Navigation Skills Day at Stimpson Reserve: 3-25-17

It was a beautiful, soggy day at the Stimpson Family Reserve as the Ospreys set forth on their Navigation Skills outing. Here are some highlights from our super-packed outing!

Signs of Spring!

• We collected cottonwood buds and talked about the magical properties of Balm of Gilead- Ask your Explorer if she can describe the smell to you!
• Components of Navigation
• Reading Maps
• Cardinal Directions
• Learning to use a compass
• Local Knowledge
• Which way is the ocean?
• Which way are the N. Cascades
• On this outing, Nali was our local trail guide as she lives right next to the Stimpson!
• We practiced our awareness by playing Talbot's Game
• Songlines Map was our way of tapping into Ancient Aboriginal skills of storytelling through maps. The girls divided into two teams and each made their own descriptive verbal maps. We traded them and each set forth on new adventures!

Mottos: Be Prepared, S.T.O.P., Let That Quiet Voice Inside Be Your Guide, Build Bridges Not Walls, Connect to Protect, Safety First

Woodstock Farm Service 3-11-17

The Chickadees and the Ospreys gathered in the muddy, busy parking lot of North Chuckanut Trailhead for another day of service at our adopted site, Woodstock Farm!

We hopped onto our trusty bus, Merkel, and zipped up Chuckanut drive. At our Opening Circle, we checked our preparedness, as the weather called for a tricky day of low temperatures, high winds, and LOTS of rain. The Ospreys are well on their way to owning two of the most important EC mottos, Safety First and Be Prepared.

We also talked about why we are serving today, and reviewed another motto, Our Cups Overflow. The Chickadees agreed that people are not the only ones whose cups can be empty, and that today we would be filling the cups of the cedars, firs, ravens, fungi, ferns, eagles, rabbits, deer, maples and more of Woodstock Farm. The girls pointed out that even though we "pour our overflowing water" into other's cups, our cups are not really emptying, but in fact, filling!

With that magical aspect in mind, it was time to get to work! (After a few rounds of cup-filling, body-warming rounds of Spider's Web though). The Chickadees and Ospreys buddied up and broke into three groups with the common task of removing Holly, Stinky Bob, and English Ivy! 

An epic example of Chickadee and Osprey collaboration: the girls identified this Holly TREE, persevered for 45 minutes to remove it, and then carried it out to the bus because it obviously wouldn't fit in the trash bins.

With a good chunk of service done and many native plants left free to breathe and grow, it was time for lunch!

The sideways rain and noisy wind led us to take shelter on the porch of the Gates' old family home, and then it was time for more Spider's Web, fairy house construction, mouse funerals, running, and exploring. Soon enough it was time to walk back to the bus with our GIANT bag of invasive plants, and meet up with families and friends.


Enjoy the shared slideshow from the day here!
Mottos especially alive today:
Be Prepared
Our Cups Overflow
Safety First
Widen Your Circle
Walk Your Talk
You See It You Own It
Attitude of Gratitude

Arroyo Exploration Day 12.10.16

This was the final outing for the Ospreys; and a chance to play together on a chilly, damp December day.

We had a quick check in under the cover of some trees.  What a great opportunity to discuss preparedness! as we experienced the rain and colder temperatures.

After some collaboration the gals decided we would head to Chuckanut Falls.  As we slowly made our way down the slippery trail and in the direction of the falls,  it became apparent right away that we would need to change course.  So we turned back and regrouped; deciding to head north on the Interurban.  We spent some time at the creek checking out the dead salmon; and had some rich discussion about the life cycle of all beings.  Then we set out, enjoying the snow, and, naturally, making snowballs to toss at one another.

We stopped to leave our Osprey trace; snow ospreys..and check out snow crystals.

Onward, and coming to an intersection new to everyone, we took this side trail and arrived at a very large cedar that provided shelter for a food break.  We ate and shared and played some fun word games.

We discovered a trail that would eventually lead us to Hoag's Pond so we set off in that direction. There was a bit of shoe sledding or skating down a just icy enough to be fun road, and more snow to roll and throw, and then we found the pond.

We had some lunch, played a few rounds of spider's web, then went for a silent walk around the pond, and then everyone settled into their peaceful place.

It was time to take the trek back to Arroyo.  By now the temps were up and most of the snow and ice was melted.  After arriving back in the canyon we circled up and shared our gratitudes and connections with the web of life activity.

A very sweet day to finish the season.  Thanks to all the Opsreys for a fun and safe day.  Also hoping that Katie and Stella had a great final race on Sunday.

Woodstock Farm Service 11-19-16

In the past few months, a new personal motto has come up for one GEC staff: The Antidote to Apathy is Action. Taking action can also help alleviate frustration and anxiety, and generally helps one feel purposeful. 

Four GEC groups contributed joyful purpose to our shared service day, taking pride in our new role as caretakers of Woodstock Farm.

At our gathering meeting, we learned about the history of this place and the role of generosity and forward conservationist thinking that led to its preservation. Thanks to Cyrus Gates, his family home and land has been gifted to Whatcom County for all to enjoy - Mr. Gates also had a strong hand in protecting Larrabee State Park, Arroyo and Fairhaven Parks, Sehome Arboretum, and the Mt. Baker Bulb Farm (since turned into Bellis Faire Mall due to a legal loophole).

We brainstormed on who the users of the park are: humans, yes, but also raven, salmon, chipmunk, raccoon, weasel, mouse, heron, slug and so much more. We talked about why a park needs caretakers for all these stakeholders, and what occurs without people lending a hand to manage trails and terrain. Since our gathering area was adjacent to a stand of alders, thimbleberry and salmonberry, overrun by invasive blackberry, the girls quickly understood how invasive species take over native ones rather quickly.

Then we were off on a very short trip by bus to our destination just up the road. The next few hours were spend collaborating in purposeful work, removing invasives with care and attention, singing and talking while we worked. Worms were admired, baby fir trees were transplanted, connections were made between within and between GEC groups.

Each group shared some time on the bluff overlooking the sea, marveling at this extraordinary view that is normal for us here in Bellingham, and feeling thankful that Cyrus Gates had the foresight to set this bluff aside for all to enjoy. We also gave thanks for the Clark family for it's donation of Clark's Point to the Whatcom Land Trust, and the preservation of Chuckanut Island, now owned by the Nature Conservancy (but which was, long ago, a 13th birthday present for Cyrus Gate's son!).

Other gratitudes shared included the company of one another, the chance to serve, Explorers Club, trees, the Salish Sea, connections, generosity, and people who understand that all things are connected.

Enjoy the slideshow from our day here! 

Larrabee/Clayton Traverse 10-9-16

The Ospreys gathered on a gorgeous fall day to enjoy time together, traverse and explore in the colorful fall forest.

Along our traverse, we found a surprising home on the side of the trail... that housed ground wasps! Yikes! The Ospreys handled the chaos and stress of a swarm of stinging insects with poise, and we trekked on quickly to a safe spot to assess our challenges. Through our challenges, we acknowledged that the Trail Was the Teacher, as we learned a lot about personal challenges with pain, how to recognize wasps nests, and how to keep our Owl Eye awareness on at all times. When all was said and done, the girls showed their enhanced resiliency, ability to support each other as a group, and quickness to laugh and accept. I was so impressed with how these girls turned a crummy situation into an overall fairly positive experience.

Other than our venture with wasps, we got into many more adventures. We practiced using our Owl Eyes in an activity where a variety of non-natural items were hidden in the forest, and the girls silently walked and observed as many as they could find. The girls noticed patterns, asked questions, and related to stealthy owls as they moved in silence. It is always fun to see the Ospreys have moments of quiet, as otherwise, they tend to like to vocalize, just like their namesake :)

We spent time exploring the path, meeting new plant and fungal friends, checking out HUGE blown down trees, traversing up a Dragon's Spine trail, stopping to enjoy a Peaceful Place, and closing our day, as always, with gratitude. A day of new things for the Ospreys-- One where the mentors left glowing with pride.

Our Words of the Day?: "Owl Eyes, Dragon's Spine, Wasps' Nests and Fun!"

To see photos from our day, click here!

Nettle Harvest Skills Day 9-24-16

The Ospreys gathered together again to start the 2016-17 season with a bang! The Ospreys had lots of practice with the motto Collaborate and Compromise, and decided almost all of our large decisions for the day. As mentors, we strive for girls to work towards this goal, and the Ospreys have proven that they are up for the challenge. Fro now on, your Osprey will be spending even a larger chunk of her time on outings working on interpersonal communication and decision making, which we argue helps our explorers much beyond our days together.

Found on the ground by an explorer-- A sentiment shared!

We began our opening meeting on a gorgeous fall day-- we shared among ourselves the changes in nature and our daily lives that accompany the coming of autumn: leaves changing color; FALLing limbs, leaves, and  trees; darker days; bird activity (including the sighting of a HUGE Barred owl!)...and for humans, new homes, new schools, new changes. 

Before setting out, we talked about cordage. What is it? What could it be made from (all sorts of plants and roots, and even hair!), how essential string and rope were to the development of civilizations. We brainstormed uses (pull, carry, tie, climb, attach to make nets, snares, bows, clothing, sandals, baskets, shoelaces, bags, mats, lines, etc…). Would progress have marched on without rope and string? We doubt it! On this day, we were going to engage in an ancient activity: seeking out nettle in her tall, fall form, to strip for string that we would dry for cordage making later. 

We hit the trail with explorer’s eyes – and what an abundance of things to see. We stopped for a game of Fox and Rabbit tag in the large field amongst giant trees. We stood beside Padden Creek and figured out where it came from and where it was going, and the ways it provides habitat and obstacles for salmon (hooray for the current project to daylight Padden Creek!). Girls clambered along and in and over the stream with exploring joy. 

Coco showing off her nettle string!

We could have spent all day in the microcosms of that short stretch of trail, but there was work to be done, and it was time to meddle with nettles. Where the sky and the forest opened up, we began to gather nettles to turn into string for cordage behind the Center for Local Self Reliance. As we collected, we remembered the best practice of the One in Twenty principle of harvesting.

After harvesting, we were brought back into focus, and experienced the satisfaction and calm that comes when we get busy with our hands. It was a lovely thing to see how focused the girls became on the task – like a meditation for many, and a great chance to talk about our lives with each other. By the end, we had an impressive amount of stripped nettle string that will dry through the winter and be ready to made cordage in the spring!

Shaking hands with our new tree friend, Spruce!

We made our way up to the parking lot with time to spare, and stopped to walk and admire the Labyrinth in Fairhaven Park. We enjoyed a Peaceful Place, another couple of games, and closed with our Attitude of Gratitude at Closing Circle!

To see a slideshow of our day, click here!

Clark's Point 6.12.2016

What a fabulous final outing for the Ospreys!  We began our day with some serious checking in and name games:  I, Rebecca, had not seen the Ospreys yet this season, Aila and Kat are both new members to the group this season, and Coco and Simone were in Guatemala for the first three outings.  Laura led a fun round of group juggle, where we giggled our way to successful remembering of everyone's names.

We then set off...about 20 yards!  Ha ha..time to make a decision as to where to go.  The Ospreys were quite intentional about this decision, getting information from Laura, Daisy (our amazing EMA) and myself. This information gathering is an important part of decision making and would come up again during the course of our outing.

It was collaboratively decided to head to the west first.  We set off on a sweet trail with cedar and fir and pathfinder plants.

A big theme for today would be Safety First and upon arriving at the bluff this motto was quickly in play. We discussed how close to be to an edge, how little pebbles strewn about the rocks up top make for ball bearing action with potential danger.

The girls gathered together for the first twenty minutes and snacked and listened to the story of this place. Laura had them close their eyes and think about a spot special to each of them.  Then they heard about the history of this place and how special it is to the Clark's, and why the Clark's decided to preserve the area for many many people to enjoy and appreciate. We discussed the adjacent area preserved just for wildlife as well and why this is so important to animals and birds.  In total 78 acres of shoreline are protected in this amazing area.

The sun was now shining brightly. The water below was sparkling and the possibilities of exploring were enticing.  We set up a handrail ( short piece of climbing rope ) to allow for safe descending to the beach below.  This ended up being a very worthy challenge to stretch one's edge.  For many of the girls that meant going down to the beach and for others it meant not choosing to do what most everyone else was doing.  As parents I am certain you will appreciate the conversations that followed around peer pressure versus encouragement.   What was cool to observe is that many of these girls wanted and asked for information about the rope, and why it was safe, and how they would get back up.

The shoreline did not disappoint.  Schools of fish, sea anemones, sea stars, and plenty of amazing sandstone to explore kept many of the girls busy for a while.


With our commitment in mind to the original decision made at the trailhead though, we started to pack up so we could explore the east side.  It was here that a lucky accident provided us all a great learning. A young couple had arrived while we were packing up, looking for a place to put up their hammock. They seemed anxious to just find a spot and get it up..and many of the "good" trees were already taken.  They set up their hammock on a rather suspect looking tree and plopped in and within minutes the whole tree uprooted and they were pitched backwards on to the ground.   Fortunately they were not close to the edge and neither was hurt but the lesson was not lost on these girls!!  Did they s.t.o.p. the situation?  Had they gotten enough information?

Off now to explore the east side and the MUD!  Along the way we had another opportunity to think through a little challenge.

The timing was perfect to be on this side now; enough of the beach was exposed for some good mud opportunities and we had abundant time for exploring.

 There was plenty of excitement about crabs and comb jellies, dipping feet in the water, and conversation together.

We had peaceful place and gathered back together for our final web of life activity.  After sharing the connections we felt strongly about and how those connections can be strengthened and weakened, we set up a version of human knot.  A single rope stacked in small circles is placed on the ground and each girl takes one strand, then the group walks away from each other while holding the rope.  The result is a tangled affair.

 We then attempt to untangle ourselves and form a circle where everyone is holding the outside of the rope.  They managed it in about 5 minutes! .. and we brought our conversation back to our web of life, talking  about how connections are sometimes messy or tangled. Finally we all leaned back on the rope together in an exercise of mutual support and connection.


On behalf of all the GEC mentors that have worked with your kiddos, thank you!  We appreciate how we are all connected through this program.  Thank you for letting us spend such amazing time with your daughters.  Have a fabulous summer.  We look forward to seeing some of the girls at some point this summer, or again next fall.  We know life is dynamic and there are other commitments you may have, or wish to be a part of, and we honor the unfolding of each of your children.

Full photo album here.