Sunny weather was nature’s way of saying that the Red-Tailed Eyas were prepared to begin their Earth Skills Journey along the Art of Carving. As such, the day focused on stories, attitudes, and practical knowledge about safe and focused knife usage.
We played a game to reacquaint ourselves with one another after a long winter and to meet a new member to the group. Saxen, welcome to the Red Tail Eyas!
Matt shared a powerful story about his teacher who taught him themotto, A Tool Is An Extension of the Body. Ask your Explorer for details about the story including what Matt was doing during his teacher’s demonstration!
That led us into practice using other tools as extensions of our arms. Stealthily, Red-Tailed Eyas were to use long poles to retrieve items in a forbidden area. All the while, the blindfolded guardian could point them out if he heard them approaching or trying to get an object.
Using these tools laid a strong foundation for how we should consider all tools. Explorers discussed a critical Explorer’s Club motto, The Difference Between a Tool and a Weapon is You, and recognize that their intention is very important when they decide how and when to use a tool like rocks, sticks, and knives.
Then, we marched through the mud to find a suitable carving place in the 100 Aker Woods. Sure enough we found the huge cedar tree which provided a nice sheltered area for us to learn about knife safety. Though Explorers were eager to start using their sharp tools, they stayed focused and patient enough to listen to the entirety of Dave and Matt’s lengthy explanation about knife safety. Great work guys!
We looked at different knives: some serrated and others straight blades; some with locking mechanisms and others without. Some knives had other gadgets besides blades for carving. Red-Tailed Eyas were introduced to various types of knives and each person showed the mentors that that he could safely open and close his knife.
Thus, the projects began! Some boys worked on close, short knife technique by making fuzzy sticks. Others went to the primal sensation of carving a pointy stick… and then double-pointed sticks! Some Explorers were inspired by the samples and went to work carefully crafting chopsticks and butter knives. Ask your Explorer what he was carving and see if he still has it to show you.
Other initial discussions included sanding our carved items. We felt the difference between rough and sanded items and then practiced sanding out wood with sandpaper and Chuckanut Sandstone. Explorers were empowered to know that they could find all of these carving and finishing materials in the environment.
Lastly, we learned that in carving is actually the preliminary skill for effective fire-making! We have to carve good spindles so that we can use a bow-drill. Moreover, any shavings and carving “leftovers” make for great kindling and fire-starting material.
No one cut himself during the outing which was both surprising and a welcome relief to the mentors and undoubtedly parents also. As Explorers practice at home and in the field, it is likely that they will cut themselves accidentally. We should all be prepared with the right first aid items accessible when boys inevitably learn about inattention with a blade in hand.
Explorers, thank you sincerely for your focused attention and diligent behavior during this skills outing. We mentors recognize that it can be grueling to sit and listen when you want to explore your tool but you are going to be better knife-wielders as a result of that lengthy preparation. Thanks to you parents for supporting this work and for encouraging your boy to safely use his knife. Your supervision is a vital extension of the skills we practice in Explorer’s Club.
Please look on the website for information about next outing on April 14th, from 12-5pm at Arroyo Park. You should also peruse the photo gallery for more pictures from this outing. And don’t forget, summer camp registration begins on April 8th. See you next month!
No comments:
Post a Comment