Bravo Team has a diverse mix of characters and each week we get to know each other better through time, activities, and challenges.  After yet another Small Craft Advisory from the National Weather Service, we made a land-based plan to keep Bravo Team engaged.

A visit from Holly Kays and Robert d’Arcy of Schooner Martha Foundation let us know of the opportunity to crew aboard Martha for the Friday night Port Townsend Sailing Association White Cap Race Series starting in April.  Additional events include the Tacoma Parade of Sail and a Ship to Shore event in British Columbia in June.  Schedules were passed out and questions were asked and answered as each student considers this opportunity.

The Purple Martin Birdbox building project is continuing progress as we hone in on a date – Sunday April 23rd, consider the building list details for the donation letter, and make more plans for publishing the Bird Zine (we’re looking for a Zine name if there are any suggestions out there).  After all this talk in the classroom and with the sun a’shining, we headed outside for some activities at the Pt. Hudson #4 Day Marker where we are planning on putting our birdboxes.

First was an initiative called Flip the Tarp where the group was challenged to stay off the gravel, work together to flip the tarp they were on, and a few members of the group lost their ability to speak.  The team was successful after making a plan and safely executing it.

Next was an initiative called Hot Sand Crossing.  Two lines were set up and the rules were given that all members of the team needed to be connected, they needed to cross the starting line and finish line at the same time, and only 9 feet could be touching the ground.  The first round was successful!

The next round proved more challenging with the same parameters except only 7 feet could be touching the ground.  Quickly the group brainstormed and after some unsuccessful attempts, Bravo Team showed true grit to accomplish the task at hand.  In the debrief many conclusions were shared:  leadership is a responsibility to the larger group, leadership is as much about listening as it is speaking, and sometimes the planning phase is the most important part of the successful execution of the plan.  The photos show much laughter as well!  🙂

The tools borrowed from the Port of Port Townsend were more than adequate as we dug some test holes to sample the soil near Nav Marker #4 for our Purple Martin birdboxes which will be buried at least 3-4 feet.

Our snack, moment of silence, naturalist report and pumping out of Dorjun and Townshend from the recent rain were the last tasks on our list before we headed back into the classroom to finish up any details for the week.  High tides shared (favorite moments) by students: digging holes, the group challenges, much interest in sailing on Martha, and the sunshine.  Low tides shared by students: the small craft advisory and not going out.

We will be continuing journey skill-building and planning as well as environmental project planning as the year continues.  Thanks for following our progress.  If there’s any interest in helping with the Purple Martin birdbox project or donating materials, please contact Sonia Frojen at: sonia@nwmaritime.org for more information.