Having been out of commision for a bit, I have had a great opportunity to reflect and take stock of the many things I enjoy and take for granted. I began to wonder what it was that was missing from my life and to contimplate where I would like the direction to be headed at this stage of the game.

My results were somewhat surprising, yet understandable at the same time. I have concluded that throughout my entire life, I am at rest, peace, and in harmony the most while in the great outdoors. What an incredible feeling and understanding one gets while rendering the thoughts and enjoyments that Mother Nature sends us. All we have to do is get out there, open our eyes, hearts and spirits and all comes to you freely. I began to think of the kids whom I had adored and come to love and cherish as a counselor years ago. The memories of their stories and circumstances weighed heavely on my heart. I was never more happier than during that timeframe in my life. To know that one could have such an impact on a young individual and learn to grow themselves at the same time was profound to say the least.

I want to relive those feelings again...so, I have set my mind to doing just that. I am considering forming a Wilderness Youth Asssociation. I want to create a program where less privilaged and youth at risk can get out, enjoy mother earth and all her bounty and beauty. I want to educate, recreate, and restore our youths vibrance and passion for the outdoors. I want to offer hiking, camping, canoeing, and many other great recreational activities for the younger generations and for those yet to come. I want to have them enjoy their young lives and allow them to be kids again. To me, there is no greater gift than to nurture a young child, to watch them grow and learn, and to have the ability to enjoy life at their young age, all the while, learning as they go but having fun while doing it.

This is not a new concept by any means, Scouting has been around for years, wilderness programs are abundent worldwide, but seldom are they geared toward and accredited with the troubled and less fortunate youth of today. We have Outward Bound programs, Scouting (Boy & Girl), and a great many others available, but not accessible to a great deal many of todays youth that need an outlet and a nurturing environment.

So, I am commited to research, education, and creation of such a program. I have a great model to follow having been part of a great organization some years back and would like to have the overall success that they do, but that will take years and a great deal of funding. So, for now.. its baby steps, one foot after another until such time those resources become available.

I may be in need of a few great individuals to help pull this together and too work with the kids and the program, but that too can come as time permits and resources avail themselves.

So, if you see reference to GWYA that is me and my attempts to pull this together and make it a life mission and goal. (Grizz's Wilderness Youth Association)... there ya have it... that is my mindset for today....

Hope you all have a great day, many blessings, fair travels, and many returned ventures. NAMSATE!

OMG Grizz, that would be absolutely awesome, my friend. You have sooooo much to teach the kids, and your background training qualifies you completely. You would be doing not only your own community a huge service, but other communities around the U.S. could benefit from your program, too. It's a huge commitment, that's true, but if it's where you feel your path is, then you have to follow through on it. And of course I will support your endeavors by promoting you as best as I can.

I believe that kids today are seriously lacking connection with themselves and the earth, and that they NEED the kind of program you're offering, to help them REconnect. I'll bet you would even be saving lives...

Grizz, you are truly an amazing human being, and I feel so blessed to call you my friend...