“A tool is an extension of the body”
-EC Motto
The beginning of this Spring season was an inspiration. The Indian plum leaves spread pale green over the landscape, the nettles pushed their way out of the dark earth, and surly robins bantered back and forth as we entered the 100 Aker Wood. Our vision: to explore the art of carving. The Vespula Veterans showed an eagerness to delve deeper into their skills without losing a baseline of enjoyment. And both were accomplished on this fine day.
Just as we gathered, the rain stopped, and it was the perfect time to meet and greet, then hear a little story. Do the Explorers’ remember the story? Here’s a hint: it was an almost unbelievable real life account of someone displaying true mastery in using a tool. Ring any bells? Here’s another hint: that person was blindfolded. So, with the inspiration of the story to start us off, we resolved to play a little game. Using nothing but tools (as extensions of the body), the Explorers had the challenge of trying to sneak some objects out of a circle without letting the blindfolded guardian detect them. Physical and mental problem solving, moments of tension, and many laughs ensued. The Explorers proved quite creative in their response.
So, then it was time to get into the Art of Carving. We 
gathered under the tarp and Drew pulled out some beautiful specimens of carving. We looked at the full scale of what could be accomplished, from the chopstick to the ornate statue, and considered the way skills are built over time. Pieces of cedar were then chopped and sawed (with the help of the Explorers), and we got into the principles. #1 is SAFETY. How we use our knives safely and skillfully. Safety and skill are revealed to be inextricable from one another, as we find that once we can skillfully use our tool, the safety risk dramatically decreases. So then techniques were introduced. The Explorers chose between carving a butter knife and a spoon, and they were off.
gathered under the tarp and Drew pulled out some beautiful specimens of carving. We looked at the full scale of what could be accomplished, from the chopstick to the ornate statue, and considered the way skills are built over time. Pieces of cedar were then chopped and sawed (with the help of the Explorers), and we got into the principles. #1 is SAFETY. How we use our knives safely and skillfully. Safety and skill are revealed to be inextricable from one another, as we find that once we can skillfully use our tool, the safety risk dramatically decreases. So then techniques were introduced. The Explorers chose between carving a butter knife and a spoon, and they were off.
This was, perhaps, the most focused skills day yet, as carving seems to be in the very nature of many boys at that age. Drew and Matt roamed about, giving pointers and helping here and there. Time flew, as it tends to when the hands are busily enjoying the act of creation.
As the time to leave drew nearer, some shivers became apparent, and it was clear that it was transition time. Nothing like a movement game in the woods to warm you up. We played a game of Raven steals the Fire, which actually came out as a draw. A rematch is in the making, so be prepared next time, Explorers. And be ready to do more carving as the season moves on.
Thanks so much to all the Explorers for your great work! Thanks to all the parents for your support!
Written by:
Matt Fogarty
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