I asked my grandpa about joining Boy Scouts and Camps at a young age when I became somewhat jealous of other kids in my school class. He replied, “why would you go into town to join a club that comes out here once a year to do the same **** we do out here every weekend?” He had a point.
I do challenge myself, now, however, having been blessed as I was, to volunteer time, earnings, and learnings through various programs to help kids, like those kids of whom I was once briefly jealous, who do NOT have organic opportunities to spend time in the outdoors. Hunter’s Safety Education, Outdoor Mentors, Pass It On, free rifle instruction “seminars” for local Scout and 4H troops, etc... there are wonderful opportunities out there for kids —> ONLY BECAUSE OF VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK HARD TO PROVIDE THEM!
I never was a scout, never did go to summer camps, but I did participate in 4H and FFA which had great opportunities. It’s on us, as the guiding generations to make sure to Pass It On.
If you find yourself complaining that today’s kids don’t get outdoors and learn field craft and marksmanship skills, answer this: what opportunities have YOU created to help kids, or even A kid, get outside and experience the outdoors?