Shelter Skills Day: 10-3-15

If you take a stroll through the 100 Acre Wood, you'll find that a new subdivision has been developed, using sustainable "green" construction methods and materials. These state-of-the-art residences are not for sale, but they are open for viewing (and snuggling into). The talented architects and construction crew? The Silverwing Bats! 

After a check in, we discussed the realities of wilderness survival, reviewing the Survival Rule of Fours (ask your daughter what the four survival priorities are and in what order... and ask her why deep breathing is so important in a survival situation). On this day we focused on the survival priority of shelter, learning how imperative a properly insulating shelter is for surviving even a single night in the woods. We discussed the many ways and reasons one can become cold: conduction, evaporation, convection, and radiation (see if your gal remembers and can explain these). 

Our first focus was to put on shelter eyes, traveling up the trail and seeking nooks and crannies that could be or become a shelter for different sizes and types of animals. After a snack and shelter story from survivalist Tom Brown, we took a cue from the squirrels, who build nests with sticks and insulate them with leaves, and let their designs inspire our own natural shelters, which were built in the classic "debris hut" style. Our community dwellings sprung up from the forest floor, and within a few hours we had three deluxe shelters!  With the bit of time remaining, we took a home tour of each shelter, assessing each on their ability to withstand wind and rain, retain body heat, and remain safe from any nearby blowdowns (and a few brave girls even tested their rain resistant capacity by getting inside and receiving a water bottle dunking!). 

Finally, we engaged in a group challenge activity that utilized teamwork and a We, Not Just Me attitude. It was great to see the Bats begin to really work together, letting all voices be heard. 

Next time you take a walk through the Hundred Acre Woods, see if your own "shelter-seeking eyes" can detect these artfully constructed debris huts- they are truly impressive, and almost invite one in to spend the night...

Our words of the day? Go Ask The Squirrels!

You can check out the slideshow from our day here.

EC MOTTOS that came into play today: Many Hands Make Light Work, All Things Are Connected, LIBK, Be Prepared, Leave No Trace, Safety First

Service for the Birds @ Agate Bay Preserve: 9-19-15

Though we love leading all types service, these more in-depth projects for older girls are particularly rewarding. On Saturday, many of us were giddy at the opportunity to do real, hands-on science fieldwork. The day truly encompassed EC goals to connect kids to themselves, to one another, to the community, and to nature.

We met and talked with naturalist and birder Patricia Otto and her collaborator Veronica about the important restoration she's done at Agate Bay Preserve (all volunteer, for 20+ years. Restoring an ecosystem, habitat niches. What an inspiration!). We then talked specifically about wood duck habitat needs and why Tricia and Veronica have done what they've done all these years, and the specific ways we'd be helping this day. We highlighted for the girls that we were going to do field science - real, hands-on research and data collection - then we got to work! Three teams of 4 went out paired with adult(s) and checked nest boxes for sign of wood duck nesting the previous spring. Jobs included: ladder carrier/stabilizer, box checker, box analyzers (feathers? Droppings? Eggs or egg membranes? Who was the occupant? Mouse? Bird? Chipmunk?), data recorder, box cleaner and re-stocker (with wood chips). This was the real work of field scientists, done with joy and lots of motivation by the Bats.

We went from box to box collecting data (which included a some un-hatched wood duck eggs, the skeleton of a two baby ducks who never made it out of the nest, lots of downy feathers, egg shells and membranes, some wasp nests, and even a mouse family in a cozy home!), and along the way we laughed, talked and explored some of Patricia's 100 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands. We got to see the results of Patricia’s incredible re-wilding of her land, including her beaver-made wetland, old trees harboring shelf fungus, and even a really old Pontiac car from 1948! As we ate lunch, the groups re-gathered and excitedly compared data collection notes, clearly engaged by the process. After lunch, we headed out for a couple more box checks, and then wrapped up our productive day with a circle of thanks. We shared our gratitude that Patricia has chosen to walk her talk by dedicating time out of her busy life (she's a doctor too!) to the well-being of so many creatures, and also gave thanks for rain, Explorers Club, trees, the water cycle, habitat, and this opportunity. 

You may check out the slideshow from our day here (note that these are photos from another group, since the camera was damaged post-outing, but really do reflect our day).

Mottos especially alive today:

Safety First

We're All Teachers

LIBK

Our Cups Overflow

Walk Your Talk

Attitude of Gratitude

Collaborate and Compromise

Everyone Helps

Expect the Unexpected