The Four Shields met up at
Cascades Montessori ready for two days of expansive time spent camping out in the
Mt. Baker Snowqualmie National Forest. Before boarding the bus the group learned
that it was going to be a Shielder’s birthday the following day. The group
thought it fitting that we pick Big Leaf Maple blossoms and Dandelions to make
fritters as part of our celebration for him.
After a relatively uneventful
cruise down I-5 and Highway 20 we transitioned from pavement to gravel and our
pace slowed. There is nothing like the jolt of the bus on a bumpy dirt road to
let you know that it is time to slow down from city pace and begin to get into
more of a backcountry mindset. Looking out the windows we took in spectacular
views of Mt. Baker from Boulder Creek and Jagged Ridge on Mt. Shuskan.
The weather was hot and muggy as
we arrived at our camp location near the Baker River trailhead and the group
leisurely ate lunch and made camp in the midday heat. Our spring campouts are a
great chance for the Four Shielders and mentors alike to knock the rust off and
remember all the efficient systems we have developed as wilderness travelers
and skilled outdoor-persons.
Once camp was in order we circled
up and chatted a bit about a phenomenon that happens the more proficient we
become with any given skill. Often times when we become comfortable with a
skill we let our guard down and injuries and mistakes can happen as a result.
In this instance the mentors were speaking to low awareness of the four
Shielders in regard to knife usage and keeping the camp free of crumbs and
smellables. It was important to remind the group that we were more than an hour
away from definitive medical care and this particular river valley was home to
large mammals that would jump at the opportunity to rummage through camp for
food.
With some reorientation to
backcountry living at the forefront of our minds the group made a decision
about how they wanted to spend their time before dinner. They chose to take a free exploration down
the Baker River bar with a search for some straight-grained Western Red Cedar for
firewood and carving. Then to take some time at camp working on carving, saw
practice, and char cloth making.
Stepping out onto the river bar
the sun reflected off the water and sand intensifying the solar radiation. The
group searched the sand for tracks and sign and marveled at swift and crystal
clear water flowing from the snowy mountains above us.
The Shielders embraced the day as
they ambled along in conversation. It is clear to the mentors that holding this
space for the Four Shielders without driving them too much creates vital time
for them to decompress, reflect, and process all that goes on in their busy
lives.
Finding a side channel of the
river we took a dunk into the chilly water. For most of us it was the first
swim of the year. Lying back on the sun warmed rocks the boys relaxed into the
calm of the late spring, listened to the bird songs that filled the valley, and
let go of any stress or preoccupation on their minds. They were firmly present
in the moment. Although our Mentors always leave time for check-ins as a group
in circle we often find that the best way to get to know where each participant
is at is in moments like this, where our dialogue flows freely and is often Four
Shielder led.
Together the group harvested
enough Western red cedar for twenty fires and a few of the boys questioned why
we were taking so much. A mentor commented that this would be not only for our
fire, but also for the elder Explorers who were currently practicing their fire
by friction skills. Our position as Four Shielders require us to support our
fellow Explorers by helping to harvest the wealth of resources that the younger
groups do not have access to in their front country locations.
Making our way back to camp the
group processed the Cedar, got a stove going for char cloth making, and began
working on carving projects until dinner time. On the menu for the evening were
black bean burritos and chips and salsa. It is exciting to feel the Shielders enthusiasm
to cook on these campouts. Our mentors are always curious if this excitement
translates to their kitchens at home.
Circling up for some thanks
before dinner the mentor’s hearts filled with joy to listen the group express
their gratitude genuinely and sincerely. Giving thanks has become as important
a part of the process for the Shielders as it is for mentors.
After dinner part of the group
jumped at the opportunity to be on dish duty and made quick work of dinner
clean up. The mentors highlighted the group’s ability to be attentive to the
group’s needs, which this critical component of Expeditionary Behavior. The
group’s ability to demonstrate Expeditionary Behavior is what gives the mentors
confidence in leading the group on longer wilderness trips and in the
Shielder’s own wilderness trips that are only a few years away. As mentors if
we can work ourselves out of a job then we know we have done excellent work.
With considerable effort the
group got a fire going with the tinder fungus that they had processed the
previous outing and gathered around for a bit of circle time. Knowing that the
boys were starting to get tired the mentors kept our check in brief. Going
around the circle they asked the Shielders to do some reflection on their season
in the Four Shields and where they were at currently in life outside of our programs.
This prompted great check-ins and active listening from the group. Setting the
Outdoor and Environmental education our mentors teach aside, encouraging middle
and high schoolers to be open, genuine, and honest with one another and to give
them practice being vulnerable and sharing their emotions in front of their
peers is the some most important work we do in the Four Shields.
We woke up to the “croakus” call
of a raven eyeing our camp for any food we may have dropped the night before. We
cooked a leisurely breakfast and hung our tents up in the sunshine to dry out
from the morning dew. After our first breakfast we whipped up a batch of dough
and got some oil heated up for our fritters. Getting a small fire going from
the left over wood we sang Happy Birthday to one of the Four Shielders and
feasted on the syrupy doughy goodness of the Maple Blossom and Dandelion
Fritters. What a treat!
Circling up there was much work
to be done before we headed out once more to explore again. Packs needed to be
packed, dish cleaned, tents folded and bagged, and the campsite swept for
trash. This work did not go as efficiently as the previous nights and the
mentors reminded the group of our three commitments: don’t waste anyone’s
time including your own, be here now, and encourage the heart. Once the bus
was packed up and things were in order we headed down to the river bar to take
a long sit spot. In keeping with our strong theme of gratitude we needed to do
some reflection and thank a special mentor for his dedication and presence in
Four Shields over many years. Giving each of the Shielders a note card and a
pen the mentors informed them that Greg Schayes needed to graciously make his
exist from his role as a mentor in the Four Shields in order to better be able
to support his family. Greg’s plan was to be at this campout to provide the
opportunity for processing and mark the transition, but with the recent passing
of his mother he was needed at home. The Shielders headed out on a sit spot to
write Greg their thank you letters. 
Nestled in a mountain valley
along a wild flowing river the boys got quiet and listened to the land. We would
like to thank Greg for bringing his passion, presence, wisdom, encouragement,
structure, mentorship, love, care, empathy, skill, and so much more to this
program.
Parents we are thankful to bring
a close to our 2017/18 year in the Four Shields. We could not do this
meaningful work without your support and trust. We hope you see your Four
Shielder next year.
For more pictures from our campout please visit the Four
Shield's photo album.
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