In 1980, Dan Millman published a book called The Peaceful Warrior. It's a wonderful story about a young man who meets a very powerful teacher and drastically changes the trajectory of his life. The teacher is a gas station attendant. The protagonist is a highly successful college athlete. Early on in the book, there is a scene where the young man gets frustrated with his teacher. In anger, he shouts, “what do you know? You're just a service attendant!” The teacher, incomplete calm, responds, “there is no higher purpose than service.”
It is only fitting and proper that the Fire Stalkers begin their Four Shields journey with a service outing.
We began our day by meeting in Stubbs. It was a long way out to our destination of the South Fork of the Nooksack River. We decided to take the only slightly longer scenic route along Lake Whatcom. It proved a good choice, as we got there just in time and got to enjoy the ride out. In the bus we discussed, first and foremost, the Four Shields program and what that means for our group. We considered what major things come in fours: seasons, directions, life stages, survival needs, and more. We talked about changes and new offerings 
for the program: the EMA track, informal skills gatherings, new scheduling options, learning from other skilled community members, and visions for the summer. We heard from each other about their needs and visions, and concluded that we would craft the program around them.
for the program: the EMA track, informal skills gatherings, new scheduling options, learning from other skilled community members, and visions for the summer. We heard from each other about their needs and visions, and concluded that we would craft the program around them.
When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted by an absolutely amazing day. Before meeting the others, we circled up and brought our attention toward the day. We started with the question, why do you do service? Is it important to you? It was a genuine question with no right answer. The answers that did come forth were
inspiring, enlightening, and honest. We then turned our minds toward the art of service and how it can be enjoyable all the way through. We handed out jobs and deepened our engagement with these tasks by having special assignments to keep throughout the day.
inspiring, enlightening, and honest. We then turned our minds toward the art of service and how it can be enjoyable all the way through. We handed out jobs and deepened our engagement with these tasks by having special assignments to keep throughout the day.
We then met the rest of the group just in time for the opening meeting. The organizers thanked us and got us already to help out this vital artery of our landscape. As we prepared, we witnessed salmon jumping, reminding us of why we're doing what we're doing. With bags, gloves, grabby things, and buckets, we began our walk along that expansive riverbed. It was inspiring to see how little trash there was. But it was not absent. We definitely made a difference. 
As we walked, our bags filled up little by little. We made some interesting discoveries on the way, noting the many plant and animal inhabitants of this riverside. Toads, beavers, coyotes, deer, and many interesting plant species greeted us. Of course, it took some tracking skills to see the coyotes and deer. This Explorer looks forward to a time when we can take a glance at a patch of sand and see an entire story.
As we walked, our bags filled up little by little. We made some interesting discoveries on the way, noting the many plant and animal inhabitants of this riverside. Toads, beavers, coyotes, deer, and many interesting plant species greeted us. Of course, it took some tracking skills to see the coyotes and deer. This Explorer looks forward to a time when we can take a glance at a patch of sand and see an entire story.
We took a moment for a game of Hide!, followed our curiosity here and there, but maintained our overall focus on helping out the river. Toward the end of the day, we made a final push and managed to haul back some rather large discarded items. We also discovered some neat little ecological niches, including trapped smolt and an overhanging cottonwood that make for great climbing (with safety considered, of course.) After a full day of service, we took the last 20 minutes to sit and just be there without doing or changing anything. It was an opportunity to just appreciate the land, which we had done our best to help. On our way home, we stopped by The Everybody
Store, where we were appreciated by the owners. They cooked up a delicious feast for us and all the other volunteers! With a few games under our belts and some satiated appetites, we piled back in Stubbs and miraculously made it back almost on time!
Store, where we were appreciated by the owners. They cooked up a delicious feast for us and all the other volunteers! With a few games under our belts and some satiated appetites, we piled back in Stubbs and miraculously made it back almost on time!
Much thanks to all the people who helped with this service project. Much thanks to the organizers and The Everybody Store. Much thanks to the parents for your enduring support. Much thanks to you Explorers for stepping into the great purpose of service!
Be sure to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.
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