Early in life each of us develops our “likes” and “dislikes” – and, I’m not talking Facebook. For example, I don’t know why, but I never was able to stomach lima beans regardless of my father’s fruitless attempts to get me to eat them. Of course, he knew what was good for me, but I never allowed one bean down my throat. Nice try, Dad.
And, that’s the way it is with all of us. We evolve through trial and error and naturally gravitate to things we like, which explains how the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association show makes it to the top of my priority list each August.
My first show over 20 years ago was an eye-opener. When my friend, Charley Coston, introduced me to the event, I was flabbergasted by the tons of ancient iron, which had been preserved, protected, and converted to “wow” status in many cases. Count me as a lifer now.
And, so it is with our children. Schools do a good job of exposing youngsters to a wide variety of subject matters. Teachers become tool makers filling students’ tool boxes with knowledge – some will become useful, and some of it will be discarded out of hand. But, it is the wise teacher that bridges the gap from the knowledge to possible end-use – the missing link, if you will.
A case in point became evident a few weeks ago, when my friend, Joe, brought his grandson over for a berry picking adventure. Wild black raspberries were there for the picking, as the young man began his new adventure. The exposure in the wild was complete. The little guy picked the natural “candy” morsels and shoved them into his mouth as fast as he could. And then he remarked, “I love these berries!” He had made the connection.
Getting more youngsters involved with the outdoors is one means to introduce them to a world they may be missing, even though they may know it’s there. In the case of hunting, it’s making the connection from field to frying pan and learning that meat doesn’t have to come in neatly wrapped packages.
Recruitment efforts have been stepped up by our Michigan Department of Natural Resources, conservation groups and sportsmen’s organizations across the country, thanks to targeted legislation that has made it less restrictive for youngsters to hunt.
This has translated into much increased youth involvement through our special Youth Deer Hunt season slated for September 28th and 29th and mentored youth hunting programs.
It’s never been easier, and as adults, it’s our job to give them the tools. But, a toolbox full of tools is of no use – and, can actually become burdensome, without an interjection of wisdom to make that connection. But, when it happens, stand back and enjoy the show.
Give them a taste, and who knows, maybe they’ll like lima beans.
