Clear and sunny skies greeted the Red Tail Eyases for their final outing of the season at Lake Padden. We would have stayed entirely dry except that the open field was saturated from the night before. As it turns out, the cool, mildly damp forest was the perfect place for our exploration!
After greetings and opening meeting, we started out across the field toward the trail. Our journey started with an introduction into the art of tracking. Explorers discovered many prints in the muddy field and tracked large-pawed animals along the fence-line. We learned some basic differences between canine and feline prints. Ask your Explorer if he remembers what the “A” and “M” stand for.
We need to recognize Kyler, who was the Explorers Mentoring Apprentice (EMA) of the day. He is a member of the oldest group called the Firestalkers. He worked with younger Explorers throughout the day and took a lead role in detailing further challenges in the game of Hide. Also joining us for the outing was Kai, who is member of theAlevin E.C. group. His playful attitude kept spirits high as we ran around for hours in the forest.
In this exploration, boys were challenged to make decisions as a group. They practiced themotto, Let it Be Known (LIBK), to make sure their voices were heard. At a particular fork in the road, Explorers disagreed about which way to go. But everyone spoke his opinion; we all listened and some offered suggestions about how we should proceed. Though mentors stepped in after a while, Red Tail Eyases exercised their words and practiced compassionate listening. This type of behavior is admirable and should be celebrated!
At the trail junction Explorers came to a realization in the forms of yet another motto,The Map is Not the Territory. Boys dutifully studied the map and determined which trails corresponded with the trails presented before us. But the essential element is that those trail maps were only tools. The land is the territory on which our exploration was going to happen. So, we referenced the map and then left it behind as we motored up the hill toward a patch of older growth forest.
After the Red Tail Eyases enjoyed lunch in that secluded grove, boys organically formed a game of monster tag with Lucas leading the charge. Eventually that game pulled in the mentors and we modified it by converting the monster into a “predator” and making everyone else “prey.” Then we added another predator and another until the prey were running around frantically and hiding whenever they had a chance. This game mirrors the phenomenon of the Badger and Coyote, two seemingly unfriendly predators that work together occasionally in order to eat. Ask your Explorer how they work together!
Explorers had time for a sit spot in order to individually reconnect with the natural world and to give thanks for the “perfect playground.” Then we met together again to practice the motto, Attitude of Gratitude with our traditional Circle of Thanks. We ate apples and reflected on our first season in Explorer’s Club.
Continuing the gratitude: Thank you Explorers for your energy and enthusiasm on this outing and all season. Parents, thank you for your support and encouragement as well!
We hope you will consider the free Winter Solstice Gathering in December as well as a winter weekend outing in February to the Baker Lodge.
Thanks again for a great autumn and we look very much forward to seeing you in the spring!
Please check out more pictures from the recent outing and all previous ones in the Red Tail Eyases photo gallery.
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