Wild Skills Mountain Adventure: Crystal 2018
On Friday, August 17, girls ages 6-17 and their families joined us for a Wild Skills Adventure at Crystal Mountain. SheJumps Wild Skills Adventures are open community events where parents/chaperones participate with the girls. Throughout the adventure, participants are introduced to a range of technical and survival skills girls need to get out and adventure.
The event start was a rolling one with groups showing up as they want between 9:30 am – 11:30am. At registration they received a specialized Wild Skills Journal & Adventure map which guided them throughout the event. Here’s a look at the event starting at the base area with the gear check:
10 Essentials & Leave No Trace Station
Location: Base Area
Partner: Clif
First stop of the day was 10 Essentials & Leave No Trace at the base area presented by Clif. SheJumps ambassador, Cheryl Kochevar, and volunteers did a gear check with each group, loaded them up with Clif Z bars, GoGo Squeez snacks and a journal as well as taught them how to protect the beautiful places they visit along the trail. After completed, they mosied over to the gondola for a ride to the summit.
Mt. Rainier Animal Station
Location: Top of Green Valley
Partner: Mt. Rainier National Park Education Department
After the laid back gondola ride, participants were treated to a full view of Mt. Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain topping out at an elevation of 6,872 feet. This was a unexpected treat seeing as the days before were filled with smoke from the wild fires. After soaking up the view, they traveled the ridge to the top of the Green Valley chair where Ranger Catherine was waiting to teach them all about wildlife in our area. This station was presented by Mt. Rainier National Park’s Education Department.
Sound Mapping Station
Location: Powder Pass
This was a self directed station where groups found a directional sign, colored pencils and the sounds of nature. Participants were instructed to record all the sounds around them – interpreting the sounds and drawing images in their Wild Skills Journal.
First Aid Station
Location: Lucky Shot Bowl
Partner: SheJumps
Groups followed the Crystal Mountain Trail route to the next station: First Aid. Headed up by Wild Skills Coordinator for Washington, Kristen Kochevar, the first aid station helped girls understand what they can do to stay safe on the mountain as well as what to do in an emergency. Reviewing how to safely assess a scene, do a complete body check and call for help as well as learning useful splints and how to properly tie a sling.
Water Purification Station
Location: Elizabeth Lake
Partner: Yukon Trading Company
Halfway down the summer trail, groups encountered a small trail leading up to Elizabeth Lake where the Water Purification Station presented by Yukon Trading Company was located. When you first arrived, Amy Cook & Megan Davin, gave you the breakdown of why we filter water and clearly represented all the bad stuff that can reside in water. Next, the girls got to filter water with Ultra-Light purification water bottles, a genius product from Grayl that easily does the process for you. After filling water bottles, the girls learned how to use Jet Boil stoves to heat water and create their own hot chocolate treat. Special thanks to Yukon Trading Company for going above and beyond with this rad station that was a favorite of many I talked to!
Shelter Building Station
Location: Henskin Lake
Partner: Arc’teryx Seattle
The Shelter Building Station presented by Arc’teryx Seattle located at Henskin