With the creek rushing by, you're beginning to feel a very long way from civilization. It's raining softly, a bit of a disappointment given the forecast, but not really surprising given your location in the foothills of an area known for wet.
The setting is one of stunning natural beauty. A quarter mile upstream is the 139' Racehorse Falls, cascading energetically over four drops. Perhaps you've gotten your feet wet in the cold, clear, noisy creek; or you just absentmindedly tossed stones across to the alluring but unapproachable far side. The clouds brighten a little; the rain abates. Will the sun acknowledge your carving project?
A perfect time and place to talk about leadership, no? Based on their responses to the mentor's prompt (What are two traits of a good leader?), the Cave Dwellers are indeed ready to project themselves into the role of leader when given the opportunity. One theme that emerged from our conversation of leadership characteristics was that of teacher. This melded most excellently with our mottos for Saturday's outing: "We're all teachers." and, "The trail is the teacher."
Our attention to this topic was interwoven throughout our time at Racehorse Falls. After "de-bussing", we hiked the short but challenging trail that involved high-stepping over scores of fallen trees to the creek side site where we dropped packs and struck out to explore. We've had lots of rain; the creek was running high. Not long after our arrival, rain disavowed us of whatever fantasies we might be harboring about blue sky and warm sun. Ever confident that a good day awaited us, however, we harvested wood for skills work. Before long, Atl-atls,digging sticks and other objects were forming out of the raw material of creation that nature provides.
Learning to carve well, as with any skill, takes patience, persistence and focus - all leadership traits as well. After a while, the boys tired of their work and the rain eased; time to shift gears. Keeping with our theme, we played Guess the Leader a few times, then challenged your Explorers to look ahead to situations in which they could see themselves leading; the boys called out soccer referee, big brother and older classmate as situations in which they see themselves leading others.
A few years ago, these Cave Dwellers (then known as Raccoon Kits) weren't ready to sit on wet dirt and talk about heady topics such as ours this day. With age, experience and your good work, they're changing, literally before our eyes, into tomorrow's leaders. Tim and I are ever grateful for the opportunity to know your boys and observe the magic of this transformation.
Now we switch from exploration to service. Our next outing:
Sunday, April 23rd, 10:00am-2:00pm
Service: Boys E.C. Connelly Creek Restoration Site, Happy Valley Park
