Four Shields Have Innaugural Campout on the Baker River

The Four Shields had their inaugural overnight at Baker River Trailhead. On a gorgeous weekend full of sunshine we loaded up the bus at Cascades Montessori and hit the road. Having a small crew due to some absences we knew we were going to have plenty of time and focus to really kick things off in fashion. Arriving at the trailhead after a bumpy drive along Baker Lake we set up camp and then took some time to eat lunch down by the river.

Listening to the soothing sounds of the river and gazing up at the steep valley walls, it took a little while to overcome some indecisiveness but we made a game plan. We would take the opportunity to hike on Saturday with our open time frame, get out and explore the Baker River Trail, then return to camp and settle in for an evening of cooking dinner and relaxing around the fire. Sunday would be our time to focus on strengthening some skills and digging a little deeper into what it means to be in the Four Shields. We would finish the day off with a sit spot and closing circle beside the river before loading back up on the bus.

Enjoying the sunshine along the Baker River

Crossing the cedar tree bridge along the Baker River Trail

Getting the fire going after harvesting and processing our own firewood

Fire starting skills session challenge: Gather, Process Wood, and Start your own fire.... CHECK!

Couldn't have asked for a better backdrop for our skills practice

Finishing the camp out we learned basic knife care and sharpening techniques

This weekend we primarily we focused on preparing, starting, and tending a fire using materials from the forest and only a knife for processing the wood and a ferro rod for ignition. We also honed our understanding of how to sharpen and care for a knife with a tutorial from Greg. Most importantly, however, we got to escape the hustle and bustle of town for the weekend and get out into a wild space. The sights and sounds of a river valley are the perfect medicine after getting accustomed to the routines and repetition of a school schedule. Spending time in good company, eating good food, hiking along the river bank, and sharing a fire in the evening; what more could you ask for.

Overall this was a fantastic way to start off the Four Shields program. Although we had a small number of participants, this offered a wonderful opportunity to really dig into developing our individual skill sets. As this group transitions into the mindset of the Four Shields and away from that of Explorers Club, we hope to begin focusing more inward towards self-development and self-discovery. Although the Four Shields will hold much of the comradery and group dynamics enjoyed in Explorers Club, as the Four Shielders continue on their journey through adolescence as arriving adults we as mentors hope to provide support and encouragement to find one’s self, tap into individual passions, and begin to grasp a sense of purpose. Milestones like college and picking a career loom heavy on the horizon of adulthood, but for now we will continue to learn and grown from one another, our experiences together, and whatever else the natural world decides to throw our way.

 

 Make sure the check out the rest of our photos from the campout here!