Trackers Code
The heart of our Teams is the Trackers Code. The Code is an accord all Trackers agree to follow attending our program. We don’t expect youth to live their entire life by the Code. We do expect them to embody it while playing the Game of Tracking. They may adopt parts of or the entire Trackers Code or part of it as their own, or they may surprise with something new and wonderful. The Trackers Code is simply a “practice code”, one where kids learn that having a greater goal in life leads to greater resilience and perseverance.
The Game of Tracking is challenging. Our society, however, does not always support the full potential if youth to make real contributions. Youth crave responsibility and want to mirror the care we give them as Guides, Guardians, and Elders. Almost everything in the Game of Tracking is fun, yet developing the timeless, profound abilities of a Tracker also requires deeper effort.
The Code is made up of the Mission, Purpose, Compass, and Action Call.
Contents
Mission
Save the world.
Purpose
Having a higher purpose helps youth tap into deeper wells of resilience. All our programs start with an agreement to follow the Trackers Purpose while at camp:
Care for Family whatever form it takes.
Care for the More Than Human World to include every aspect of nature.
Care for Many Generations Beyond Us for those who come before and after.
The Relic associated with the Purpose is the Hearthstone. Read more about the Purpose.
Compass
If the Purpose is a map for the Game of Tracking, we find our way with the Compass. It guides the Tracker by four points of awareness:
Pay Attention to the world and its subtle clues and puzzles.
Be Truly Helpful to find even deeper connections to care for others.
Respect the Flow to adapt to how everything moves in nature.
Remember Our Story to share your adventures with your family.
The Relic associated with the Compass is the Stick. Read more about the Compass.
Action Call
While a Tracker navigates with the Compass, they need an Action Call to begin their heroic journey. The Action Call are four character traits vital for playing the Game of Tracking:
Be Ready by training in essential outdoor skills.
Be a Caretaker by caring for other people, creatures, and places.
Be Gritty by staying strong for your higher purpose and calling.
Be a Team by finding friends and working together for the greater good.
The Action Call also be stated as: Be Ready Caretaker. Be Gritty Team. The Relic associated with the Purpose is the Kit. Read more about the Action Call.