Salamanders After Sunset in Arroyo

The final outing for the Salamander Eft’s fall season could not have been on a more beautiful day. With a wet week leading up to our night outing at Arroyo Park, the boys, mentors, and parents were all pleased to see clear skies during drop off. We began our outing by hiking up the trail and towards Arroyo Park. As the boys walked and talked with one another, we soon came upon a fork in the trail. Per usual, it was time to circle up and decide as a group which direction to go. While debating whether to go down to the creek and see the salmon, or hike up further into the woods, we encountered many a hiker, jogger, and even a BEC parent whose boy is in another group. Being experienced in the group decision making process, the boys soon picked to hike up into the woods and we set off.

Along the way we came across a gigantic boulder that was irresistible for the boys to climb on. A quick break to scamper up the rock, eat a snack, and layer/delayer accordingly and we were back on the trail. Eventually we got to a point where the boys just couldn’t manage to stay on the trail. There was just too much to explore and too many adventures to be had off trail. It took another circle and some group decision making skills, but soon the boys were wading through the sword ferns toward a promising site we spotted from upon the trail.

As we meandered down the hill, our intended destination just kept looking more and more promising. There was a beautiful little clearing to set up base camp, a little creek running just behind us, and a nice steep hill beside us for climbing around on. The boys dropped their packs and began settling in when one of the mentors hollered “HIDE!” and in a flash the boys melted into their surroundings. We played a few rounds as we got used to our environment and the light began to fade. The mentors had a few activities planned, but it was clear that these boys just needed some free time to explore the woods on their own terms. Free play is essential to connecting with the environment and the people around you, so as the light began to fade the boys set off in different directions; some clamoring up the steep hill, others practicing their shelter building, while the remaining boys hung out with the mentors and worked on carving or just chatting about whatever came to mind. It’s easy to forget how much these boys need unstructured time in their lives, and it was obvious these boys were thrilled to get to interact with the natural world, and each other, in whatever way the felt like.

With darkness upon us, the mentors called the boys in. Some boys had headlamps that they were intent upon using, but the mentors challenged them to try their best not to. It’s important to get in touch with our other senses because we are so deeply reliant upon our vision. In fact, our other senses can begin to atrophy over time if they are not properly stimulated. Not only are natural environments wonderful at stimulating all our senses, but under the cover of darkness, it becomes ever more apparent how uncomfortable it can be to try and rely on the senses that are often neglected in our daily lives.  In order to re-familiarize ourselves with our other senses, the boys were tasked with doing a sit spot. It was fascinating to see a group of seasoned explorers, who brazenly bushwhack off trail during the day, so apprehensive to go just a dozen or so yards away from the mentors. It was clear that these boys were pushing their edges, which can be a little scary at times, but is also necessary for personal growth. It seemed like a rather difficult task to perform a silent sit spot. Boys could be heard whispering to one another in hushed voices, or inching their way back to base camp. It was important, however, for these boys to feel a little uncomfortable, to get to know the darkness on a more personal level, and grow more in touch with senses other than sight. Additionally, even though the boys likely didn’t realize it, the mentors could tell that these boys were seeking comfort in one another. Having a buddy to whisper to makes the dark a lot less scary, and perhaps the boys learned a thing or two about appreciating the companionship and comradery that they share.

Finally it was time for closing circle. The mentors called the boys in and we circled up, still remaining in the dark. In anticipation of our next earth skills focus; the Art of Fire, the mentors wanted to show these boys how to use a bowdrill. Despite their best efforts, however, they just couldn’t get a good coal. This could have been due to many variables, but one in particular was the energy and focus of the group. Although it may sound a bit hokey, it is well believed by many that in order to get a fire there must be a calm patience balanced with intense focus, not only for the person with the bowdrill, but for all other group members as well. There were far too many jokes being cracked, giggles, outbursts, and a general sense of poorly intentioned energy. We weren’t successful with our fire, but that was for the best. These boys aren’t ready for fire, just as they aren’t ready to be adults yet. In the future, they will go through the long process of carving their own bowdrill kits, honing their technique, and developing the patience and focus to get a fire, just as they must also go through the process of developing maturity, expanding their awareness, and transitioning into adolescence. Some boys will take naturally to the bowdrill while others may struggle with it. Some boys will transition easily into adolescence while others may find it more challenging. Either way, these boys have each other, mentors who care deeply for them, and parents who love them unconditionally. It’s important these boys never forget how to crack jokes, giggle uncontrollably, and goof off, but as they grow they must learn how to harness their focus when it is necessary. Just as learning the bowdrill takes much time and practice, so does learning how to calm yourself and tap into your inner focus. As we enter new seasons with these boys we must remember this and provide them the time and space to make this transition. After such an amazing fall season full of exciting experiences and personal growth, one can only imagine what awaits these boys and their beautifully bright futures.