Outing to North Lake Whatcom 9-27-15

The Ospreys gathered at the pedestrian and dog friendly entrance to the N. Lake Whatcom Park with playful hearts ready to go exploring! With sunny skies and chilly temperatures, the girls came prepared and ready to get to know this popular Whatcom County Park. For more photos from our day, you can find our photo album here. 

Before we set out, we gathered leaves of all colors and crafted a Circle cycle of Life. We reflected on its mysterious winding path and discussed how each color represents the seasons of the year and the seasons of our life. Looking around at the green emerging from the decaying woods, we understood that fall and winter, death and decay, have their place. And that we too are part of this circle cycle.

This ended up being a great reference tool for our day, asking the girls “So, where does this tree fit into our circle of life?” etc. We talked about humans/animals/things we had known that had died before finishing the wheel. Death as a part of life, a necessary stage to support and nourish new life. This message emerged repeatedly in the forest around us in the form of the decomposers role. We found it echoed in the fungus, slug love and the function of nurse logs (via interpretive dance). Do ask your Osprey about "Cubicle Butt Rot" and it's job in the forest to turn trees into dirt!

As we sipped from our water bottles, we reminded ourselves that we were drinking from the beautiful lake around us! We talked about the human history of the lake, and what steps had gone to turn it from a logging operation into a protected park. The girls expressed gratitude for the people who decided that this place was worth saving-- thankful to have humans who care in this community!

By the time we got to the lake, the sun had exploded out of the sky and it was time to embrace it. We sat on a log for lunch, and afterwards, discovered the myriad of gifts the lakeshore had to offer us.... Pebbles and mud to create a "cupcake shop", sticks to build a fairy village, boards and rocks to create a teeter-totter (we had a legitimate physics experiment going!) and a "trinket shop". The mentors stood amazed by the squeals and peals of laughter as these girls widened their circles with a creative play time. It was truly lovely, and much needed for this group of high-energy doers.

As our beach time wound down, the group Collaborated and Compromised to decide to head down the trail towards the waterfall. As we explored, we came across a gravel pit, which totally enthralled the girls. We slid down (some of us penguin style...), climbed up, and slid again, until it was time to reflect on our day through Peaceful Place. The girls shared about their Peaceful Place with 5 different partners on their return stroll, ensuring to Widen their Circles and interact with new girls. We also shared about the things we love, what gets on our nerves, what we are passionate about, etc. So great to hear this dynamic group of 3rd graders talking so deeply one-on-one. 

Heading back toward the trailhead (five hours flew by!), we also thanked ehe lake for its many gifts: beauty, peace, sunlight, and the source of life itself for all of us by providing all the water for our households' use. 

Mottos especially in use today: Widen the Circle, Be Prepared, Collaborate and Compromise, and Stretch Your Edge

Words of the day? “Fun, mud, pie, fairy tree houses!"