Salamander Efts Begin Learning Fire By Friction at North Galbraith

The Salamander Efts met up at North Galbraith Trailhead on a chilly, damp Sunday morning. This was perfect weather for us to begin the journey along discovering a timeless skill: The Art of Fire by Friction. Taking advantage of the recently altered landscape, we had a treasure trove of materials to harvest after the recent deforestation a half mile down the trail. But before we jumped into harvesting, it was time to get an introduction into what it takes to make a “bow-drill kit” and what it means to learn this skill.

Gathering under an cave-like overhang just felt right to begin learning this skill

  

Spreading out near the bike jumps, some of the Explorers discovered an small cave like overhang that would be just the right size for an opening circle. Squeezing in, we formed a circle and after some squirelliness from a few group members, we settled in to learn about the bow-drill. It was fitting to be doing this under such a prominent natural shelter and added to the timeless nature of this skill. Examining the kit the boys learned about each piece and its purpose. From the obvious bow, there was also the spindle, fireboard, top rock/block, and items to create a tinder bundle. A quick demo from one of the mentors showed how all these items worked together to create an ember through friction. This ember is then transferred into a tinder bundle and with the addition of oxygen blown into the mix of ember and tinder, a flame is produced. 

The bow, fire board, spindle, and top block/rock, with cedar bark for tinder

Not only is this a fun skill to learn about, but it also holds incredibly significant place in the development of humankind as we know it and the technology we have developed over thousands of years to allow us to live all across the world, explore the depths of space, access an endless wealth of information online, and basically do anything beyond basic survival day to day. The ability to create fire on demand, cook food, and even preserve food enabled early humans to not only survive, but thrive and begin developing the early forms of culture and technology that are now the basis of our everyday lives. There is something almost magical about learning this skill and once you can create fire from a few easily gathered materials in the forest, fire almost becomes a part of you that you can carry with you wherever you go.

Investigating the deforested lands where this group played Life and Death in the Forest a little over a year ago

It was now time for us to indulge in this ancient skill as we moved through the forest and out into the recently deforested lands where we could gather materials and find a location to begin learning this skill for ourselves. This group has always been one to get lost in the art of goofing off and their focus hard to wrangle at times. Initially it was looking like our outing was going to be a wash and despite a lot of fun and exploration when the mentors gathered the group up to rally and get going on gathering materials and putting together their own fire kits. Spreading out Explorers searched for potential spindles to harvest while mentors cut and processed some downed Western Red Cedar to use for fireboards. Everyone was able to track down a few materials and we gathered up once more to start carving away and refining our materials into something that could produce an ember.

Practicing with a fresh bow-drill kit

Despite a wandering focus and plenty of good times to be had, the Salamander Efts managed to gather up the basic materials for a bow-drill kit. We hunkered down for the remainder of our outing and a few of the Explorers actually had a go at getting an ember. Despite their fruitless labors, they honed their technique and began acquiring the muscle memory required to become proficient enough to get an ember. Of course learning such a skill will take many hours of practice, the Salamander Efts not only got off to a good start, but as always, had a good time doing it. The mentors are looking forward to practicing this ancient skill with the Salamander Efts as we progress into spring outings and their final season together before graduating into the Four Shields. This is an exciting time to be working with this group, and as they grow into arriving adults, the mentors hope they can begin learning not only the basics of the bow-drill, but the concentration, determination, and patience that is inevitably required to become proficient at this skill. These traits can then permeate into other aspects of their lives and hopefully give them a head start over their peers as they journey through adolescence and beyond.

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!

Gathering together for closing circle to give some thanks before heading home

Salamander Efts Explore Lizard Lake

On a spring day that felt more like summer the Salamander Efts met at the Samish Woods Montessori, home of the Wild Whatcom bus “Stubbs,” for their final outing for the Spring 2015 season. The big banana slug bus is always a hit with the boys and soon they were scrambling around on it and in it, playing with the ever fascinating accordion style bus door and trying to finagle the radio to work so they can say silly things to their friends over the bus speakers. But alas, all the boys had arrived and it was time to hit the road.

The drive to the Alternate Incline Trail took us along the back roads of Whatcom County. Meandering around the east side of Lake Samish the boys got a chance to gaze out across the lake and up at Blanchard Mountain, home of Lizard Lake and our destination for the day. Twisting and turning up the bumpy gravel road we reached the upper parking lot and disembarked from the bus. The Salamander Efts were immediately faced with their first challenge of the day: group decision making.

Collaborating, compromising, and coming to a consensus are some of the most fundamental skills we practice in Boys EC. With the Salamander Efts growing older and more experienced with each season the mentors decided it was time for them to try and come up with a plan for our outing on their own. After some spotty work by these boys not holding a strong circle, losing focus, and hitting a wall, it was clear to the mentors that they needed a little more guidance. As the mentors stepped back in to help they made it clear that as the Salamander Efts continue to grow and get ever closer to adolescence they were going to be held to higher standards in Boys Explorers Club. With that being said, the mentors walked them through the steps one more time of collaboration, compromise, and coming to a consensus knowing full well that these boys would need these skills later on during the outing.

With our game plan figured out for how to approach our outing, we began our trek up the logging road that would take us to the trailhead. Along the way we stopped to snack on Salmonberries and reviewed some plant identification and sustainable harvest practices. It was wonderful to have the deliciously juicy berries to snack on keeping us refreshed and nourished for our trek up the eastern side of Blanchard Mountain. Soon enough we hit the trail head and after taking a moment to hydrate and adjust our layers for more strenuous hiking we set off up the trail.

As we climbed and climbed, the boys quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be another walk in the park like some of their previous outings. This was a legitimate hike with vertical elevation gain, rocks and roots to navigate, and plenty of challenge to go around. About halfway up we stopped to catch our breath, eat some food, and explore the surrounding forest. This was part of our initial plan, and it was time for us to decide if we wanted to continue trekking up to Lizard Lake, or if we wanted to go off trail and find a good place for a game or two of Spider’s Web. Again we circled up and prepared to go through the group decision making process once more. Initially the boys seemed to want to just stop, play some games, and head back down, but with a little encouragement from the mentors they were reminded that you can play Spider’s Web at any of our outing locations, however, there is only one Lizard Lake and we were almost there. Each boy took the challenge to stretch their edge and make one last push to make it up to the lake. They made sure to check in with each individual and see if there was anything they could do to help each other make it to the top without jeopardizing morale of the group or the individual. Boys let their truths be known, and boys found ways to offer support to one another. They truly collaborated, compromised, and came to a consensus.

Upon reaching Lizard Lake there was no doubt in the boys’ minds that they had made the right decision. The shore of the lake was ripe for exploration and the Salamander Efts transitioned seamlessly into an hour of free play by the lake. Whether it was building bridges out to the mysterious tree stumps in the lake, watching the fish jump and snatch bugs out of the air, or just chatting away with a friend, the boys were having a blast. The mentors almost decided not to do a sit spot, but at the mere mention of the words “sit spot” the Salamander Efts scattered off around the shoreline with an unusually zealous enthusiasm. Fifteen minutes of silence, well, silence from the boys and not the birds, fish, and light breeze rustling the trees. It was almost painful for the mentors to call the boys back in for closing circle, and the boys felt similarly. Each Salamander Eft had one of their best sit spots ever and one boy even mentioned the “serenity” of such a beautiful location.

With our hearts and minds in a place of gratitude for the land, each other, and our fantastic outing, we came together for our closing circle. Before giving gratitude we chatted about our season and what we have in store for next fall when the Salamander Efts begin learning the technical skills of overnight backpacking that enable us to feel the same comforts we do at home in the wilderness. Much gratitude was shared for our adventures to Lizard Lake and many of the boys look forward to returning in to such a beautiful place in the future, perhaps even for our Fall 2015 season. As we trekked back down to the bus, the mentors observed a group vastly different from the beginning of the outing. The group running down the trail together, laughing and joking and getting lost in games fueled by imagination, showed a strength and resiliency that was not there at the beginning of the outing. The strength and resiliency that a group can only find through companionship, overcoming adversity through mutual support, and a shared love for exploration and deep connection with the natural world.

The Salamander Efts Explore at Stimpson

As the boys gathered in the gravel lot of the Stimpson Reserve Trailhead, we all marveled at the beautiful weather shining down upon us. After our previous outing, and the weather reports calling for thunderstorms, we were all relieved to have the sunshine warming our faces and a cool breeze from time to time to keep us cool. After waiting for some explorers who never ended up showing, we decided it was time to hit the trail.

Our trek out into Stimposon Reserve was a nice transition into the woods. The sunshine gleaming through the fresh leaves of the canopy provided vibrant greens to offset the darker, damper, gloomier greens of the mosses and ferns along the forest floor. Boys marveled at the varying species of moss, how they differed, and what could be the reasons for their unique shapes and growth patterns. This focus of intricacies and minutia helped hone our awareness to tune into the finer details of things.

But soon enough we were confronted with a large log across the trail elevated about ten feet above us. Of course it was an Explorer magnet and all the boys were eager to cross the log. It was important, however, to pause and gauge the hazards and personal comfort with such a task. At first some boys were a little cautious, but quickly aligned with their center of gravity, found their focus, and were across the log in no time. The first time was a nice test run, but of course the boys had to do it again, some even three times, and one felt confident enough in his abilities to perform such a feat backwards (it helped that he spent the entire time previously walking backwards along the trail navigating on his ability to feel the levelness of the ground with his feet!).

After honing our awareness to detail, and stretching our edges, it was time for some lunch. We plopped down at Geneva Pond Viewpoint and filled our bellies while watching the wind on the water and talking about everything from YouTube videos to what type of comedy we enjoy. Some Explorers broke off and waged a war against one another using horsetails as ammunition, others just continued socializing, and one Explorer dove into the world of tracking by studying a multitude of deer tracks and determining where the deer came from, what they did, and where they went.

Eventually we all had to circle up and decide how to spend the rest of our day. It was surmised that we should pick up our horsetail mess and try and “leave no trace” before following the deer path off trail and into the depths of the forest for a nice game of Spider’s Web. The Salamander Efts have had plenty of experience with group decision making, but it still took a little longer than expected to collaborate and compromise given our small group for the outing. As these boys grow older they will begin to understand the importance of such skills as group decision making, and are already beginning to realize that if decisions are made in a timely and efficient manner it leaves that much more time on outings to play, explore, and discover the mysteries of the natural world.

Immediately after we got the group off the main trail, skirting ridges and ducking through the underbrush just as the deer do, all the Explorers stopped chatting about the internet, school, or other external and distant topics. Instead they began interacting with their environment, finding wonder in their immediate surroundings, and tracking their movements on the landscape. Shifting one’s awareness and focus to the present is an extraordinary gift that not only helps these boys get the most out of every outing, but will provide them with an ever growing mindfulness towards themselves, others, and their present situation. The mentors later marveled at the power of the natural world to grasp the often scattered attention and erratic focus of the boys and channel it into a greater awareness of themselves and their surroundings.

With their minds focused on the present and their immediate surroundings, the boys quickly found a beautiful valley in which to play Spider’s Web. Not only did they manage to find a location in a timely fashion, but once down at the bottom of the gully the boys circled up and using their freshly developed decision making skills decided on where to place the web, the food source, rule intricacies, and designated roles for the game. Both mentors were impressed at the efficiency in group decision making the second time around, and were glad to witness the growth that occurred from our last circle.

Once again we found ourselves lost in play. Explorers scampered through the sword ferns, traversed ridgelines, and disappeared into tree hollows to avoid detection by the spider. Everyone was having a blast. One Explorer even took the time to hunker down and strategize by making a map in the dirt out of sticks and sword fern leaflets designating major land features, where the food source likely was, and areas where the spider was most vulnerable to infiltration. Other boys teamed up on covert missions deep into the spider’s territory. But before anyone won, the pressures of time exerted their control over us and we had to call it quits. However, one Explorer was heard saying “No one won, but it was fun.” Perhaps we have the makings of a new BEC Motto…

As boys bubbled over with excitement and stories from their adventures during Spider’s Web, we formed our closing circle and regained our composure in order to give thanks for the wonderful outing, beautiful places we discovered, and the new stories that were formed from our adventures that day. Yet again the Salamander Efts demonstrated efficiency in circle and allowed us just enough time to eat our apple slices and hit the trail. But as we were packing up one boy hollered “BONES!” and sure enough right where our closing circle was taking place was a smattering of very old, moss covered bones from what we suspect was once a deer. Wow, what a coincidence that out of all the many acers that make up Stimpson Reserve, we just so happened to find the resting place of the very animal that guided us off trail and into the wonderland of ferns and fungus, bark and branches, mud and moss. We had just enough time to hustle back down the trail, sharing each other’s company along the way, and even saying hello to a hefty Garter Snake that was sunning itself by the shores of Geneva Pond. Yet again, another overwhelmingly successful outing full of growth and fond memories for all.

Remember to check out all the rest of the photos from our outing at the Salamander Efts Photo Gallery!

Spring Tides and Spider’s Web with Salamander Efts

The Salamander Efts arrived at Clayton Beach trailhead ready to explore off-trail on Chuckanut Mountain. Circling up the Mentors shared the news that we would not be heading up towards the Chuckanuts, but instead we would be hiking down to the beach. The reason for the change was at 12:35pm there would be one of the lowest tides of the year and intertidal exploration would be at it finest. Mentors further explained that often we make a plan for the day but are always ready to give it up based on what the moment and environment offers.

Before we headed out we introduced two new Mentors to the group. Jake Ray is a part time Mentor and Peter Sundberg is a Volunteer Mentor, and both would both be joining us on our exploration. With Dave and Matt off in the Chuckanuts backpacking with another group and Greg at the grand opening of his wife Rebecca’s practice, Birthroot Midwives and Birth Center, it was the perfect opportunity for the boys to meet the new Mentors. As Mentors we firmly believe that exposing the boys to many Mentors within our community helps convey that there are many ways to be a healthy and caring male in the world.

We gave the floor to the Explorers and they handed out and explained our culture of jobs and safety to the new Mentors. With that we headed out, anxious to get down to the beach. After crossing the treacherous obstacle of Chuckanut Drive we found ourselves hiking down an old railroad grade. Looking at the landscape the Mentors called the group together for a game. In the game of Cougar Stalks Deer the Cougars stalk the Deer as it moves down the trail, but whenever the Deer’s eyes catch the Cougars moving he can send them back to the end of the line. Using the landscape the Cougars found a parallel trail on a ridge above the railroad grade. While the Cougars on the main trail distracted the Deer the Cougars on the ridge ran ahead and waited for their moment to ambush. In the end the Deer perished to the clever Cougars, what fun!

Arriving at the beach the group let out a cheer and we dropped their packs. Walking the mud flats the Explorers marveled at the exposed Eelgrass meadows and Clam beds. The Mentors took a moment to mention that it was important that we watch our step because many of the intertidal organisms are hidden just below the mud and grass. It was apparent to see how abundant and complex the intertidal ecosystem is in the Salish Sea.

As we roamed I could hear Explorers calling from all over “Check this out!” and “Whoa, over here!” Using all our senses we investigated and found that the diverse invertebrates littering the beach all had unique coping strategies and adaptations for staying cool and wet while the tide was out. Getting down close to the mud and sand we observed that some organisms hid while other closed themselves inside their shells. One of the most exciting finds of the day was the rare Hooded Nudibranch gliding gracefully through the Eelgrass meadow.

Once we had had our fill we lounged and ate on the Chuckanut Sandstone basking in the sun. As Mentors we covet the down time in outings because it is a wonderful chance for us to connect one on one with the boys and see what is going on in their lives. Cultivating a personal relationship with each boy gives Mentors the ability to track their growth over time and allows us to help them work though their challenges and find their powers and gifts.

After lunch some boys spotted each other as they climbed on boulders and others felt inclined to teach Peter the important Explorers Club game of Hide! Peter did quite well for his first round by lying behind a blind of Honeysuckle and Snowberries, but the keen eye of the seeker eventually spotted him. After a few more rounds the Mentors called the group together and we circled up on the sand. During lunch a few of the Explorers had expressed interest in playing a game called Spider’s Web and others wanted to stay at the beach. Conflicts of interest arise naturally during outings and they are an excellent opportunity for Mentors to hand their facilitation power over to the boys so that they have ownership in the process and outcomes. Our Tribal Elder for the day has the job of facilitating the groups’ decision-making process during the outings. The Tribal Elder guided them through the process: deciding what questions needed to be asked, brainstorming ideas, evaluating the solutions, making a decision and checking in, and finally compromising with those who still disagree. Wow! The Salamander Efts are quickly becoming confident and versed with this vital life skill for working together amongst community members.

Coming to a compromise the group decided to spend a few more minutes at the beach and then to head out. Before crossing the tracks we listened for trains and sure enough we heard one off in the distance. Moving well out of the way the group watched the train thunder by. The Mentors take road and track crossings very seriously and for good reason. Mentors reminded the group that this navigation skill is also very transferable for crossing obstacles on our backcountry trips this coming summer.

Hiking back the group dropped into a lush valley full of second growth Cedar and head high Sword Fern. Circling up a few of the Explorers explained Spider’s Web to those who had never played before and boys got to setting up the course. This Spider’s Weblocation is one of the Mentors favorites because of the creek that intersects through the center of the valley making it challenging. Jake was chosen to be the Spider and through his keen awareness and vantage point was able to hold the flies back from the food source for quite a long time. In the end through teamwork the flies came out victorious by capturing the food source.

Calling the group back in we debriefed the game and shared our camouflage and stealth strategies. When we had finished Jake called the group to do a sit spot. Spreading out over the land the Explorers got quiet and lied back in the sun and moss as they listened to the land. After about fifteen minutes the group came back in and shared what we had observed while passing around apples.

We had just enough time for a closing meeting and a round of thanks. The boys gave thanks for the tides and Clayton Beach, for the chance to explore with friends, for the sound of rushing water and smell of healthy forests, for the chance to carve and climb, and for Spider’s Web. The Boys EC Mentoring Team would like to thank all the parents for their support this season and to the Salamander Efts for stepping into deepened leadership within their own group and amongst the younger Explorers on their service day.

Don’t forget we will have a summer solstice gathering at Hovander Park on June 14^th. You can find more details at the bottom on the Salamander Eft’s spring page. Also, if you haven’t already check out the summer camp and excursion offerings for the Salamander Efts.  

For more pictures from the outing please visit the photo gallery!