Mountain Goats Prove Progress at Lake Padden

The Mountain Goats arrived at Lake Padden on a rainy Thursday afternoon for their winter exploration outing. With our last outing at Whatcom Falls full of sunshine and warmth, this setting would require a different level of resiliency from this group. As Explorers arrived at drop-off the mentors were glad to see everyone layered up and wearing proper rain gear. Because of the weather we had a quick opening circle, took a peak at the map, reviewed our plan for the day and headed out in search of “the big fallen trees” that would be our basecamp for the day.

Finding our route on the map

Cruising along the dog off leash trail we were extra careful during our games of “HIDE” to avoid any dog poop that may be an unpleasant surprise to find in your hiding spot. Despite the cool drizzle of rain the Mountain Goats were as eager as ever to play games as we hiked keeping spirits lifted and our minds focused on picking out the best hiding places instead of the cold and wet.

                                                 

Further down the trail we finally began noticing a number of fallen trees. Continuing along we found a group of downed trees and a trail marker nearby to verify that we had indeed arrived at our destination. With only three hours worth of outing we needed to make the most of our time and quickly circled up to collaborate, compromise, and come to a consensus. Initially our group decision making seemed hampered by the weather as the Mountain Goats seemed more interested in their hot cocoa and lunch than making a decision about what to do. After a few minutes of squirrelling away our time the mentors called for a strengthened focus and dedication to one another not to waste anyone’s time. Like flipping a switch, the Mountain Goats channeled their energy and took turns sharing with one another their vision for the day. Between playing Spider’s Web and potentially setting up a tarp for some additional shelter we had a good set of activities to keep us busy for the remainder of the outing. Checking in one last time with the group by asking “Is anyone not okay with this plan?” our Leader of the Day finalized our consensus and we were off.

Hunkered down trying to work out a group decision

First and foremost the group wanted to play Spider’s Web. With multiple outings under their belts now, and exemplifying strong collaboration skills, the mentors let the Mountain Goats take the lead on setting up the game; picking a location for the food source, the web, setting boundaries, and picking a Spider. This is no easy task, and although a few Explorers were eager to get going, they found it challenging to wrangler their counterparts. With a little guidance from the mentors the game was set up in just a few minutes and we were lost in the presence of play. 

The Spider spotted a Fly!

Despite our intention to set up a tarp, our desire to play for the remainder of the day took precedent. We did not get a chance put up a little extra shelter, but with the resiliency and high spirits of this group, they were in no way, shape, or form in need of any extra cover from the elements. Not only did their resiliency stand out today, but their ability to collaborate, compromise, and come to a consensus was on full display. Not many groups have ever made the progress this group has made in group decision making. Although the mentors may want to take credit, there is an innate quality of comradery and friendship quickly developing in this group that is the true reasoning for their growth. The Mountain Goats continue to impress. After a full season under their belts they’ve proven their ability to take on new challenges and not only overcome them, but do so with a bounce in their step and a smile on their face.  

Check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!

The Mountain Goats Impress On Their Inaugural Outing

The Mountain Goats met up for their first outing of their Explorers Club history on a sunny, Thursday afternoon. As one of the first ever Thursday groups at Wild Whatcom, this group was setting out on uncharted territory as we gathered together for six hours of exploration at Fairhaven Park. We started things off with a big game of “Fox Tails” to get our energy out before gathering together for our first ever opening circle.

Kicking things off with a big game of Fox Tails!

In opening circle we talked about what to expect from a typical Explorers Club outing, how we can ensure we are being safe and managing our risk on explorations, and make a plan for what we wanted to do for the day. The mentors made an intention to teach games like “Hide” and “Food and Water” to the group in order to practice our Earth Skills focus of the season “The Art of Stealth and Camouflage” which is the first essential skill for any Explorer. 

Checking out the map before heading into the Hundred Acre Wood

Through games of “Hide” we learned how to break up our silhouette using foliage, break up or our appearance by wearing colors that match those of the forest, and last but not least, how to move silently through the forest as not to give away our position. The next game we learned, “Food and Water”, would teach us how to identify good hiding spots in the forest while under the pressure of ever diminishing times to hide. Starting at 30 seconds, each round decreases by five seconds until the final round where each Explorer has five seconds to come out of their hiding spot, tag the hand of who is it, and hide again before the person who is it tries to find them hidden in the forest. Our final game was “Spider’s Web” where the whole group must work together to try and retrieve a bandana without being spotted by the “spider” who is trying to capture all of the flies on the web.

Learning how to play HIDE and discussing our strategies

Counting to 30 before looking for all of those hiding in the brush nearby

With some practice in stealth and camouflage out of the way we ate some food and took some free time to explore and play. Some of us worked on learning some basics of tracking from one of the mentors, while others spread out to work on constructing some quick shelters that could be used as camouflage blinds. As daylight dwindled, it was time to head back. We worked our way through the darkening forest and ran across the field to reunite with parents. Overall, this was an impressive first outing for this group. They made far more progress and demonstrated an ability to learn and retain information beyond expectations. The mentors are excited to see how quickly this group can learn the skills of not only a variety of Earth Skills, but also those of collaboration and compromise, taking on leadership roles, and so many other lessons to be learned throughout their time as Explorers in the Mountain Goats group.

Working on a quick lean-to shelter

Learning how to use a small stand of trees to break a large branch

Goofing off and showing the mentors this group knows how to have a good time!

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