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!

Jumping Mice Hone Their Focus to Construct Shelters

The Jumping Mice arrived at North Lake Whatcom Trailhead on Sunday for their second outing of the fall 2017 season. We gathered up, had our opening circle, and hit the trail. Our goal was to find a good location to practice our shelter building skills and perhaps play a round or two of Spiders Web.

Checking out the newly finished Chanterelle Trail and the new signage

From the start of the outing the group was energized and eager to hike up the trail in order to begin our work on shelter building. We finally found a place that fit our criteria for shelter building (ask your Explorer if they remember what to look for!) and settled in for some lunch. Transitioning into shelter building, we split into two groups and began construction of debris huts. This “competition” was a not only a good way to brush up on our shelter building skills, but each group had to work together as a team in order to complete their shelters in time.

Creating the framework (two Y-Sticks and a Backbone)

Adding all the Ribs

Gathering debris to pile on top

Finished with debris (for today, a legitimate survival shelter to keep warm in would require 2-3 feet of debris to properly insulate)

Throughout the day, the group boiled over with energy that made it difficult to focus in circle and listen to one another as well as the mentors. Although the energy made sitting in circle a practice in patience, it also provided an opportunity to learn how to demonstrate respectful listening and create a safe place for all voices to be heard.  We had a discussion around the importance of listening to one another and learning how to balance letting your energy out through playfulness and focusing your energy in order to listen in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Gathering up after discussing the importance of respecting one another

Done with shelter building, time to celebrate with Spider's Web!

Despite the drizzly weather and distractible energy, the Jumping Mice were able to focus their energy into the construction of two solid debris huts, an exciting game of Spiders Web, and a genuine circle of thanks at the end of the day. The progress this group made from the beginning of the outing to the end was substantial, and it is clear they are well on their way to not only becoming competent shelter builders, but thoughtful listeners as well.

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!

The lower mandible of a raccoon or possum that was found while collecting building materials

JM Squires Lake; 9/15/17

Welcome back, Jumping Mice families, for the third year of Explorer’s Club. We had a little turnover in the roster but most of the group remains as it was in 2016-17. 

One roster change of note is in the mentor ranks. I guess we kinda knew that Jedidiah was destined for grander things…he has moved on to lead tracking expeditions down toward Seattle (I think). In his place - presenting Adam! Your Explorers were very welcoming to Adam as they were to other changes in their group. A good thing, this embracing attitude! (motto- Widen the Circle)

Friday’s outing had a number of firsts. Along with Adam’s debut, the Jumping Mice also took their first ride on Merkel, one of Wild Whatcom’s two trusty buses (the other is Moose - you may also have heard of Stubs; it was retired a few years ago). It was a pretty quick run down to Squires Lake and your boys comported themselves well. 

In the early 1900’s Victor and Luia Squires purchased a large
tract of land, including the small lake, from Bloedel
Donovan Timber Company. Several generations of
Squires lived and worked the land until 1960. 

Once there, we scrambled up to the lake where we held our opening meeting. Our focus was our skill for the year - shelter building. Adam talked through the essential elements of an earth shelter (also known as a debris hut). He and I learned that the Jumping Mice already have a good knowledge of the materials needed and the process for construction. 

Now we get to enjoy it as Squires Lake. Here
the boys spot frogs.

While a promising start, we’ll need to wait for their October 1 outing at Stewart Mountain to see their “stuff”, as we were unable to access our planned work site above the beaver pond - too much underbrush and too little time to bushwhack through it. 

Leading the way?

So we turned to our budding navigator - a new job we’re piloting in the Jumping Mice -who directed us to a prime Spider’s Web spot. It was game on! The Jumping Mice asked eagerly for a mentor to play the Spider because “he’s fair”. We agreed this time, but soon an Explorer will fill that role. Having peers on both sides of the contest tends to stretch the boy’s edges (motto- Stretch Your Edge) by stressing their sense of honorable play. Many an Explorer’s cry of “not fair” has led not to lasting conflict but to constructive agreement. 

Ask your explorer to identify this plant.

Our game and closing meeting complete, we hiked around the lake and back to Merkel. A short return trip brought us a final first for the day. The 15th was a “Purple Friday” for Bellingham Public Schools but a normal school day at Samish Woods. We arrived to wade right into the pickup line with many Samish Woods parents! They were gracious as usual. And we at Wild Whatcom have learned our lesson. (motto- Turn Problems into Possibilities) Subsequent “Purple Friday” outings involving a bus ride will likely follow a different schedule. Stay tuned for further word.

Looking for a great spot to give thanks in our closing
meeting.

The Jumping Mice next outing is Sunday, October 1. Check the full schedule and the rest of the photos from our outing.