Welcome to Season 2023-24

Wonder-full Explorers + Wayfinders Community,

This year, Explorers Club (EC) is pleased to introduce three new EC groups and one new Wayfinder group to the program: the Beach Carrots, Coastal Strawberries, Sea-Watchers, and the Whatcom Wayfinders. Excepting the Wayfidner, these groups were named after a flower that grows along the Salish Sea. At the tail end of the season, we will be graduating the Alligator Lizards, Barnacles, Chanterelles, and Coyotes. Whether you are a new or returning member, in elementary or high school, mentors are so excited to start this next new adventure by your side. 

Throughout the year, we will explore hidden, wild places, learn the stories of this land and give thanks to those who have stewarded it for time immemorial, and practice many invaulable skills. We will each spend time connecting with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. Our journals will fill with reflections of days spent amid temperate rainforests, we will introduce ourselves to spawning salmon and Pacific wrens, and we will all play far too many games of Spiders Web. We will face challenges, discover hidden strengths, ask for help, meet new friends, and learn many wondrous, new things. As we move through the seasons, we will remember that We Are All Connected - as a human community, but also with the land, the sea, the sky, the forests, and all of the creatures that inhabit this beautiful world. 

A heartfelt thank you to every parent, caregiver, adult, childcare provider, guardian, family member, partner, and big sibling for supporting and caring for this community of Explorers. We cannot express enough gratitude for you in this foundational role and for also supporting Wild Whatcom’s mission of exploring, connecting, and serving. We are so honored to mentor and be mentored by your children. 

Stormie Romero, Explorers Club Manager, + the EC Mentorship Team

Feel free to contact us with any program questions or feedback. We are always learning and look forward to anything you think will help strengthen our community.

Important Reminders

  • Please read through all of this season’s program content on your group page. It contains important information for families and participants.

  • Be Prepared! Proper clothing and outerwear, enough food and water, and a big enough backpack go a long way in making for a fun and safe outing.

  • Please read over the Explorers Club Pack List. We encourage EC members to try and pack everything themselves. Learning how to pack and prepare is an important skill! with your Explorer and have them pack their own backpack.

  • Explorations can be DIRTY! Consider having an old towel and a sheet of plastic at pick-up.

Cost

Cost | Payment Plans | Scholarships

Explorers Club is a cohort-style mentorship program with two (2) Wild Whatcom Mentors. Volunteer(s) may also be present, including an Explorers Mentor Apprentice. Differences in cost across years is reflective of the increased nature hours provided in each subsequent season. Outdoor education and mentorship is provided from qualified, trained, and experienced Mentors for less than $20 per participant per hour of programming.

2023-2024 Season Cost

  • $795 - Explorers Club Years 1 - 6 (8 outings or ~40 program hours)

  • $825 - Explorers Club Year 7 & Wayfinders (6 outings and 1 overnight or ~55 program hours)

Payment Schedule (if needed):

  • Full payment or $35 (non-refundable registration fee) due at registration.

  • Minimum 50% of program cost paid by August 1.

  • Final program payments due December 1.

  • Payment plans are available during registration.

Scholarships are available for any family with need. Complete the scholarship form at registration, selecting your requested assistance amount (up to 100% of the cost of the program).

Explorers Club Pack List

A complete list of what to bring on an Explorers Club outing is here.

Loaner Gear

Wild Whatcom has loaner gear available. You do not need to purchase gear to participate in our programs. To request loaner gear, please fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Please let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.

Have items to donate? Feel free to give to a mentor at any outing or contact us to drop off. Your contributions benefit others – thank you!

Gear Discounts

Visit Outdoor School Shop and use code: WHATCOM for 15% off your order.

Service Sites and Stewardship

Service is a part of the core curriculum for Explorers Club. Through the years, we have partnered with many wonderful organizations, individuals, and efforts, and have worked at various sites throughout the county. This year, Explorers Club is partnering with Washington Trails Association (WTA), Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, Whatcom Museum, and International Coastal Cleanup.

Our current service sites are Connelly Creek trail and Happy Valley park. Learn more about our commitment to stewardship here.

Connelly Creek Trail & Happy Valley Park

In partnership with the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department, Wild Whatcom has been granted the opportunity to provide service at two locations: Connelly Creek Nature Area and Happy Valley Park. Since 2015, Explorers of all ages have come together to roll up their sleeves and give back to their community through environmental stewardship, habitat restoration, and place-based education. There is always work to be done, but with each passing season, Explorers have the opportunity to observe what a massive difference their loving labor has made.

Connelly Creek Nature Area and Happy Valley Park have changed dramatically in the decade that EC groups have worked to restore the balance of native plant-life in the area. Historically, salmon have spawned in Connelly Creek, a Padden Creek tributary. However, due to human heavy impact, the stream has become unsuitable for salmon spawning. Through the restoration efforts of this community, Padden Creek has slowly become colder, cleaner, and clearer. Will Explorers see runs of Chum or Coho there this fall? Regardless, these sites have allowed countless Explorers to witness the long-term commitment and effort that it takes to rehabilitate a piece of impacted land. 

With the help of City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) we are making a real and positive impact on the land.