To begin our Saturday Explorers day, we gathered together in the big field and shared, with a partner, a story or something we saw, heard or felt, from nature, over the past month. Making time and space for this kind of sharing builds friendships and encourages the kids to make more stories and share those. Thus, the nature connection cycle continues.
We parted, and in our small groups, energized our bodies with a game, snack and story detailing the seasons and how they came to be, according to Greek myth. Now nourished, we began the bulk of our day. With participants divided in choice-based groups, some of us gathered wood and lit the fire with flint and steels, while others gathered plants and bark for our bug spray base. For skin care, we gathered Stinging Nettle leaves, Violet leaves, and Witch Hazel bark. For scent, we gathered Mint and Ground Ivy (also a mint).
When we were all back together, we divided again. With knapped stone tools, some of us shaved the bark from the Witch Hazel branches, while others completed our knife safety course (ASTABS) and carved magic wands to turn the potion into bug spray. With this very important detail complete, our pot was placed on the fire to infuse and the kids were free to play until lunch.
After lunch, we gathered together to mix the boiled down bug spray infusion with vodka (to preserve) and peppermint and cedar essential oils (to repel bugs). We passed the jar around the circle to shake and say our spells. We then practiced Foxwalking, a skill every child innately knows, but sometimes just needs brought to their attention. With this skill, we can slow down in nature, better observe our surroundings, and walk carefully close to birds and animals and not disturb the other living beings we share space with. The kids’ homework is to Foxwalk to their sit spot as much as possible and gradually befriend a bird or other animal.
For the rest of the afternoon, both groups (separately) played a FD iconic favorite, Hawk and Bird, a game that gives students a glimpse into the lives of songbirds and teaches them some calls.
—Theresa, Alana, Mary, Chris, and the counselors, April 17, 2021