Today was maple fest! Everybody spent the morning together in the field while the evaporator boiled away. We played games as folks rolled in and when we had all arrived we circled up around the boiling sap. Josh told us a story of when syrup flowed straight from the trees, no boiling necessary. In the story, the people grew lazy and spent all their time on their backs, letting syrup drip into their mouths.
After hearing this story, we had an appreciation for all of the work that goes into making delicious maple syrup. Some of us helped gather and process wood for the big fire, others ran out to gather sap from the maples we tapped last week.
After a quick snack in the field, it was time for the day’s festivities. Three stations were set up, each with a different game or competition led by a different staff member. Chris led a log toss, styled after one of the Scottish highland games. Theresa led an egg and spoon relay race, a game of both coordination and speed. At the final station, Alana led pole vaulting, a forest take on both an Olympic sport and a classic pastime.
All the while the steam and smoke rose in a pillar from the center of the field. A few staff stayed out of the activities to tend the sap and prepare pancakes for everyone to enjoy. When each group had visited each station, we all gathered together to enjoy pancakes and hot syrup. Yummm.
With our maple fest concluded, the groups went their separate ways. The Fishers headed to the Jedi Training Center to pass the rest of the day in classic Flying Deer style, with a test of dexterity, balance, aim, patience, and more. The River Otters stayed to help clean up in the field a bit before heading off into a less explored part of the land. There they played Capture the Flag and finished the day with a wander during which they found bones, hair, scat, and a mysteriously large pile of stones. The Minks concluded their day with some Foxwalking, sit spot (with bird seed!), and a game of Hawk and Bird. What a day we all had!
—Raven and the FOREST Staff, March 17, 2021