When you're 9 and you've got a very sharp knife in one hand, a block of wood in the other, and instructions on how to carve your very own wooden camping spoon, what's gong through your head is: "Don't cut yourself, don't cut yourself, don't cut yourself."
And that kind of smart-thinking while doing something outdoorsy and practical is great, says Natasha Downes, one of the organizers of the Boreal Explorers, Lac La Biche's group of Junior Forest Wardens.
The group, which is open for youngsters from six to 18, has been in full swing locally since September with regular meetings and projects, including a recent weekend campout in sub-zero temperatures at a Lakeland park where youngsters built their own shelter from ropes, tarps and trees.
Sure, it was cold, said Downes, but it was also a great learning adventure as two groups of youngsters spent the weekend learning how to use flint to start a fire, exploring trails and learning about trees of the boreal forest from their instructors. The groups also enjoyed campfire stories, as well as projects that taught them the safe use of their junior forest warden knives.
"Junior Forest Wardens is an outdoor-oriented program with an emphasis on the experience. The program is committed to providing opportunities to get outdoors, camping, backpacking, canoeing, mountaineering, tree planting and more," says Downes.
In the coming months, more outdoor activities are planned, including another winter camping experience slated for early in the new year.
The Explorers will be meeting through the winter, taking a break for the season next May. That's when new recruits can register, says Downs.
"Registration is now closed for the season. If people are interested they can email borealexplorers.coordinator@ajfwa.ca for more information. Registration is prior to October 15.