Chuckanut Connection Outing 12-4-16

Oh, the Flying Squirrels. It never fails that you fill my heart with gratitude, humility, and love. Sunday's outing was a seriously special one.

We met, dropped our potluck food with John Perry (thanks again for your schlepping!), and started our day immediately with action. We had a "menu" of options for the Flying Squirrels to decide what to do with: visiting donkeys and a waterfall, a night hike, a bonfire, hot tub time, talking circle, potluck, etc. After a little coaching, the Flying Squirrels focused their minds together and came up with a solid plan for our day in similar fashion as Aimee and I. One thing that the Squirrels would learn, though, is that about 50% of our plans end up having to get tossed out the window in favor of what is happening in the moment. We call it, The Trail being The Teacher.

We ventured first to the donkeys. The girls pet, walked, and cuddled with these adorable creatures, explored the property (hiking up a waterfall, no big deal!), and appreciated some time in such a peaceful place. The property was full of exciting places to explore, and we spend a solid amount of time getting to know it. I am inspired to go back, as I know there is much more there than I got to see!

After carefully putting away the donkeys, we set on the trail towards Aimee's house. As usual, we shared stories and laughs along the way. At every outing, it feels as if the girls haven't seen each other in a small eternity, and their desire for connecting with each other makes that very apparent. So much of our day was in support of that very idea: Connection.

We connected over a sunset on the deck. We connected by the fire for a gloriously deep check-in. We connected by polar bear plunging into the Salish Sea. We connected in the hot tub for a special, sacred Talking Circle, where we honored each girl's desire to share what was pressing on their heart and mind. We connected over delicious food so generously provided for by our Explorers and their families. We connected. So, so much. I think that's really all the girls wanted, and it was so nice to hold that space for them to do so.

We are looking forward to our final season with the Flying Squirrels! Please be aware of our Spring Graduation weekend (Memorial Day weekend- Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29). We will need everyone to be there for our special final weekend together.

With infinite gratitude for these girls,
Hannah

To view a slideshow of our day (including just a few glamour shots that Jackie took with Hannah's camera), click here!

Woodstock Farm Service 11-11-16

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! 

Wilderness First Aid Awareness: 10-7-16

This Earth Skills Day was jam-packed with useful knowledge that prepares the girls to support others should an emergency arise while they are adventuring in the wilderness or elsewhere. We had so much material to get through that girls were limited to minimal story-telling during opening and closing circle, but that didn’t stop everyone from sharing ample hugs and side conversation throughout the afternoon. We covered so much during the day - below is an abbreviated list of the day’s activities:

First Things First: What is wilderness first aid, and how is getting hurt five miles down a trail different than getting hurt on Holly Street? Remote medicine is defined as an hour or more from definitive care. 

- Something’s gone wrong! What do you do when you approach a scenario in which people appear to be injured? We deepened our understanding of STOP principles by evaluating the possible dangers of rushing into an emergency scene. What was the Mechanism of Injury (MOI)? Are there other victims? Could assisting someone possibly hurt me? A helpful thing we say to remember this is: # 1 - I’m Number One! (no more victims)  /  #2 What Happened to You? (MOI/obtain consent)  /  # 3 Don’t get any on me! (BSI)  / #4 Are there any more?  /  # 5 Dead or Alive?

- ABCDEs: After we assess that the scene is safe for ourselves to enter, we check for a clear Airway. signs of Breathing, Circulation (signs of blood), Disability (how is the individual injured), Environment/Expose (get the injured individual warm/cool and comfortable as possible. Expose the primary injury to assess damage). Ask your girls for elaboration on the ABCDEs!

- We discussed the criteria for a possible Mechanism of Injury (MOI) for spinal injury, for example falling from a height greater than three feet, making impact at a speed faster than running, compression. We also learned that if you’re not sure if someone could have injured his or her spine—stabilize his or her neck until you can be sure they did not incur spinal damage!

- The crossroads: Is this a medical injury (for example altitude sickness, dehydration, ulcers) or a traumatic injury (broken bones, lacerations, etc)?

If it’s a medical injury, we discussed that taking a SAMPLE history, a detailed history of the injured individual, is the best way to get more information about his or her ailment. If it’s a traumatic injury, we learned that conducting a full patient assessment is the next step.

We practiced these skills by creating scenarios in which half the girls were patients and half were in charge of administering first aid. Between some giggling and plenty of requests for extra fake blood, both responders and the injured took their roles very seriously.

We did let the girls know that this foray into wilderness first aid wasn't an official training, and thus, we weren't able to provide training for treatment, but suggested they consider taking a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder course - several GEC teens have taken these, leaving knowledgable and inspired. We'll be reviewing concepts and practicing more on our next outing!

It was great to follow the day with apple picking at Arden's for the Food Bank!

Check out the slideshow from our day here. 

Exploration/Hiking Skills Day at Artist Point 8-27-16

The Flying Squirrels gathered together again to seek redemption... Last year at this time, the Flying Squirrels were rained out of the alpine, and brought to Blanchard Mountain. On that day, they experienced truly epic rain, frigid wind, and an overall edge-stretching day.

On this gorgeous, glowing Saturday, we ventured out the winding, wandering road of the Mount Baker Highway up towards the White Watcher herself, Komo Kulshan. On our car ride up, the Flying Squirrels wasted no time in connecting with each other again. We sang songs, from "Hamilton" to "Bohemian Rhapsody", reveling in each other's company. As we wound our way up the final stretch towards Artist Point, I heard some gasps and "Oh my god, look!"'s as Shuksan poked out of the clouds to reveal stunning glaciers, rough rock faces, and jagged peaks. 

View of the gorgeous basin from the trail

We met briefly over lunch in the ever-busy parking lot to review our Leave No Trace Principals. Lauren taught the girls a handy way to remember these guidelines for responsible hiking and camping... Can your Flying Squirrel share any of them with you? We decided to hike in two groups, remembering that we are bound to have multiple hiking paces. The Banana Slugs set out first, and we were quickly caught up to by the Mountain Goats. Man, these girls can hike! We set out into a slightly misty abyss, enjoying time to talk and be together on our walk. 

Goofballs in snack mode

After pausing to keep our group together, sustain our bodies with water and food, we connected about our Roses and Thorns. Each of us have so many Roses, which are the special parts of us that shine, blossom, and bloom. We also have our Thorns, or the parts of us that we can acknowledge and continue working on. As always, it is also good to remind us that we live on a continuum-- Our Roses so often can be pushed too far to where they can become a Thorn. For example: Some of our Squirrels have a large Raven voice, so they are chatty, strong communicators who can organize a group. At the same time, this can go too far to where they can dominate conversations and not allow space for quieter folks to speak. With all of this information, the Squirrels then spent a solid time hiking with a buddy, and sharing their Roses and Thorns together. The girls were deeply engaged in this time together, and quickly made their hike down in this sharing time. 

Splashing in Mazama Lake

We met up together at Mazama Lake. Some people swam, some people waded, we all snacked and it was lovely. We spent a short time in Peaceful Place, and then gathered for an intimate check-in. It is clear that sharing about our lives has become important to the Flying Squirrels, and I appreciate their continual ability to share with openness, trust, and love. These girls are so special.

Sliding through the snowfield

We hiked our way back up, as the mist and rain and clouds came in more seriously. To celebrate our strong trek up the hill, we spent some time glissading down the snowfields, soaking our clothes and laughing loudly. From there, we spent some final hiking time until we reached the parking lot. We calculated about 4-5 miles of hiking, which made the girls feed proud and accomplished. Loading into the bus, tired and delirious, we took another long, winding ride home, enjoying our final hours together. What a strong way to begin our Hiking Skills focused-season!

To see more photos from our outing, click here!

Service on Chuckanut Island: 4-23-16

Wow, what a treat of an outing! This very special service project brought us to Chuckanut Island, a five-acre Island completely long-ago used by the Mamosee people, then privately owned, and now protected by The Nature Conservancy. Our day began alongside Nature Conservancy volunteers and staff, as we learned about the history of this special place from Aimee and husband Peter. They are the caretakers of the Island on behalf of the Conservancy, and explained why and how this land came to be protected. We talked about the human history of the island – from Mamosee shellfish harvesting grounds (there are many middens on the island) to private ownership, and finally to the island's protection by the Nature Conservancy. The girls were especially impressed with the find some years ago of two Native American skulls found on one beach, under the boulders (one is at the Smithsonian!). We learned that unlike city parks, Chuckanut Island has been set aside for itself – that is, it belongs to the animals and plant-life that grow on it, and s not maintained for human use.

Next, we walked to a nearby dock for Captain Dean to ferry us to the Island, hair and salt spray flying as we arrived in just a few minutes. We traveled to the island in two different groups, and as the boat receded in the distance after the second drop off, girls immediately set out exploring. They clambered over sandstone, marveled at tiny starfish, crumbled sand in hand, fed barnacles and hermit crabs to predatory anemones, and stared into tide pools. 

After a snack break, it was time to begin our mission. Our job was to remove a human-introduced plant from the Island: English ivy. We did so by using our Owl Eyes on overdrive, because the Ivy is hidden along the path and deep in the forest. Aimee led us through the overgrown path (not clipped back for ease of human traffic, because it’s not for us!), pointing out just how sneaky and subtle the ivy plants are. We began training our eyes for the little plants, and made our way across the island through salal and fir trees to a patch especially overgrown with ivy.

The girls worked together to spot, pull and bag the ivy, using teamwork to carry garbage bags of vines, pull especially pernicious plants down from trees, and most importantly, to keep morale high with songs and stories. Besides ivy, we found some long-hidden bottles and cans, and, sadly, two different bird skeletons who had clearly died after being caught in traps. That was upsetting! 

After a couple hours of ivy hunting, we emerged on the sunny west facing beach of the island, and the rest of our day was dedicated to exploring. Highlights include:

* Spending time apart from clock time, where time disappears, and all that remains is the moment we're in. 

* Eating lunch in front of a very old midden 

* An impromptu beach wedding (see joyous and funny photos in slide show)

* Observation of a nesting Canada goose

* Observing the radically different southwest side of the island, covered in a beautiful madrona forest. Two entirely different ecosystems on such a small bit of land!  

* Exploring the boulder-made "cave" on the southwest beach

* Silent solo time in Peaceful Place

* Heartfelt and honest check ins from each participant

And then, it was time to head back to the northeast beach and here came Dean! We clambered back on the boat, thanking Chuckanut Island for the many gifts we'd discovered.

Our day ended with our words of the day, and an impromptu water fight!

You may check out a slideshow from our day here: https://goo.gl/photos/wQFadqn5NGbuXUBa7

Our words of the day? Die, Ivy, Explore

GEC Mottos especially applied today: 

* Safety First

* Be Prepared

* You See It, You Own It

* All Things Are Connected

* Leave No Trace

* It's About the Journey, Not the Destination

* Walk Your Talk

* Challenge By Choice

* Expect the Unexxpected

* We're All Teachers

* Be Here Now

Service for AMY's Place: 3-11-16

The Flying Squirrels gathered together again to start their spring season off with a service bang! Keeping with the theme of homelessness that the Flying Squirrels have been working so intimately with, we shifted our focus to buying, preparing and serving a meal to homeless or previously homeless teens. The wonderful venue for this? Amy's Place. You can read about Amy's Place mission (and find out what AMY stands for) at their website here.

Choppers chopping away at some veggies

We met our goals of collaboratively shopping for groceries (we found everything surprisingly at Cash and Carry!), then collaboratively cooking several lasagnas, cookies, and caesar salad. Girls were super motivated every step of the way-- From chopping, to layering lasagnas, to bagging cookies, to running the dishwasher over and over again, the Flying Squirrels worked hard to cook food with love. Shout out to the Bellingham Co-Housing Kitchen for the use of their space-- what a great venue for our time together. 

Izzy may have liked this lasagna a lot...

As our lasagnas bubbled in the oven, we reviewed an exercise described here about privilege and inequality of opportunity. This led to a powerful discussion about the road blocks to success many people face, and helped remind us of our own privilege and the good fortune we share to have a safety net (if you'd like, you could see if your daughter remembers the concept of a safety net). We got into solid conversations about homelessness, barriers to "breaking the cycle" of homelessness, digging deep into the hearts of the Flying Squirrels.

After a quick zip over on the bus to Amy's Place headquarters, we discovered that it was indeed tasty, if the response of participants was our measure. They piled up plates with gusto, and came back for more... and more. We served them lasagna, salad, dessert, soda, and basic need items that they also obviously appreciated. There were leftovers, so we sat down with the participants to learn more of their lives. We listened to their struggles, to what they do during the day, to their adventures for food and a safe sleeping place (think.. roofs, under bridges, etc.), and to much of their expressed gratitude. The girls connected deeply with many of the meal's attendees.

What did they serve us? Expanded awareness, understanding, empathy, honesty, reality, kindness, open-mindedness, acceptance, trust. And more. Some highlighted quotes from the meal attendees below:

The Squirrels with a meal attendee and her dog

"Don't ever give up." 

"Stay in school. "

"Keep your head down and work hard. Don't care if others think you're  weird or a geek. Be that way. You'll come out on top. "

"Being homeless is HARD. "

"Make good choices" 

"I go exploring. Have walked all over Whatcom county."

Friday was a kind-of life-changing service day, that we anticipate will resonate for the Flying Squirrels for a long, long time. And really, it doesn't get much better than that.

-Hannah

Our Words of the Day? "Giving more than receiving" 

Mottos Especially Alive Today: Our Cups Overflow, Safety First, All Things Are Connected, We're All Teachers, Attitude of Gratitude, Be Here Now

To see more photos of our day, click here!