The Black-Tailed Deer arrived at the Rock Trail exited to
reconnect and venture into the most challenging terrain they had explored yet. The
boys circled up for the opening meeting where they met their new mentor, Adam Yost, as well as an Explorer
who was new to the group. After introductions with a silly name game and some
front loading of safety and orienting to the location the group was off.
Before leaving the mentors explained that it was through their
demonstration of responsibility and leadership over the last two years that
allowed our mentors to feel comfortable exploring this location.
As we rounded the ridge line of Chuckanut Mountain the boys stopped
at a set of over a hundred stairs carved downward straight into the side of the
mountain. Traversing down the steps the group marveled at the skinny trail before
them that skirted massive Sandstone cliffs. Following the trail they discovered
a boulder field laden with Licorice Ferns, Sphagnum Moss, and Stone Crop
draping over the boulders like blankets.
The group decided that this was a great place to stop and
explore. Dropping their packs they scrambled on the boulders, lunched, and took
a close look at a Pacific Tree Frog that hopped onto one of the boys rain
jackets. After spending a half-hour in free exploration the mentors circled the
group up so the leader of the day could help the group decide how to best use
the rest of the time left in the outing.
Nestled under the umbrella-like needles of a Western Hemlock
we circled up and the leader of the day took a crack at facilitating the
discussion. We quickly realized that there were strong opinions amongst the
members of the group. The mentors helped the boys understand that the first
step in making a decision was to take all solutions from the group without
evaluating them. After going around the circle the L.O.D found that there was
three main suggestions on the table: head to the Sandstone caves, try and make
it to the lake to explore, or find a place to play a game.
After taking a vote the majority of the group wanted to
explore the caves as they felt that the two hours left before we needed to turn
around wouldn’t leave enough time to explore the lake once we got there. Feeling
that the decision was made the L.O.D. informed the group that we were going to
the caves. The mentors interjected at this point that it was important to
remember that decisions in Explorer Club are not made by majority, but through
consensus and collaboration.
The minority of the group advocated for the lake and dug in
their heels, bringing some members of the group to the verge of tears,
discouragement, and dismay. The mentors pushed the group to stick with the
process and find a place of consensus, and after twenty valuable minutes the
group reached a collaborative decision.
The mentors praised the group for their efforts; for
engaging in what it means to be a community and for their perseverance and
spirit of peace building. Parents please debrief this experience with your Explorer.
We encourage you to ask them what it felt like to be part of that process and
how they felt about the solution.
Heading out from the shelter of the Hemlocks we made our way
down to the caves. Through the spirit of exploration and playfulness the group
lifted the heavy energy of the circle as they crawled and climbed in the caves,
seeing how many Explorers could fit in the largest one. It’s easy to see the
growing comfort the boys feel in the landscape. Covered in Sandstone dust and
soaking wet the group looked right at home.
After our allotted time at the caves the group made our way
down the switch-backing trail to the lake with just enough time to get a view. Turning
around for the 600 feet elevation gain the wind started to pick up. It was an
important time to talk about staying hyper vigilant amidst side conversations
as we pushed up the trail. After a summer of drought coupled with the fact that
the deciduous trees still had their leaves increased their surface area and their
left limbs and roots systems vulnerable to failure.
The boys did an excellent job of grasping the nettle
as they mustered their energy up the trail. Circling up at the location where
we had our opening meeting the group gave thanks and shared apples. Although
challenging at times the group shared unanimous thanks for the rain that makes
our landscape so rich and vibrant and the opportunity to venture out in this
new location.
Parents please tell your Explorers thanks on behalf of Adam
and I for bringing a strong start to our 2017-18 year. Also check in with your
Explorer about the group’s proposed name change to the “Rain Deer”. This name
change marks the Black-Tailed Deer’s ongoing tradition of embracing the wind
and rain while on outings. We told the boys to write down any new name ideas
for the group and bring them to the next outing.
For more pictures from the day please visit the Black-Tailed
Deer photo album from
our Rock Trail outing.
