During the years girls spend in GEC, winding their way up a spiral curriculum of learning and growth, we aim to facilitate at least one group overnight, with the primary purpose of group bonding. We're not setting out to impart concepts like about ecological impacts/connections, do field science or service; we're hoping that through joyous connection and conversation, girls will become a more bonded group, rather than a group made of separate bonded friendships. Jess and I are delighted to report that this SB overnight was a success!
The SBs arrived and the connections began within minutes (we were all delighted to welcome new member Calliope). After settling in the house, we discussed the flexible plan for the afternoon and evening, and then we were off to the beach!
It was a high tide day, yet most of the group managed, with a lot of teamwork, tp navigate the shoreside rocks, while others explored shells, crabs and rocks along the beach. Soon we were all immersed in setting up crabitats, making mussel fingernails, creating the circle of life with colored rocks (see slideshow). It was very... pleasant. In fact, this might have been the most serene overnight I've ever hosted.
It was a high tide day, yet most of the group managed, with a lot of teamwork, tp navigate the shoreside rocks, while others explored shells, crabs and rocks along the beach. Soon we were all immersed in setting up crabitats, making mussel fingernails, creating the circle of life with colored rocks (see slideshow). It was very... pleasant. In fact, this might have been the most serene overnight I've ever hosted.
Many hands made light work in the kitchen and our circle of thanks before dinner was lovely – lots of gratitude in this group.
After dinner we chose to go on a night walk, leaving lights behind and instead activating our night vision. We settled on my neighbor's bluff overlooking the sea, and the sound of the tide walking back and forth lulled us into silence... then laying back under the moonlight... then singing some special songs. It was a truly magical, meaningful experience of connection.
Then the girls all sat and soaked together in the hot tub, put on jammies, and snuggled in for the Good, Bad, Who Knows story. The moon shone bright through the windows, and the girls drifted peacefully off to sleep.
Then the girls all sat and soaked together in the hot tub, put on jammies, and snuggled in for the Good, Bad, Who Knows story. The moon shone bright through the windows, and the girls drifted peacefully off to sleep.
Morning brought more sharing, slow movement towards clean up and breakfast, a feast of food, and a final circle of thoughtful gratitude, and then acknowledgements of one another.
Again, the most serene overnight I've hosted - not quiet, just thoroughly pleasant and easy and fulfilling. Were Jess and I worn out? Nope! Our cups were more full when we ended than at the beginning. That's one of the best thing about Explorers' days.
Please enjoy the entire slideshow from our overnight here.
Again, the most serene overnight I've hosted - not quiet, just thoroughly pleasant and easy and fulfilling. Were Jess and I worn out? Nope! Our cups were more full when we ended than at the beginning. That's one of the best thing about Explorers' days.
No comments:
Post a Comment