We met at the parking lot for Lost Lake and spent a bit of time just getting to know one another. It is always fun to bring a new group together and realize just how many connections we have to one another. Besides being a brand new group, we also welcomed Willow as an EMA, and Ginna as a potential future intern. We discussed some of our important mottos: Safety First being paramount for the day as we would soon cross Chuckanut Drive and then be exploring on rocks and trails. We talked about our culture of exploring; It's about the journey not the destination, and how we share our needs and concerns with Let it Be Known ( or LIBK ). We did some animal yoga and snacked a bit and then headed off to the trail.
Our first intersection on the trail provided an opportunity to Collaborate and Compromise; a decision process where the girls work together, hearing everyone's voice and coming to a place where everyone is OK with the group decision. The decision might not always be exactly what one particular girl wants, and we asked them if they ever have to make a compromise at home... There is usually a lot of sighing and commenting!! Ha ha.
What is so beautiful about these girls though is that they ended up just playing at the intersection for 15 minutes or so; running up and down this little hill. Once they "wore that out" they were ready to move on.
As we continued down the trail we found the "dragon's spine"; a side trail that is steep to begin and then has a narrow feel to it. Another opportunity to practice Stretching Ones' Edge. We fully believe in Challenge by Choice; and each girl chose for herself which path was best for her.
Shortly after we found ourselves on a sweet patch of beach just north of the main Clayton Beach area, and it was time to explore. There was plenty to do: tidepools and scrambling, beach art and tree sitting, hanging out together and peaceful place.
We had such a fun day and the girls seemed like a "community" already. We are all so grateful you have decided to join us in exploring, connecting and serving.
The chickadee is like the watcher bird of the forest. When the chickadee sees something of interest it will call out chick-a-dee-dee-dee. And others come to look. We use this call in all our outings to bring attention to a cool friend in the sea, or the forest, or whatever we want others to see.
So, chick-a-dee-dee-dee......look at the rest of our photos of the day here.
