January 17-19 Winter Overnight Clove Road

Saturday began cold. The snow was light and deep. There seemed to be a mountain of gear.

When all had arrived, we formed ourselves into two facing lines. On one side were 13 boys. On the other were 13 mentors, uncles and fathers. Some of these men had traveled from out of state to be present. A line was drawn in the snow before the boys. Because of the demands of winter, we asked the boys if they would be willing to make a commitment to leaving their old habits behind and adopt a new way of being. Stepping over the line was the sign of this commitment. In unison the boys stepped forward. Now we could begin

The oldest of the boys were requested to stand aside. There was a deeper commitment awaiting them–an unknown future. They were asked by Tama if they would be willing to risk more of themselves this weekend; if they would be willing to place the needs of the group before their own needs. Charles reminded them that concurrently the well being and success of the group depended on each assessing and clearly expressing their own individual needs. Two seemingly opposing ideas. They were invited to hold these two invitations, this paradox, as they journeyed together into the coming nights. All were willing. They shouldered their packs and crossed the meadow towards the bridge.

The larger group formed a circle. Will Sloane agreed to lead us in gratitude. Talli helped guide him in the process. This circle was the first of many circles. Here we introduced principles and practices for being safe and comfortable in the cold. We also introduced an awareness trigger: lemons. It comes from the three lemons of a slot machine–not good. Recognizing that ‘trouble’ is rarely a single event occurrence, but is usually a culmination of several small consequences, such as cold feet, inappropriate foods, inadequate clothing, and dependence on fire for warmth. A bigger lemon might be leaving camp without telling anyone where you are going or breaking through the ice and getting water in you boots. This gave us a language of and context for evaluation: “Does anyone have a lemon?” This gave us a tool to monitor and track our well being before ‘trouble’ was allowed to take hold. With this understanding we could now move out onto the land.

Thankfully and thoughtfully one parent dropped off some plastic sleds for moving provisions. Moving slowly (perspiration is a lemon) we arrived at our camp.

We gathered in the lodge and a hand drill produced a coal. We lit our first fire. We had shelter, fire, food and water, a commitment to principles and practices, a language of assessment, and the active support of each other. We were ready to begin.

Our first adventure was to divide into small groups and enjoy the mysteries of tracking in the snow. Four groups ventured out and one group of men stayed back to prepare our evening meal. (We needed to eat early before the light was gone.) Each group followed their own chosen mystery, with the understanding that they would be asked to tell the stories of their experiences in the lodge that night. We understand that the slow steady movement of tracking maintains body temperature. The snow holds immense information about the identity and movement of animals: tracks, gaits, behavior, territory, food, etc. Trailing adds greatly to our mental map (spatial imaging) of the land. Story telling supports the retention, assessment and organization of information, self confidence, a sense of shared experience (group unity), and is the basis of creating culture together. It is a powerful and gentle teaching tool.

By the time the light began to weaken, we heard our ‘crow call’. It was time to return, but it was difficult to turn away from the amazing stories written across the land: fisher, fox, owl, and vole. It was a wealth of naturalist information that we could have mined for days. Back at camp the fires were burning bright (we had a separate, outside fire for cooking) and the food was hot. As we waited for our meal we heard singing and saw another fire in the distance. The other camp was singing ‘yoi-oh-way-ha’. When they finished we sang back across the darkening field. Before our meal we gathered in a circle around the fire and gave thanks for creation. Then we ate and ate and ate. The stews, meat, bread and butter had a high content of caloric fat–our fuel for the night. There were no sweets. Well satisfied, we arranged our sleeping bags and such in the lodge. All packs and gear not needed for sleeping were left outside under tarps. It was crowded inside. Snow was in the air.

Keeping the fire strong and clean in the lodge required attention and understanding. A smoky fire quickly filled the lodge and at best only the lower four feet of air was smoke free. But the fire gave us light and kept the cold from descending through the smoke hole. We were warm together and a magical time lay before us. In a life rhythm a-tune to the seasons, winter slows our pace and opens us to the story, the song, the craft, the guest. During these nights we could be together in a way that is not possible in a day gathering. Time for us had shifted and we dropped into the timelessness of the fire.

Stories can be many things and suit many purposes. We want our stories to be of value to each other, a gifting of our experience. With this intention we told the story of a boy growing up in a village where the salmon run. One day he was absorbed in his experience of watching the salmon and found himself swimming in the waters away from his village toward the sea. There he roamed and fed until he felt again the river’s pull, the call to return to his place of birth. Swimming by his village he was speared by his father and laid to dry in the sun by his mother. He had returned as food for his people. This is the story we hunger for. By the light of the fire each group recounted their tracking experiences. As the information was shared, we asked questions designed to lead the boys into a deeper understanding of the land and its messages. One of the youngest boys was unanimously awarded an owl feather for the wealth of useful information he had gathered.

Not quite ready for sleep and wondering how the other camp was fairing, we decided to visit. After some discussion we settled on an approach. We walked quietly in single file to the edge of their camp, beyond the reach of the fire light. There we stopped and sang ‘I oon ma poo’, which translates as ‘I see the beauty of all the stars in the universe reflected in your eyes’. They responded in kind and then we sang together before walking into the light of the fire. What we saw was very inspiring. The boys had built a long, low lean-to of poles and pine bows, covered with ice and snow. The side walls were built of sticks and snow. The ground of the shelter was covered in a mat of grasses upon which rested their sleeping bags open to the fire. This accommodated the six boys. Tama and Josh each had their own set-up near by. The temperature was around 10 degrees F and snow was imminent. The boys told of their efforts in building their shelter and we sang another song together. We parted with both a great admiration for their adventurous spirit and for our warm lodge. Upon return we settled for the night. We watched the fire and listened to the snow fall. Peter read the first half of the journey of Crow and Weasel. The fire slowly faded and we slept.

Two men were up before the dawn reviving the cooking fire. It was still snowing, adding to the the fresh 3 inches that covered our camp. With fire we melted snow, made coffee and prepared hot cocoa for the boys. Soon they were up and sipping on the hot buttery drink, warming and moving in the growing light. Before breakfast and as the cooking began, we sent all the boys and non-cooks out to their sit-spots for a morning sit. When they returned the food was ready. After giving thanks we tucked into bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, butter, oatmeal and hot liquids. Fuel for the day. After breakfast we gathered by the large white pine and marked with ceremony the commitment that was completed this day. Will Sloane returned to the tree the limb he has been carrying and received a new name. We sang ‘By this tree I sit”. Then we packed some lunch and moved out for a day’s wander.

We soon found a ‘kill-site’ where a mammal had died and became encased in ice. Predators had partially excavated the animal–there were many tracks of many species–yet most of the well rotted creature lay under the thick ice. With an axe some of the men attempted to free the animal for identification–in vain. Meanwhile the boys cleared off the creek and were sliding on the ice.

Eventually it was time to move on. Not hearing the request to move on one of the boys continued and consequently fell, smacking his forehead on the ice: two lemons (awareness and falling). Not too much further along our lead man broke through the ice. His good boots kept his feet dry. He called a warning, yet the boy how slipped on the ice stepped forward and stepped through the ice. When he pulled his foot out of the water his boot was missing. Talli retrieved the boot. When we removed his wet sock there was a cotton sock underneath: three more lemons. That made five lemons and we had to have two of the men quit the walk and carry the boy back to camp. This was a clear example for the others that we needed to be aware and travel with care. Nature Is, and the consequences are real.

Our journey took us through many other beautiful, wondrous and challenging situations.

Finally our energy was waning so we stopped, made a fire and ate. Charles read the poem by Robert Service, The Cremation of Sam McGee. We disappeared our fire and split the group with some returning to camp and others venturing on to Toby’s Cave, where we found the older boys playing on the slope. We hid and watched them for a while, then climbed up and into the cave. Eventually we returned to camp, tired yet full from the day.

It was a good time to dry socks and gloves. Some of the boys got the lodge fire going and began the drying process. Others helped with fire wood and dinner. When we were all fed and warm we entered the lodge. It was time to share our stories of the day. Charles offered a skull as a gift for the most nourishing story. At just that moment two of the older boys arrived to escort Charles to Toby’s cave. They walked into the darkness, across the fields and into the hemlock forest. Up on the mountain side fire light glowed from the mouth of the cave. They entered and Charles shared a story. Back in the lodge something else quite remarkable was unfolding.

*******
PETER HERE. A piece of the overnight that really impressed me was the second night in the lodge where a number of the younger boys and some of the men gathered after the full day of hiking through the snow and sliding on the ice. The lodge can be smoky depending on the subtle configurations of the fire so everyone tends to stay low and back away from the center, wrapped in blankets on sleeping pads — but not too far back because the it was 15 degrees outside and the fire was throwing heat. The effect is a circle of people riding the edge of visibility, you know where they are by shape and voice and you can see faces when the fire is high or flaring up, but mostly the group tended to remain in soft shadows.

The night is a time for the boys to tell their Story Of The Day which we have been practicing somewhat as a group for the past few times we’ve met. Before we began, Charles pulled a skull from a yogurt container and held it up toward the fire so it could be seen by all — this was going to be the prize for the best story.

The older men spoke first, going around the lodge in turn, telling about what made a story good: specific detail, humor, brevity, surprises, decisions or choices having to be made, imparting knowledge that makes the listener feel smarter, hearing how the storyteller was changed by an event or moment. These were qualities in a story that ‘fed’ the listener.

The boys told their stories in no particular order and there tended to be two types of story: the most popular was the linear unspooling sequence of events. It began invariably with how it felt getting out of the sleeping bag in the morning and then proceeded with a moment to moment (to moment) account of everything the day offered. Yes, this was as difficult and tiresome to listen to as one could imagine — except for a few important things: this was a time for each boy to express themselves, express themselves at length and uninterrupted and whatever it was they were saying was simply accepted, received and considered by the group, unchallenged and uncorrected. When else in the life of a boy does this ever happen?
It was also interesting to hear where the emphasis was for each boy, what landed about the day and what didn’t. (That morning Will Sloan was at the center of a ceremony where he received the name Carries White Pine and the only boy to remember/acknowledge/speak about it was August.) Paying attention to what they say and don’t say helps us (as uncles) understand who and where they are. I realized halfway into the third story of this type that these plodding ordinary epics (that sometimes feel as long as the actual day they’re speaking about) are not about the day, they’re about the boy and therefore valuable.

The other type of story was the single event. Only two boys chose this route and both stories ended on a moment of self-reflection. They were succinct and brief, came to a point and offered a breath of fresh air in a lodge, smoky with rambling details.

(Side note: Liam appeared and told his story of why he wasn’t able to be with us for the overnight — and he even took the bandage off his hand and showed everyone his horrible pus-y infected wound. I think if a vote were to happen among the boys right then, Liam would have walked away with the skull. He left after his story).

Then began the process of choosing who should get the skull. Talli put forward the idea that instead of a democratic vote among the men, that we go around the circle and each speak to who should get the skull and why — and then keep going around the circle until we were all in agreement. The boys were invited to listen but not participate.

Three boys rose to the top in the first round as contenders for the skull: two who had self-reflection (Ihor and Karl) and one with an events-of-the-day type story (August). By the third spin around the circle, the boy with the clear majority had fallen behind and the other two gained support evenly — no obvious winner was emerging. What was happening was a growing discomfort with having to single out a winner. Acknowledgment that all the stories had merit popped up and a few men started throwing their votes to Larry — and Larry and Rolando as a team: as the oldest in the group, they should make the decision. By the fourth round there was growing support for the idea that the top three boys should share the skull and by the sixth spin around the circle consensus was reached . Remember, there were eight men each speaking his mind each time around the fire.

We arrived at the decision that all the stories were important for different reasons. There was the suggestion that individual ownership is a practice that doesn’t necessarily serve a group (especially ownership of a skull that really has only one true owner) therefore the boys would share the skull, pass it from person to person over the weeks left of Track and Sign. Enjoy it while your have it and then let it go.

This decision making process was not easy and was not quick. Attitudes shifted and minds were changed, but also the game began to change and different goals emerged. The larger threads that were being spun: How to make a decision, How to check in with the ideas of others, How to trust a process and not focus on a conclusion, How to listen — all these elements resonated that night.

This was a pretty full night around the campfire — and there wasn’t a scary story or marshmallow in sight. — Peter

***

Dawn approached and the fires were rekindled. The snow collected, the water boiled and the warm drinks were prepared. This dawn found us with a little less energy, our feet a little colder and our gloves stiff with ice. (Had we stayed we would have needed to devote the day to drying and resting a bit.) After our cocoa and coffee those not cooking went to their sit spots to take in the glory of the day. After breakfast we packed up the camp and prepared to depart. At this point the boys met with Talli and while the men walked to the stream for a dip.

TALLI HERE:On Monday around mid-morning I sat with the skull in my hands about thirty feet from where the seven youngest boys were standing. Every so often a boy would glance over in my direction and I would beckon him to come sit beside me. One by one they came over and the skull was passed around silently to be held, observed, and scrutinized.
“You gave the decision of who would have the skull over to your elders and they’ve decided that it is best that you all share it. Now is the time to come to an agreement around how, and when it will be passed between you.” I suggested that we go around in a circle speaking our ideas, waiting silently holding an openness for our ideas and opinions to be changed by what we were hearing from others until it was our turn to speak. We’d go around like this until a plan was made that everyone was happy about. It was difficult at first to hold onto our excitement and eagerness to share our thoughts, however as we relaxed into a listening silence there was a pleasure in hearing our brothers fully and having the space to express our ideas and have them be received.
There was a strong sentiment in the group to keep the time a boy would care-take the skull unset. This came from the wish for everyone to have ample time to experience and delve into the mysteries offered by the skull. Eventually, however, it was seen that it would actually be more supportive of learning and inspiration to set times we’d all gather together to discuss what has been learned and pass the skull on with everyone’s support and intention. There was also the idea of specific learning tasks that would be assigned by the group to the holder of the skull at each pass.
It was decided there would be a meeting and a pass made at each Track and Sign. At each meeting the story of what has been uncovered is to be shared, they will decide on the next task, and, based on who feels most called, the skull will be passed on to the next boy.
After going around speaking and listening for some time we started to get fidgety. Our bodies were telling us we needed to move! We all got up and did a quick shake out, getting our blood circulating and letting go of the jitters. Then we sat back down to finalize our plan.
There were only two more questions to be answered; what would the first task be and who would be the first boy to receive the skull. “The Name!” was the obvious answer to the first. Who is this being who’s solid essence we’re holding and passing among us? Knowing the name will be a gateway to it’s habits, diet, habitat, personality, tracks/trails, signs, and its role in its ecosystem, all coming together to give us a precious glimpse of what life is like through its eyes.
But we weren’t content with simply knowing the common name, no way. The first task was to discover the common name, the Latin name, and those features that distinguishes this creatures skull from others like it.
“Who feels really excited and inspired to be the first to care-take the skull?” I asked. Immediately Owen raised his hand, “I do!”"How does everyone feel about Owen being the first to care-take the skull?” There was a chorus of “Great!”s “Awesome!”s and “Really Great!”s. “Well alright.” I said. The children had spoken.
In our circle we found a way for everyone to receive the gift of the skull, explore the mysteries surrounding it, and experience support from their brothers through it all. However, more importantly I think, we had an experience of decision making where everyone’s individual voice was heard and honored while maintaining focus on finding a solution that worked for everyone. What incredible power will these boys have as they carry into the world the value of honoring each person’s voice and grow into the skills needed to realize it?
– Talli

********

At the stream the men were joined there by the older boys from the survival camp. Rolando graciously opened the ice with an axe to allow us to enter the water. Drying in the morning sunshine was a perfect ‘last act’ to a rich and wondrous winter weekend. We gathered our things and headed back to the meadow. There we met with the arriving families for our closing circle.

January 4, 2009 Clove Road

December 14, 2008 Clove Road

November 23, 2008 Kuceras’ Land

PETER HERE: There is a story I heard about a great tribe who lived peacefully, had all the food they needed, all their needs were met.

One day, the leader of this great tribe was sitting by the fire with some of the Scouts in the tribe watching the lake when they all began to notice that one of the children of the tribe – Pine Cone — was having trouble with the canoe. It was too big for him, he couldn’t control it very well, he didn’t know how to use the paddle – and as the wind began to pick up, Pine Cone struggled to get the canoe to the shore but for every forward stroke the canoe went backward two. There was a storm coming, the clouds
were big and dark in the sky and you could see that Pine Cone was getting tired and his canoe was blowing farther and farther out. The fear was that he would go so far, he would not be able to come back.

The leader of this great tribe said: “You know, I think our elders need new moccasins. The moccasins they have will not keep their feet warm in the snow. Today we must begin making new ones and line them with Rabbit and then our elders’ feet will be warm and toasty this winter!”

Far, far out on the lake, Pine Cone, exhausted, had stopped paddling altogether and the wind was so strong it blew the canoe over and Pine Cone was dumped into the water. Help! He screamed but went under the water. The scouts erupted, ran down to the shore. the strongest jumped into their canoes and paddled out to him, “I knew that was going to happen”, they said.

They got to Pine Cone and were able to pull him out of the water, but he had a ten day fever after that and for the rest of life had no hearing in one ear.

Another time, the scouts were sitting with the leader and they watched Little Acorn — who was 6 years old — climbing up into a white pine tree and climbed high to the very top — he was a fearless climber. And the scouts watching him knew that from the top he would be able to see the whole lake and beyond the lake and also a spectacular sunset. The scouts also wondered why he stepped out on a branch away from the trunk. Didn’t he know?

“Little Acorn is high up there” they thought to themselves. “Are we concerned?” they wondered. “He’s going to fall.” They worried. And they looked to the leader. And the leader said “I found a huge new patch of dogbane beyond the maples. It is a little farther to go but it is worth it because there is so much of it and we will need strong cordage this winter.”

And while he was talking there was loud CRACK of a branch breaking and Little Acorn disappeared into the tree and there was the sound of him falling through the tree, hitting the branches and yelping and hitting the
ground and trying to get up but sitting back down again.

Little Acorn had broken his leg and hurt his back and for a very long time his back caused him a lot of pain and was never comfortable lying down again

The Scouts began to talk among themselves that the leader didn’t seem to be paying attention. The Scouts talking among themselves kept saying that the leader didn’t seem to notice. The Scouts talking among themselves kept grumbling that their leader could have done something – and didn’t!

The scouts confronted their leader one night and said “You have failed us as a leader”
“I have failed you?”
“Yes, you are not leading us and our people are getting hurt.”
“Who is getting hurt?” The leader asked?

One Scout stepped forward and said “While Pine Cone was on the lake you were talking about your moccasins!”
The leader asked “Well, what should I have done?”
The Scout said “you should have gone to the shore and said ‘that canoe is too big for you’ and gone out in the boat with him and showed him how to paddle and not go in circles by making a “J”. And how to use the wind. You could have called him in sooner, you should have seen that he was in trouble and got in your canoe before it was too late and guided him in. If you had he would not have gone out so far, he would not have tipped over, he would not have had the ten day fever and he would still have hearing in both ears.

Another Scout piped up “And what about Little Acorn? Up in the tree while you were talking about dogbane and cordage.”
“Well, what should I have done?” asked the leader?
The scout said “You should have told him to come down sooner. You should have said that the branches of the White Pine aren’t strong at all, they snap right off, and when you’re so high in a tree you have to stay close to the middle and always keep one hand on the trunk. If you had, he would not have fallen and he would be able to run and play capture the flag instead of sitting all the time in pain.”

And the leader stopped chewing on a black birch twig for a moment. And then finally said ”I have failed you as your leader. Here we are a great tribe. We’re at peace and the land provides all we need. And my great Scouts,who see everything, who sometimes even see what will
happen, saw what needed to be done, and did nothing. I cannot be the leader in every aspect at all times. When you see the path clearly, then you must lead.”

And this is the story I heard.

Dear Parents,

Our gratitude to the Kuceras for hosting this Track and Sign on their beautiful land. We enjoyed the south-facing woodland edge for our camp and the bounty of oak leaves for our shelters. Thank you!

We opened this day’s Track and Sign with a fire and a talking circle. It was a time for us to reconnect with the many events of our last gathering. Liam, with the assistance of Kole, produced the fire; Luka and Daniel tended. Joining our circle were David Kucera and Michael Gaston, each for 1/2 day; and Patrick Draper (University of the Wild), who was one of the instructors at this years AoM Teen Rendezvous. We missed David Soberman.

Our circle opened with a song and then a story. Talii led us in the Spirit Lifting Song. Twice we sang the four rounds. It was a good way to begin–opening our hearts, inviting unity and stimulating our breath. Peter told a story: one of a tribe, their chief and their scouts. The story described the scouts as deferring to the chief in times of urgency. It called upon us to examine the balance of our interior king/warrior archetypes. Its message is one of personal empowerment. It is an exciting moment when we create our stories (our culture), stories that meet us where we are and guide us with a prescient image. The people are stimulated to look at life a-new and are nourished by the content. Peter did a great job in both the creating and the telling.

Our circle was then opened to exploring the events of our last T&S gathering: our experiences, lessons, questions. The boys were able to revisit what they learned from their efforts to boil water, make cordage and carve the intricate and sensitive stick configuration that is the figure-4 deadfall. Before we broke the circle we concluded with another song that supports our unity: yo-y oh-way hah!

Peter, Bosch and Talli worked with the younger boys in creating an excellent debris shelter for one person. Each shelter is tailor-made for the individual as sizing is critical. If it is too roomy then air pockets form and it gets cold. A large quantity of leaves is necessary to contain our body heat and sufficiently insulate a shelter against the cold. Because it requires a great deal of effort to collect enough debris for the shelter to function well, it’s nice to learn with the help of others. The guys did a great job and made an excellent shelter that was also beautiful–appealing to that part of us that loves a good pile of leaves.

After the shelter was complete, each of the boys spent time within soaking up the dark, quiet and warmth.

The older boys were making another version of the debris shelter: this one for a group. If you are many and don’t mind close company, a common shelter is more efficient to make, and all benefit from the heat of others. The principles of construction are the same: an internal frame covered in leaves; the interior stuffed with leaves. The frame needs to be strong and capable to supporting much weight. The endeavor is a bit of an engineering project and calls on the boys to make real choices, along with a sustained effort to collect the large amount of leaves necessary.

It’s one thing to make a shelter and another to sleep the night in a shelter you have made. This experience sensitizes one to the finer points of construction and sharpens ones attention to detail. A seemingly minor choice can have significant consequences in the cold or rain. Unfortunately, the boys didn’t have the opportunity to have this learning experience. (It was very cold that night.) Perhaps the spring or summer will offer them the opportunity.

Before our day was complete we took some time for our ‘sit spot’. The sun was low along the horizon as the day was waning. It was a perfect time to rest and reflect on our intense activity and monumental constructions. Afterwards we circled up for our Story of the Day. This is a practice that we are still developing. At first the tendency was to recount all the activities and events of our day–and the boys have done so with great fun and creativity. This all-inclusive approach, however, lacks the distillation of experiences into practical, usable information. We get all the events, yet without the valuable lessons contained in the experience. So we asked the boys to consider what has come to pass this day and share the lessons of their experiences. After discussing for a while in their groups they offered what sounded like a lesson list: these are the experiences and these are the lessons. What was lost was the narrative we understand to be ‘story’. (The pendulum swings…) Hearing their insights and understandings we know that they are incorporating their experiences. For us the question is: how can we offer the image of ‘story’ so that they can share in a way so that others can hear?

Luka was just back from the College of the Atlantic where he had been jumping into the sea each and every morning. (This day he even spent some time relaxing in the Kucera’s pond–watching his toes through the ice!) We asked him to share this experience. Over the years, Luka has learned to listen, to track his life events, distill them, and eventually incorporate them as new understanding. As he told his story of waking each morning to plunge into the chilling Atlantic waters and of the shifts in his perceptions of ‘cold’, he gently wove into the fabric of his narrative deeper universal images. Rolando then told of his one-time experience of accompanying Luka into the ocean; again folding in shared perceptions that we often find in our daily lives–fear, trepidation, release, joy, new understanding.

These stories fed us. They are food for the people and we were nourished by their words.

Feeling full and fat, we released our fire and closed our camp. (Thank you David, Paula, Cameron and Lia!) The sun had set and the temperature was continuing to drop. Our families were waiting. It had been a rich day and we were good tired. –Charles

November 9, 2008 Clove Road

Dear Parents,

The air and the land were still warm when we last gathered for Track and Sign (Nov. 9). Now the winds are reminding us of the coming winter, the coming time of snows and the possibilities of tracking in the snow.

We were missing Joey, Ihor and Talli, yet were joined by David Kucera, Josh Roberts and Ru Oarcea.

From our morning circle of gratitude and recognition we separated into smaller groups each with intentions and tasks. David, Larry, Liam and Ru started for our camp to work on the lodge construction. Peter, Bosch and Josh left with a group to continue their exploration of the trees. Rolando and Charles each led a group into a series of connected survival tasks centered on fire, water and food.

The two groups practicing the survival skills were temporarily divided. The seventh graders in this group were offered some principles in group participation. These included being aware of the groups Needs, offering guidance Invisibly (subtly), allowing and caring for an inclusive quality of Communication (speaking and listening), and leading by Example: NICE. The other subgroup was receiving a demonstration on how to remove the bark of of a white pine and fashion it into a container that holds water. When the groups rejoined each had something to offer the other. Their instructions were to cross the stream without using a bridge, make a fire, heat stones, boil water in a pine bark container, fashion a workable figure four trap, and make cordage from the plant fibers that would string a bow and shoot an arrow. The groups needed to develop a strategy that would keep them dry while crossing the stream. They needed to boil a carrot as a way to measurably purify water. Rolando gave teach group a small 15lb bow to string. Each group had 4 hours to complete the tasks. Here was an opportunity to experience their abilities to work together effectively. It was also an opportunity to synthesis various skills into a coherent progression and practice group organization and problem solving in resource procurance (getting materials) and allocation (how to use time and individual strengths).

While this was underway, Rolando came upon a freshly killed doe. It was gut shot by a bow hunter, wandered off and died near the stream. Liam and Ru came from the camp. Ru expertly accessed the situation and skillfully gutted the deer. They the brought it back to camp, where it was hung, skinned and the butchering began. Charles shared the information of the deer with Peter’s group. They soon arrived in camp and began preparing the meat.

At the same time, David and Larry (and later Liam, too) were carving mortise and tenon joints for the lodge structure. Their works is beautiful, tight and strong. Simultaneously Bosch, Josh and others are checking in with the two task groups, offering support and questions. The day was moving in a multi faceted flow of natural activity and engagement. At our camp we were a village–all male perhaps–yet at ease and enjoying the various tasks. –Charles

PETER HERE: Our group began with a return to the small grove of cedars, a place with which we’re becoming more and more familiar each visit. We used our leaf book as a reference to try to quickly identify all the species around us — though now that the leaves have mostly fallen, we’re challenged to look deeper. What is the shape of the tree? What is the bark like? How does it branch? And always we’re asking: what is this tree useful for?

Josh was with us. We spent a long time with a red oiser dogwood. They can be copsed for long, straight branches suitable for arrows or baskets and native peoples smoked the inner bark ceremonially. We returned to the Nannyberry and the Russian olive trees for tasting — and Josh used his machete for harvesting a throwing stick from the Russian Olive, White Pine and a Redcedar for comparisons. Which are the heaviest? Which are the best for throwing? We also investigated the roots of the nearby Oak, Pine and Cedar trees, digging up lengths of shoelace-thickness roots, pounding it gently and evenly against a log with a throwing stick to remove the outer layer. We discovered that this was an incredibly strong, flexible rope — easily obtained and very useful. We compared the different species — pine seemed to be the weakest but still useful. When they dry out they stiffen and become less strong.

Word came to us that the other group had found a deer, gut-shot with an arrow and dead between 6 and 12 hours. Ru and Liam had gutted it and dragged it back to the main camp area and hung it from a pine branch by its back legs. We watched as Ru and Josh expertly skinned and butchered the deer. Owen, Oliver and Will spent nearly two hours by the fire with a leg bone each, cutting off strips of meat for cooking, cutting away the tough white connective tissue (the fascia), having a tactile relationship with muscle, bone and tendon — they were laughing, surprised I think at how interested they were in what they were doing.

Toward the end of the day our clan dragged the remains down and away to a spot that felt right, away from the water. We placed the bones roughly in their proper arrangement and talked about the deer. We looked at its teeth and the points were sharp so we aged it between 1-2 years old. We didn’t know where it came from and we didn’t know where it was going , but for the short time it was with us, it was a provider of gifts.

Parent Meeting November 2, 2008

Dear Parents,

We had a great turn-out on Sunday night at Sarah and Will’s. Thank you Will, Sarah, Cosmo and Gil for opening your home and hosting us. The chai was wonderful!. And thank you Lisa for your time and support, input and effort in making this meeting possible. Thank you to all the parents for coming out and spending the evening with us as we talked about what’s happening in Track and Sign this season. This is a very special and busy time of year, within a busy and demanding time of our lives. We appreciate your commitment and interest. For those who were unable to attend and for our own reflection, here is a recap–our ‘story of the day’– of what was discussed.

We opened that meeting with a what we call the Thanksgiving Address. It has its immediate roots with the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Nation. (Here’s a link to a formal version:http://www.nativevillage.org/Inspiration-/iroquois_thanksgiving_address.htm.) Next we looked at a representative example of the boy’s intentions for the year, and talked a bit about our (mentor) intentions for T&S this year. We explored some of the shifts and changes that we have made in response to a larger group spanning a larger range of age and development. It was noted that the T&S group spans two stages defined by the onset of early adolescence. Peter, who has begun facilitating the experience of the younger boys, talked about activities and processes they were pursuing, one of which manifests as a beautiful book of pressed tree leaves complete with common and latin names. It is a part of a bigger mapping project–of the land and its inhabitants–employing wander, play and sensory connection to nature.

Another thread that we discussed was that of culture. Many of the activities of Track and Sign this season have been designed to foster and encourage our participation in the process and experiment of creating culture. Physical elements of this include the coup stick, spoon carving, an emphasis on crafts, the pressed-leaf book and the beginnings of a permanent lodge. All these are held by the forms of our social culture–morning circle, gratitude, seeing-and-being-seen, meals and cooking, sit spot, leadership consciousness and story of the day.

Two parents that had specific questions concerning the participation of their sons, both centering on social inclusion and interaction. For early adolescents, finding their healthy relationships with in the social is one of their primary tasks. This is, and will be, an important part of the process for all of us as we journey with these boys.

Another parent was curious about the topic of adolescent rite-of-passages and whether this is part of the intention of Track and Sign. We responded with the understanding that what we are doing in Track and Sign includes many of the preparatory processes that might be found in traditional adolescent rites-of-passage. It was suggested that a more complete form includes the full participation of the men, in addition to the involvement of the community as a whole–women, families, mentors, local resources, etc. An example of this–concerning the values and habits of work– was shared by two of the fathers. Peter and Charles clearly expressed their interest and willingness to work with the families of Track and Sign to develop forms and processes that would allow for a full blossoming of a culture of rite-of-passage. We believe that the structures, culture and processes of Track and Sign offer a good place to begin this exploration.

The evening passed and it was getting late. We shared some suggestions for parent reading and a few simple guide books that would be supportive for the boys. (I’ll list these at the end of the email.) We also wanted to include were two family practices in which parents can participate–sit spot and nature museum– that connect us to the experiences of our sons. Each of us can find a place outside where we take a few moments to sit and observe nature using our sensory awareness skills of ‘owl eyes’ and ‘deer ears’. This a powerful practice overtime that connects us in so many ways. Try it. You’ll like it! Making space in our homes for the beauty and wonder of nature as found in feathers, leaves, stones, nests, etc, creates a powerful basis for appreciation and knowledge. Combining a nature museum with guide books greatly excellerates learning.

Again, we thank you all for your interest and energy. We are very excited about the unfolding potential of Track and Sign and of our circle of families. We hope this evening was of value and always welcome your reflections, questions and concerns.

With Gratitude,

Peter Ferland
Charles Purvis
Rolando Negoita
Larry Brown

Books:
Field guides
Peterson guide to
eastern trees
wild edible plants
Sibley’s eastern birds
Elbroch’s Mammal Tracks and Sign

Nature and the Human Soul by Bill Plotkin (author of Soulcraft).
Contains the best (in my opinion) understanding and presentation of life stages–particularly helpful in understanding and supporting youth–also lots for us older folk!

Coyote’s Guide by Young, Haas and McGown
A teacher/faciltaotr’s guide and handbook to ‘coyote mentoring’–a very rich meal, indeed.

Clove Road October 26, 2008

Greetings,

We are so grateful for the spectacularly beautiful days we have been enjoying in Track and Sign. Sunday was…well, sunny and perfect in so many ways. It was an easy day to be out and we made the most of the opportunity.

We missed Karl and August, and David needed to leave early. Peter, Charles, Rolando and Larry were present; as were Talli, Bosch, and Liam.

Charles, Talli, Liam and Miardin had just arrived back from a week in Vermont where they participated in the annual gathering of the northeast Art of Mentoring. Charles led the boys Teen Rendezvous portion of the event. For the boys, Josh Roberts was lead instructor with Liam in support. Miardin was the youngest Rendezvous participant. Dyami and Sarai (of Wild Earth) were the lead instructors for the girls Rendezvous. Other AoM participants and facilitators from our greater community included August, Beth and Tui Generalli, Krista Orcea and her three children, Thomas Gallo, Peggy Jackson, Zena Nason, Paul Tobin, Wilton and Joan Duckworth (Epworth/permaculture), Bill Record and ……and I’m probably forgetting someone.

The Art of Mentoring is a major gathering of community leaders and wilderness educators in support of exactly what we are accomplishing in Track and Sign. To have so many participants from this community is very inspiring. Standing in our morning circle Charles opened with a message of greeting from the AoM community, a message that we are not gathering in isolation, but are a part of large, growing and interconnected international matrix of cultural regeneration.

We split into two groups for the morning. The younger boys went with Peter, Talli and Bosch. (See Peter’s journal.) The rest left the circle one at a time, fox-walking and in owl eyes. Fox walking is a quiet, relaxed stalk designed to encourage us to move slowly and mindfully. Owl eyes is a soft vision (unfocused) wherein it is possible to see (simultaneously) all that is in our view. These two practices support a quiet mind and allow a greater degree of presence, a deeper experience of the moment. We traveled this way to our camp site; one that we hadn’t occupied since last spring. It was a bit grown over. After a bit of fall cleaning, the boys expressed interest in making shelter. Knowing that good shelter requires good foundational support, we decided experience what that might ‘feel’ like. Making a human pyramid the boys had fun trying to stabilize themselves as a structure. Then the men volunteered to be on the bottom and the pyramid became more stable. Whatever is to built needs a good start, both structurally and energetically.

Several different ideas were volunteered for a design. Finally we settled on a structure we call a ‘mandan lodge’. (The Mandan people were a plains indian nation written about and painted by George Catlin, who lived with them for a while in the 1840′s. Smallpox eventually killed all the Mandan.) A mandan lodge, as we understand it, begins with four vertical poles forming a square around the center of the lodge (the fire) and supporting the roof. To orient the poles (and the structure) we needed to determine the cardinal directions. Although most were aware which direction is north–Kole had a compass. This allowed for a discussion and a decision about whether true north or magnetic north would be our reference. This then involved determining our degree of declination, or how many degrees true north and magnetic north differed from the perspective of our location. When this was complete we marked the spots and turned our attention to materials. Working with the possibility that humans, through our choices and in partnership with nature, can have a positive regenerative effect, we discussed the kinds and qualities of materials needed, their location on the land and ways in which we can harvest them with regenerative results. For the four central poles the boys chose red cedar because of its rot resistant qualities. Happily there were some dead red cedar trees nearby–overwhelmed by the maturing forest. We cut, felled and limbed them with a small hand saw, small axe and some rope. We moved them to our site and then needed to determine the exact location they would be out in the ground. Luckily for us, Larry is a master builder (of many houses) who showed us how to work with triangulation techniques to find the where we needed to dig the four holes. Simple digging sticks about 4 feet long and with flat tapered ends were fashioned and employed. Soon all the poles were sturdy in the ground–as perfect as could be. Beautiful.

While the older boys were digging, some of the younger ones continued identifying and pressing the leaves of trees they found–seeking a pressed sample from each species on the property. Two trees inspired a very close look. There was a question about one: was it a scarlet oak or a pin oak. Another seemed to be either roughleaf dogwood or alternate-leaf dogwood– the pith was white but so were the berries! Go figure. Later we got to look at the amazing book that these guys are making, with pressed leaves beautifully presented with their common and latin names. It is a very exciting naturalist inventory that we are looking to expand upon.

We concluded our day with sit spot and stories of the day. After our sit spot each had a turn to share their experience of the meditation. We then broke into two groups to work on presenting our recap of the days experiences. This is a great way to reflect and recount, helping us to distill the activities into deeper lessons.

It is very rewarding to look back on this day and see the early results of our intention to introduce processes that create tangible carvings, structures, books and more. The intention is to support experiential learning through the adolescent archetypal desire for skill and mastery, and, in the process, create our culture. This is something that can serve a regenerative world–and it is happening!

PETER HERE: The last time our group met, we started with a blindfolded journey to a cedar grove. This morning, without blindfolds, our first task was to retrace our steps and take the same route. The boys generally are so familiar with the land that this turned out to not be a challenge – though the water was high and most chose to find a narrower point to cross the stream (or test their balance on a long branch laid across as a bridge.) Some of the boys got their feet wet – which wasn’t an issue on what may have been the last warm day of Autumn – but is more serious as the temperatures drop.

After rescuing and studying some soft hairless baby voles from the dog Mika, we returned to the cedar grove where we centered our tree identification. We looked at the leaves we pressed last time — now mounted into a book with their common and Latin names — and we set out to find and identify more. The larger goal is to ‘document’ the land and gain a broader awareness of the tree species around us. These skills translate meaningfully to self-evaluation and evaluation of any place or circumstance – looking at the pieces and interconnections in depth for a greater understanding of the whole.

We rambled for a bit ending up in a part of the land that David had singled out as being cool for shelters. We broke into small groups and the task was: twenty minutes to build a shelter. Go! We knew they wouldn’t finish – the point was to dive in and then evaluate after. We moved as a group to each structure and each of the designers had to present their plans and discuss their obstacles. Which way is the wind blowing? Where are your materials coming from? What if there’s a storm? Is a bigger shelter better? The discussions were very valuable and I’m interested to see the structures next time.

Our group only met for a half day this time before rejoining the larger group.

–Peter

Clove Road October 12 2008

OUR DAY on Oct 12th held what seemed the last touch of summer. The day was warm and dry, with some of the trees still green. It was the perfect day to be out on the land, wandering and learning together.

Talli and Simon were both away, yet we (Peter, Rolando, Larry, Charles, Liam, and Bosch) were joined by Josh Roberts, Eli Cottingham and two fathers: will Sweeney and Chris Sheekey.

This day we rejoined with the land where we gathered all of last year. It felt good to be back on this land we know, love and have had so many experiences upon. Before we started we laid out a blanket where we placed projects that we have been working on–spoons, a pine bark basket, knapped arrow heads, etc. This is our project blanket and we hope to fill it each time we gather with our efforts and inspirations.

Our circle was large, yet we took time to greet each other fully. Larry led us in some chi gong animal forms and Liam led us in some strength exercises. Larry then led us in appreciation of this day, place and moment. We parted as three groups, one led by Peter, one led by Rolando, and the last consisting of the fathers and Charles. Peter’s group donned blindfolds to transition from the circle, across the bridge and on to the land. (Please see Peter’s account for the experiences of his group.) Rolando’s group moved upstream to a far corner of the property and Chas, Will and Chris crossed into the middle. The boys with Rolando were instructed to make long matches and were challenged to start them with a coal from the bow drill. The group quickly self-organized with some finding long match materials and 3 making a coal. (A long match is a fire transport technology, wherein a live coal is placed in a container holding punky wood.) The coal was placed in one long match which eventually generated coals for some 6 other long matches. There were a variety of designs employed. We, as facilitators, observed and enjoyed how efficiently and creatively the boys organized themselves and executed the tasks.

Meanwhile Chris, Will and Charles laid out a trail. It began with a small bag of fritos. From this beginning spot they dragged a log through the brush creating a subtle disturbance and a barely visible trail. Occasionally, they would stop to make some sign of a resting/camp spot–twislers (candy), beer can (tall), wood shavings (from a trap), and pages from a National Inquirer. After a bit Chas left the fathers and rejoined the long match crew. The fathers continued with their trail blazing and Liam joined them against the mountain. Chas asked the boys with Rolando and Josh if they had seen Will and Chris. Chas said they might be missing–some shady characters have been seen about–and that all needed to go to the place where they last were, to see if there might be any sign of them. The boys grabbed their long matches and we were off. We soon discovered the fritos and picked up the trail.

We followed this trail for the next two hours, all the while keeping the fires alive in the long matches. Sometimes we would loose the trail, but we would eventually pick it up again using a technique called ‘cutting trail’. At one point, along the base of the mountain, we lost the trail and wandered down hill where we found an amazing tom turkey kill. This we studied for some time, taking some feathers–excellent for arrow fletching. We rejoined the trail and finally came upon the ‘last camp’, a cold fire. We found Chris and Will amongst the rocky cliffs above. They joined us and the boys used their long match coals to light a fire. Then we sat in circle and reflected upon the journey and what we had learned.

We had a little time so we practiced making figure four traps–intricate, and delicately balanced kinetic sculptures that require a fine attention to detail and nuance.

Our sit spot time followed and concluded our day. We walked back together into the setting sun and through the falling leaves.

Peter, Bosch and their group were waiting in the meadow. We came together for our closing circle and reflected back upon our beautiful day.

–Charles

OUR GROUP began blindfolded. Bosch led us through the field to the river where we edged their way across the I-beam bridge. This wasn’t new to most of the boys and their comfort level with the challenge was high. Less comfortably for some, Bosch led us off the path, along a stream (and across it) and to a grove of cedars. Blindfolds are state-changers — they have an amazing grounding effect. They heighten senses, build awareness and encourage a comfort with the unknown.

We rested in the cedars where I described a quick history of the American Chestnut tree — its qualities as a resource for food and timber and its sudden elimination due to blight — though some disease-resistant chestnut trees still exist. I said there was a rumor some Chestnut Trees were in Clove Valley and if we could find this valuable tree then we could be a part of its resuscitation. This galvanized the boys and we began identifying and cataloging the trees around us and collecting samples in a leaf press made by Rolando. What tree is it? What is it used for? Can you eat the berries? We ate russian olives but not nannyberry. Some boys were tested — could they i.d. the tree by its feel?

Ever in search of the Chestnut, we moved to another area where we tested how waterproof our matches were by plunging them in the river. All our systems were successful for keeping dry — but one set couldn’t light a fire because it didn’t have a friction strip. We tried to come up with a strategy for using those matches to make fire.

We caught falling leaves for awhile.

We returned to our tree identification in earnest while also using Rolando’s curly knives to work on spoon carving. We pressed sugar maple, shagbark hickory and ironwood– cross referencing between Petersen’s eastern tree guide and Audubon.

We left our packs behind and spent the remainder of the afternoon in a casual ramble enjoying a perfect October afternoon. We had a game of Wise Old Owl, we put together a 5 Minute Museum. We explored the nest of a small tree dweller and the tracks of some turkey, deer and raccoon in a drying stream bed. We all climbed into a gigantic pine tree and discussed our “map” of the area: what we know is around us and how we know it. Going into a sit spot, I suggested they ask themselves if — while being blindfolded — they peeked. What did they see when they peeked, and what did they miss?

We crossed back over bridge (blindfolded except David) and waited to rejoin the others. It was a great day.

–Peter

Saunderskill September 20-21 2008

Our overnight began at noon on Saturday. Not everyone could arrive at that time, however. So we came together in shifts and waves until early evening and all were present. In the meantime the day was sunny and warm. Those who were here began to wander.

I had a coyote that I found along the road a few days before. It wasn’t in good condition and needed to be buried. This would be our first task–after we foraged for beech nuts and investigated claw marks on trees. We found a nice spot on a slop and buried the young coyote under a mound of stones. We acknowledged our connections and our purposes, honoring the spirit in all things, and left the coyote to go back into the earth.

Exploring our way down the wooded hillside we came into the shaded edge of the field. Here we discovered ground nuts growing and twinning up the goldenrod stalks (for more info on ground nuts: www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/458/). Digging and collecting we filled Owen’s pockets–he was the official ground nut carrier. We were hoping to roast them later for dinner. The field was buzzing, full of honey bees harvesting the pollen of the goldenrod. We worked our way around and came to two hives–some 60 to 70 thousand bees between them. We opened one up and saw the incredible activity within. The bees themselves weren’t too concerned with us. We moved on to the apple trees, sampling and feasting as we went. Eventually we landed in the garden. The peppers were ripe and the more intrepid inflamed their palates with little deep purple and long red chillies. Thank goodness for the cucumbers.

It was about time for the next wave of campers. Back at the house we gathered, drank lots of water, filled our water bottles and shouldered our packs. It was great to see everyone so prepared and well equipped, with their packs properly arranged and their hands free. The walk to camp took about 15-20 minutes. Once there we set about the business of fire and firewood. Four boys volunteered to attempt the bow drills. Almost instantly they created a coal. The fire wood gatherers had to move quickly to catch up. In no time a fire was burning and the camp was organized into two work crews–firewood and food–and one adventure group that began to explore the area. Rolando also introduced the craft of spoon making. He offered us some catalpa (for info on this tree: http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_casp8.pdf) blanks for carving and a set of hand forged ‘scooping’ tools to make the bowl of the spoon. This project occupied us the rest of the weekend–and beyond.

roasting ground nuts

Dinner was our stew, marinated venison cooked on sticks over the coals, roasted vegetables, bread, apples, cheese and whatever individual items the boys brought for themselves. After dinner the camp split, with a group of the older boys going in the dark with Rolando, Simon and Liam to a high rock area with a view of the Catskills. There they fell asleep watching the falling stars. Another group ventured into the darkness with Talli and Bosch. Without lights they moved on and off the trails through the woods to a pool on the stream where they immersed their faces in the cold dark water. Peter and Ihor also slipped out beyond the reach of the firelight. For the next 20 minutes or so they slowing worked their way back until they silently and unexpectedly appeared by the fire–quite well done. Meanwhile Larry and I were telling stories from our lives–stories in which we had become lost in the woods. Unbeknownst to us Rolando was telling a similar story from his life to the boys up on the rock. The common thread of these stories was the potential danger of our assumptions. In each case we assumed one thing when other things actually happened, getting us in life-threatening situations as a result. Adolescent boys make a lot of assumptions about their abilities and preparations needed (or not). We are wanting to expand their awareness of possibilities and the necessity of certain preparations–water, fire, skills, knowledge, etc–that will keep them safe in all situations. Stories are helpful ways to begin the process.

Camp revived again early in the morning and the boys returned from the high rocks. Breakfast was the compelling need of the moment, and it was a long moment indeed. We cooked for 2 1/2–3 hours: toads-in-a-hole, more venison and ground nuts (so delicious roasted with butter on a hot rock–wilderness home fries!). We were all struck by the naturalness and familiarity–cellular, ancestral–of community camp life–cooking, eating for hours, working on projects (spoon carving), exploring, and playing. When all were satiated we packed-up, cleaned-up, filled our water bottles and prepared to leave camp.

spoon carving

spoon carving

For the next hour or so we traveled a story. It is an all too typical story in many ways and involves the possible consequences of unconsidered assumptions.
We ventured up the ridge through unfamiliar territory. Occasionally we would stop and tell a part of the story wherein we are hiking alone. In the story the day starts out warm and sunny. We are working up a sweat (which we were) and are needing to drink lots of water. Who was wearing a non cotton shirt and had plenty of water, we asked. We assessed the group and moved on.
Distracted (which we were) by the abundant blueberries, we noticed that we had lost track of the trail and were not sure which direction was correct. We noticed that there looked to be a storm front on the western horizon. The temperature was beginning to drop. Who, we asked, could replace their cotton shirts with a synthetic or wool alternative? Who had layers, wool socks and a wool hat available? We reassessed and continued our journey.
Perhaps a bit over confident of our sense of direction we found ourselves in rough terrain that demanded all of our concentration (which was accurate). Despite our best efforts, however, we slipped and twisted an ankle–pretty sore, but we could manage for a while. Who, we asked, was carrying a compass and map? Who had material to wrap and support their ankle? Who had informed someone of their intended route, destination and hiking schedule? Who had something (whistle or mirror) to signal for help? In our new assessment some weren’t doing well at all.
As we limped along across the broken ground the light began to fade, the falling rain became sleet and then snow. We rested, but when we tried to rise our ankle was badly swollen and painful. We knew we couldn’t continue and needed to find shelter and warmth. Who, we asked, had water-proof matches in a water-proof container? Who in this group had, in the rain, harvested wood for and made a bow drill and had successfully gotten coals? Who had water-proof clothing? Bravado aside, only one in the group had water proof fire starting abilities.
As night deepened, only one had fire that allowed him to survive the night–the rest perished of hyperthermia and exposure.
Thus was the story we traveled.

Bear and Chicory

This year in Track and Sign one of our intentions is to support these boys in knowledge, preparations and strategies that will keep them safe in all situations. Our story was an introduction to this intention and is something we will revisit throughout the year.

packing up

We concluded our journey just below Hidden Pond. There wasn’t a lot of time so we played a brief game of capture the flag. Some explored the cave and cliff of the pond. Soon, too soon it always seems, we needed to go back. As the afternoon reached for evening, our natural instinct was to make another fire, cook, and settle in for the night and the matrix of community living in nature. But as it was we were already late. Happily, hungrily we rejoined our families. All slept well that night, I’m sure.

burning fours with packs

Saunderskill Track and Sign September 6-7, 2008

Often the most beautiful days follow the most exciting storms; and Sunday (Sept 7) was a beauty–clean and clear. Yet we might enjoy the sunny day all the more if we first inhabit the stormy night.

Although Sunday was the beginning of this years Track and Sign, six of the older boys gathered on Sat afternoon. It was their time to explore a particular journey in the throws of a turbulent warm storm. We began under the lee of tall crag at a campsite along the Saunderskill. The boys were joined by Liam, Bosch, Tama, Talli, Luka, Peter, Rolando and Charles. We set up tarps as the boys prepared to gather the ingredients of and make a fire using Liam’s bowdrill–not the easiest set around. Everything was damp and on the way to becoming fully soaked. We weren’t entirely assured that the guys could get a coal and were not looking forward to a cold dinner in the dark. Yet with persistence, openness to instruction, and a willingness to make adjustments, they succeeded. Still is was a close thing. As I’ve noted many times, fire makes all the difference–and especially in a hurricane! With the storm mitigated by the towering cliffs, protected from the rain by the tarps and warmed by the fire, we settled down to the business of fire tending and preparing our meal.

Because the boys did all the work of making fire and preparing the nights wood, they had a big stake in the camp and its sheltering comforts. So it was a wonderful testament to their flexibility and sense of adventure when they responded to our request to place their sleeping bag in a garbage bag, don their rain gear, fill their water bottles and prepare to leave camp without flashlights or food. Beyond reach of the fire light, beyond the tarps drip-line, the world was wet and the darkness nearly complete. The stream was rising, the stones slick and the footing unsure. It was an unknown world that we were about to enter.

Stepping from beneath the shelter into the surrounding trees we offered these words by David Whyte (from Everything is Waiting for You):

Sometimes
if you move carefully
through the forest

breathing
like the ones
in the old stories,

who could cross
a shimmering bed of leaves
without a sound,

you come
to a place
whose only task

is to trouble you
with tiny
but frightening requests,

conceived out of nowhere
but in this place
beginning to lead everywhere.

Requests to stop what
you are doing right now,
and

to stop what you
are becoming
while you do it,

questions
that can make
or unmake
a life,

questions
that have patiently
waited for you,

questions
that have no right
to go away.

We crossed the stream and walked into the near darkness.

The beginning of our journey was a bit confused–storm energy!–leading us off the path and into the slippery stream beds. The teens, separated but parallel, exulted in their journey and exploration of the night and its mysteries, yet for the boys this type of connection was impeded by their physical abilities. Relative to the teens, it was not easy going. Eventually we reorganized and traveled single file, alternating adult (or teen) and boy. Since we were traveling without the aid of flashlights (note: we carried lights, matches and first-aid kits), the leader called out information about the trail, such as, ‘Log, knee-high!’. It was passed down the line. This was fun and more enjoyable than discovering each obstacle alone.

Finally we made it to the cave at Hidden Pond (an appropriate name to us). Originally we thought this would be a dry destination, but there were a few persistent leaks making our refuge damp. We crammed in–all 14 of us–lit two candles and took a break from the storm. We knew that in the morning the boys would be taking a name for themselves, so we told a story about a fifteen year old boy, his experiences with a leopard, his dream and his new name. After the story we sat in silence and watched the flickering candle light play across our faces and those of the stone walls and ceiling. Outside the storm continued.

Inside the boys had a new possibility, a new choice: to sleep in the cave or to venture once again into the wet black night, returning to camp. Both choices were challenging, yet one known and the other not. Based on their own self-assessment of gear and comfort, each boy made his own choice. It was a split decision. Half decided to stay and half chose to re-enter the storm. We temporarily left the cave dwellers with Tama, Liam and Bosch–to be certain they were settled and ready. The rest of us retraced our steps back to camp. Because we were fatigued from the long distance and difficult traveling conditions, we took the aid of headlamps for our return. At this point Luka and Rolando needed to depart as they were driving Luka to school in Maine the next morning. The rest of us arrived to a completely damp and cold fire ring The wet had penetrated all. Luckily we had collected and dried a mound of hemlock twigs before our departure that easily lit and rekindled the fire. Soon Tama, Liam and Bosch appeared–soundlessly materializing at our sides. We settled down for the night wondering about the three in the cave at the top of the mountain. Just before I closed my eyes to sleep, I noticed two stars beyond the surrounding wall of trees–the storm had past.

In the morning we began preparations for breakfast while Peter and Liam hiked (about a 30 minute hike under blue sky) to Hidden Pond to collect the cave dwellers. They found them high on a cliff overlooking the pond, enjoying the spectacular Catskill views and basking in their glorious morning.

Beautiful Sunday.

Track and Sign II began under the full blue sky on a cliff above the Saunderskill. We gathered in a large circle around a small fire teepee. One of the older boys had carried a coal from the camp yet was unable to ignite the tinder. In any chosen endeavor there are moments of ‘success’ and their are those of ‘not succeeding’. Often in the happiness (or release) of a successful effort, we forget to revisit the lessons. A non-judgmental relationship with ‘failure’ allows the offered lessons to be incorporated. The momentary inability to light the fire with the coal is full of lessons for all who were present. One of the over-lighting messages in this moment was that we prize experiential learning over temporary success. This was not spoken, but it was lived in the circle, in that moment. The boys were then given some matches and–with just one–our fire was lit.

Peter welcomed us into the circle, welcomed us into the moment. Tama led us in an amazing song for the fire. A poem was shared. Larry Brown, who has joined Track and Sign, brought our awareness to all who are present, seen and unseen. Talli spoke of the process of giving ourselves a name. We rearranged our circle so it moved clock-wise from the youngest to the oldest. Our youngest was the first to be invited to choose a name for himself. For the younger ones, choosing a name can be prolonged process, yet it moved more quickly as the circle progressed.

Now had come the time to go to our packs and retrieve the sticks that were given on our last day in June. All summer the boys had been caretakers of these special pieces of wood. Each species chosen especially for each individual. I spoke that ‘now’ was the time when we would join our wood together in a new fire. Hearing this several of the boys slipped their sticks behind their backs-clearly unwilling to allow their wood to be burned. So with a knife I went to the first boy in the circle and shaved off a piece of his stick: this he could commit to the fire. He did so and passed the knife to the next boy, who did the same. Around the circle it went, each committing just a part of his (blessed) object to the fire of our returning. Two of the boys had lost their sticks and one had left his at home. For most, however, the wood was too important to let go.

The culture of the plains indians was steeped in the energy of the warrior. In those societies the highest expression of the warriors code was the act of ‘counting coup’ (european translation). Counting coup on an enemy was an act of touching him with a ‘coup stick’, rather than striking him with a weapon. This was considered the most dangerous and most courageous act possible of any warrior. It was a life-affirming, life-giving gesture, celebrated by the people and memorialized on the coup stick itself. We see now the opportunity to transform our simple stick into something more: into a living record of those moments when we have touched life deeply. So the wood becomes the blank slate, a possible record of our time together, and a process offered for an artistic expression of one’s most life-affirming moments. We told the boys to watch for those moments when they are feeling most alive. These are moments we want to record on our coup sticks. This practice of acknowledgment and expression is something we are seeking to develop over the year.

Concluding our circle, we ventured down to the stream where we would spend the rest of the day enjoying the water and the beautiful day. After lunch and swimming Bosch led some of the boys to place a log across the pool. This they traversed and sparred upon for hours, often plunging from the log into the water. Some of the other boys began making sculptures of stones, leaves, sticks and ferns throughout the stream bed. Some balanced stones. Some ground soft colorful stones to make body and face paint. Some just explored the surrounding woods. Tama and I were joined by a group of the boys as we skinned a gray fox. We were able to establish the main field marks (such as a black-tipped tail), track characteristics and what it had recently eaten (cherries).

Towards the later part of the afternoon, Liam organized us into groups for a fire-making competition. All did well, got their fires and disappeared any trace of their existence. After this it was time to head back. We did so with a sit-spot along the stream. Liam placing them along the way. Talli collecting them some 15 minutes later. We walked back to the house where the parents awaited filled with the warmth and beauty of the day.