The Collateral Shelf:

At base camp, we have many tools, supplies, and materials to fuel our Wildlings' curiosity. From microscopes and magnifying glasses to butterfly nets and pond-dipping tools, there’s no shortage of resources to aid their research, projects, and play.

But with great exploration comes great responsibility.

I knew I didn’t want utter chaos—supplies scattered, lost to the woods, or abandoned for me to clean up after the day ended. I needed a system that balanced freedom with accountability and curiosity with care.

And so, the collateral shelf was born.

It’s simple: If a Wildling wants to check out a butterfly net, a field guide, or any other item, they must leave behind something precious to them. Their water bottle, lunch bag, shoe, or favorite hat becomes their deposit. I place their item in my collateral box, and they borrow what they need.

When they return my item, they get theirs back.
If they forget? Well, that’s where the real lesson begins.

Inevitably, an hour later, a Wildling will wander up, parched and puzzled, asking where their water bottle went. I’ll remind them: It’s in my collateral box as soon as I get my pond net back.

Their eyes widen as they mentally rewind, retracing their steps through the forest. Then, with newfound determination, they dash off to recover what was temporarily forgotten. A few minutes later, back they come, net in hand, lesson learned.

I joke with them:
"Return my butterfly net in good working order, and I’ll return your lunch in good working order. But if my net comes back snapped in half… well, I’ll have to snap your lunch bag in half, too."

They laugh, of course—knowing full well that I’d never really break their belongings. But a tiny touch of wonder and mystery never hurts.

And so, the collateral shelf continues to work its quiet magic, instilling lessons of responsibility, respect, and resourcefulness—all without a single lecture.

Another forest school problem was solved.

-Miss Erin