Outing at North Lake Whatcom: 10-11-15

The Pikas gathered at the pedestrian and dog friendly entrance to the N. Lake Whatcom Park with playful hearts ready to go exploring! With partly 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. 

We started our day with a check-in, using our bodies to physically represent how we were feeling (a mix of excitement and tiredness!). Next, we tested our knowledge of each other's names with a rousing game of "Blanket Down" (aka, "Tarp Drop") - Ask your daughter how she did in remembering the other girls' names! Inspired by this challenge, the Pikas were then invited to "turn over a new leaf" by working together to flip the tarp over while everyone was standing on it! Talk to your daughter about how the Pikas accomplished this initiative. Were they successful? What did they do well? What might they do differently, if they were to do it, again?

Before starting down the trail, 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 ourselves, “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 and the function of nurse logs (via interpretive dance). Do ask your Pika about "Cubicle Butt Rot" and its 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 how it had become 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!

When we got to the lake, we sat down on a log for lunch, and afterwards, discovered the myriad of gifts the lakeshore had to offer us....Drawing in the sand, finding beautiful "wishing rocks," wading in the water, and using boards to create teeter-totters. Ask your daughter about the Pikas' Secret Hideout! 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. Upon reaching our destination, the girls stood in awe of the spectacular water rushing down the hillside, and without much discussion, decided to bravely hike to the top of the falls. What an incredible, edge-stretching experience!! Some of the girls even chose to scramble down to the pools above the waterfall, then climb back up to the trail! 

After our epic waterfall adventure, we gathered for a quick closing circle and each girl shared one word to describe her experience. Ask your Pika what this experience was like for her: Exciting? Scary? Challenging? Fun? Exhausting? In what other areas in her life does she feel challenged? What can she do when she gets nervous about something (e.g., take a deep breath, voice her needs)? How does she like to be supported in challenging situations?

Now needing to book it back down the trial, we decided to do a "moving Peaceful Place." The girls reflected as we walked, then shared about their Peaceful Place with a partner, ensuring to Widen their Circles and interact with new girls.

Heading back toward the trailhead (five hours flew by!), we realized we were running a little late. THANK YOU, parents/guardians, for your patience and understanding! The discovery, adventure, teambuilding, problem-solving, self-awareness, self-challenge, and creative play we experienced on this outing were absolutely remarkable. We are so grateful for this opportunity to explore with your daughters!

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