Our first day together was spent at Hoag's Pond. This hidden wetland sits within the "Hundred Acre Wood"; and has been preserved for public enjoyment. Because of it's relative secluded nature it is chock full of life; ducks and deer, frogs and dragonflies..and the occasional visit from a great blue heron, an otter or fox.
The gals spent the day weaving with iris reeds, exploring, playing games, getting to know one another, and learning the foundational mottos of our organization. Of most importance is our safety first motto. We know that both physical and emotional safety are important for a successful experience. By emphasizing both repeatedly we hope to establish a culture where our small friends feel free to explore, express their needs, and widen their circle in reaching out to make new friends.
Finally, we spent a few minutes in quiet, solo time during a cherished tradition called peaceful place.
Day 2: Bakerview Beach
The start to this exploring day was blustery and the forecast was for possible rain. Another important motto we live by is be prepared; thus we had a tarp, and the gals had come well packed with warm clothing options. We decided together that establishing a shelter from the wind and possible rain would be our first task. So we set off down to the beach and found a large willow tree under which we could nestle ourselves for the day.
As often is the case here in Bellingham, the weather went back and forth from spitting rain to partly sunny. This allowed for plenty of opportunities to explore, play in the shallow waters, snack, talk together and enjoy peaceful place.
The gals spent a lot of time on the beach building rivers and cities, splashing and mud gushing. We played a couple of fun games: otter steals fish, and where's my duckie.
I think a highlight of today was following peaceful place when one of the girls experienced a totally different feeling about this activity. She had emphatically stated that peaceful place was her least favorite part of Wild Whatcom. What often happens when we can be still long enough though, is that a new realization takes place. So it was for her. She got quiet and listened to the birds and the wind in the trees. She allowed the breeze to touch her skin. She closed her eyes, letting other senses take over. Her report out was quite touching and, for we mentors, a confirmation about why we take the time to do this.
Day 3: Lake Padden Traverse
Our final day was spent at Lake Padden, and it was full of many amazing discoveries. Coming together in the parking lot we started the day talking about LNT principles. Some were familiar to the girls, and some were new. We framed our day as a true exploring day; discussing how we could use our senses differently, and pay attention more closely with the intention of new learning.
We set up an activity called owl eyes where one of us hid some pipe cleaners along a short stretch of path. The girls then walked slowly along the path attempting to use their powers of observation to find the pipe cleaners. It can be a frustrating activity if seen as a competition but a rewarding one when it encourages new ways of "seeing". Today we would experience a treat as one of the gals used her new sense of seeing and spotted the most beautiful hummingbird nest hidden on a cedar branch as we were finishing our game. Cue the Wild Whatcom experience!!
Next we hiked on and found a patch of stinging nettle. We had a fabulous discussion about this amazing plant; complete with a stretching your edge component where most of the girls touched the leaves, getting a slight sting, or ate a leaf or two!
The weather was getting nicer and, well, the water is right there! So we headed to a small section of beach and spent an hour or so playing in the water, laughing together, watching ducks, and weaving through a tall stand of bulrushes.
After some lunch it was time to head to the Padden gorge trail and make our way towards the pick-up spot.
We had our final peaceful place sitting beside the lake, on the dock or near the trees. These gals were keen on writing and many poems were shared following each day's solo time.
We made the slow walk now towards pick-up; likely everyone feeling a little sadness that the camp was ending. We circled up one last time to share our learnings and our thankfulness in what we call attitude of gratitude.
We thank you all so much for entrusting your child to our care, and for all the ways you encourage and support her growth. We had a great time together.
Katrina, Rebecca and Hadley
For the full album of the week go here
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