. 26 from 2:00 ’til 7:00 pm at Larrabee St. Park, also holds the promise of a great time. We plan to make a fire for the last hour or so and share food and drink with guests your Explorers invite to join us. More information coming as we get closer. The rest of the photos and a video or two from Saturday’s outings here.