Things enjoyed then are so very much still enjoyed today. As a young sprout, camping, hiking, and swimming where always in the forefront. Exploring the wilderness and all its wonders kept me occupied for hours and days at a time. Time always had a way of standing still when out and about in the wilds. All of life’s issues and problems left the confines of my mind and were replaced with campfires, viewing the stars at night, the shrieks of owls and other wildlife echoing through the air. All of my senses where taken to the limits of the imagination, and days began anew with special attention on doing something new each day and hour, and developing a fondness, appreciation, and respect  for all things wild. I had joined the local Cub Scout troop and furthered that enjoyment and knowledge having gotten my share of wilderness adventures throughout those years. Several of my friends had done the same and it was a great way for us to spend more time together appreciating life in general as kids. That initial regimen of duty, honor, and courage led to new horizons as I became a Boy Scout and followed the ranks through my school years, eventually to the point of becoming an Assistant District Commissioner as a young adult. To this day, I believe I can still recite the Scout Oath and Pledge having drilled it into my character and psyche for years. There is something to be said for consistency and repetitiveness after all. Those same values and promises I made as a child hold true today and probably will for life. I have to believe that this was a great part of who I have become as an adult and as a parent.