Exploration at Teddy Bear Cove: 6.5.2016

What a fabulous day to finish our spring season!  We had a bright sunny day to explore the wonders of Teddy Bear Cove; and, for most of the day, the north beach to ourselves.  Before heading down the trail to the water we talked about a few of our EC mottos that would be important for the day.  Safety First ( and using S.T.O.P. ) was the first to be discussed. Most of the girls have been to Teddy Bear Cove and know about the train tracks, the steep trail, and the cliffs between the two beaches.  We also discussed the possible dangers of trash; being aware of glass on the ground and always wearing shoes, and not picking up any trash that we are unsure about.  Our other motto that we talked about, and that would be embodied throughout the day, was Stretch your edge.  More on that later!

The Fiddleheads and one guest Salish Seal excitedly hurried down the trail.  We checked our knowledge of some of the predominant trees and plants along the way.  The girls pointed out Douglas Firs and Red Cedars.  Almost immediately an opportunity arose to take a shortcut; a temptation for everyone as they were so excited.  We had a good discussion about why social trails are harmful, and LNT principles.

Once we were safely across the  train tracks it was time to decide where we wanted to explore.  This practice of Collaborate and Compromise  can be tricky for many adults and watching eight year olds grapple with this can be inspiring.  There is often the desire to vote, or simply to speak the loudest in hopes or getting your way.  As mentors, Laura and I gave all the information we could to help with this decision.  What was quite interesting though was that even with this information the girls chose the southern side...and after spending ten minutes there, changed their collective minds! They needed the firsthand experience of it being much hotter, due to the fact that the wind was coming from the north and essentially blocked by the bluff.

So off to the north side; and a simply amazing day of exploring.  It was just one of those days where everyone was connected to someone else, or happy exploring in her own way;  everyone coming back together when another explorer found something which excited her, giggles and screeching.

There was lots of life on this day: hermit crabs of all sizes, Dungeness crabs of all sizes...and the crab whisperer in photo above... various sea anemones, clams spouting, beautiful fish, sea stars, and a lovely sea cucumber.  One explorer even got to witness a barnacle feeding as she sat quietly during peaceful place.

We finished our day with the web of life activity; which embodies our motto All things are connected.  The girls shared something they have felt especially connected to over the course of the season.  We passed around a ball of yarn and physically connected to each other.  The end result is a web of connection.  The girls talked about how these different connections affect each other, and us! We also discussed how this web of life can be harmed by certain practices, and uplifted by others.  

What a wonderful season together.  I invite you to spend a few minutes connecting with your daughter about our outings together and her personal highlights.  Please see the link below to view more photos.  We all at Wild Whatcom thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's education.

A special shout out to Willow DuBow for your presence and laughter and connection with this group on Sunday.

Words of the day:  Beach, crabs....crabs...crabs...

For the full album of the day, click here.