The Barnacles started off their Explorers Club experience
with a classic outing to Clayton Beach. We began with an opening circle to
discuss what Explorers Club will be like, how to stay safe as we explore, and
even played a game to get to know one another a little better. Feeling prepared
to transition to the adventurous part of our outing, the group demonstrated
they were listening closely as we safely crossed Chuckanut Drive and dropped
down into a ravine to explore and learn some new games.
 |
| Exploring the ravine |
In the ravine, we set up some boundaries for free
exploration and introduced a tool for us to use as we manage risk in the field.
The tool is called STOP or (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan), which allows us to
asses any hazards we may encounter, analyze them, develop a context given our
situation, and determine the best way to proceed. Feeling prepared to explore
safely we spread out and poked through the stream finding plenty of
macro-invertebrates, unique trees to play on, a baby garter snake and the
beginnings to new friendships.
 |
| Collecting macro invertebrates |
After our free exploration to get to know the area, we
transitioned to learning some games that would help us with our seasonal focus
to learn the Art of Stealth and Camouflage. Every new Explorers group learns
one game in particular; HIDE. This game encourages Explorers to learn how to
utilize foliage and landscape features to shelter themselves from the view of
the spotter. Each game offers 30 seconds for everyone to hide where they can
see the spotter but not be seen by the spotter. After 30 seconds the spotter
will take a few minutes to try and spot as many Explorers as they can. When
they can no longer see anyone they quietly hold up a number using their fingers
then have the remaining Explorers come in and whisper the number in their ear to
confirm they could actually see the spotter. This game helps us learn how to
blend in with our surroundings while still being able to observe what is going
on. Not only will this improve our skills at future forest games, but will
begin honing our ability to travel through the forest quietly and concealing
ourselves in order to observe wildlife without spooking the animals.
 |
| Learning how to play HIDE |
Feeling ready to transition from the forest to the beach we
packed up and began trekking down the trail. Having spent over half our time in
the forest we only had a little bit of our outing left to explore the beach,
but despite the shorter time we found just as much, if not more, exciting
natural history mysteries at the beach. Flipping over rocks, peering through
tide pools, gazing out at the San Juan Islands basking in the sunshine made the
last of our time fly by. Before we knew it, we were gathering together for our
closing circle.
 |
| Play Food and Water! Now you see me.... |
 |
| Now you don't! |
Closing circle is something that is very important and takes
place on every outing. During our closing circle we reflect on our time
exploring that day. We share what we call “Attitude of Gratitude” at Wild
Whatcom where each Explorer is given the opportunity to share something they
are thankful for with the group. Not only is this a great way to reflect on all
that we did that day and reminisce on highlights, but it allows us to begin
nurturing a safe place to share our feelings with one another. Beginning with
something easy to share like gratitude will allow us to develop a culture of
speaking from the heart that one day will enable the group to share how they
truly feel with one another when outings get difficult or we’re having trouble
making a decision as a group.
 |
| Exploring at the beach! |
 |
| The biggest of the crabs we found while flipping over rocks |
After everyone shared their gratitude with the group we put
on our packs and hustled back up the trail. As with most first outings, we
tried to fit too much in and were running late. Luckily, despite the fatigue
from a full day of exploring and playing games, the group rallied and cruised
up the trail. This was a fitting way to finish the day as throughout our outing
the mentors asked a lot of this group but they consistently responded by not
only doing what was asked of them, but doing so with a smile on their face and
plenty of laughs to go around. With a strong start to their Explorers Club
experience, we are eager to see what is in store for the Barnacles on future
outings.
Make sure to check out the rest of our photos from the outing here!
