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Explorers Activity Group

Explorers Activity Group

All over the world and ever since humans existed, we have had to adapt and survive in vastly different environments. Each culture has developed survival skills like making fire, finding water, and using local plants for food, shelter and medicine. This essential knowledge was passed down to future generations through oral traditions or recorded documents. Throughout time Alaska Native people have traveled quite extensively from their lands in Alaska, and have many sophisticated traditional ways of navigating the ocean. During their time at Fort Ross, however, they were not exploring from their own motivation. They were coerced them from their homes and the Russian American Company forced them to work and exploit the land on their behalf.

Fort Ross (called “Metini” by the Kashia Pomo) is an excellent example of how different cultures - the indigenous Kashia tribe, incoming Russians, and forcefully relocated Alaska Native Peoples - discovered and adapted to the riches and challenges that coastal California can provide.

As Explorers, it’s important to keep in mind that the new places you explore aren’t necessarily uninhabited or untended by other people. For example, the Kashia Pomo who have lived at Metini for many thousands of years developed a complex network of trails across the landscape long before newcomers, such as the officers and employees of the Russian American Company, arrived. The Kashia trails often followed natural pathways made by animals and cleverly utilized the features of the land in an efficient way. Local historian Lynn Rudy has noted that throughout the human history of Metini / Fort Ross, these trails were eventually broadened from footpaths to wagon trails, then roads, train tracks, and finally paved highways.

In the Explorers Activity Group, you will practice essential survival skills as well as wayfinding or navigational skills that will be highly important to any group. The example you set for the others is also of prime importance. You are attentive at all times. Your survival skills are used for the safety and well-being of your whole class while at Metini / Fort Ross.

A note to Teachers - When assigning parents to this group, make sure at least one adult is very fire savvy - they should know how to start a fire, keep it going and fire safety! Explorers Classroom Preparation:

  • Practice finding your way - without Google Maps!
  • Create a map of your classroom, include a scale, legend and compass
  • Research natural building materials, such as redwood which was used by the Kashia to build homes and by the Russian American Company to build the Fort
  • Practice identifying different land features, such as bodies of water, mountains and forests
  • Prepare to lead the class optional Treasure Hunt Activity - make bags of treasure for every activity group
  • Practice observing weather patterns – Use these How-Tos for weather observation tools
  • Make a Cloud ID Poster – Bring it with you to help in weather observations on site
  • Learn to tie a lasso knot for onsite game preparation
  • (Optional) Get flint & steel to bring to Metini / Fort Ross and practice in class with permission, and get or make a fire starting drill kit - the drill kit method should be practiced in class with permission as it will take too long on site
  • (Optional) Make a compass, you will need to make or bring a compass
  • (Optional) Make a group banner

Explorers Classroom Preparation and Onsite Activities:

Explorer Additional Information:

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