I am almost sixty years old now and thinking of Rangers has brought a smile to my face on many days since 1971.    I grew up in the Toronto area and as such had not spent much time in the area north of Temagami.    For a seventeen year old from the big city, learning to spot forest fires, fly in small planes, manage forests, do park maintenance and canoe were not a part of the everyday experience. But these experiences have helped to shape and encourage many of the activities I have enjoyed throughout my life.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I took away from Rangers was the importance of working together with others with an optimistic look to the future.  I taught high school mechanics shop for twenty-eight years, and part of that time as the technical director for the school.    Each and every day was a chance to pass on the lessons of respect for others and nature that are so important in this changing world.    I tried not to miss the opportunity of recommending the Ranger Program to all students as a great learning experience and a valuable part of their high school and lifelong education.    Some of the experience and knowledge gained by me from Rangers, hopefully became the knowledge and experience of twenty- eight years of shop class students.    I encouraged my own children to participate in the program and two of them have worked on staff at at least four Ranger Camps while attending university.  

It saddens me greatly that the Government of Ontario has cut such a valuable education and work program.