OUR CHILDREN DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO

By Lance Cherry
Written for New Mexico State Parks - www.nmparks.com
January 3, 2003

Recently a Santa Fe resident phoned a popular Albuquerque talk radio show to discuss the reasons why drug problems plague New Mexico's children. "Our youth don't have anything to do," was his response.

In a world of excess, the answer was troubling. Many of today's American children have far more choices than those of yesteryear. There was a time when families shared a single bedroom and a handful of toys. The highlight of the day was the neighborhood game of kick the can and for only a few rare minutes the radio offered kids their fix of thoughtless entertainment. Every night families sat around a table and told stories over dinner. There was a time when imagination was king.

Today Play Stations, Power Rangers, Legos and Hot Wheels litter the floors of our children's rooms. Choices are abundant and television is packed full of mind-numbing entertainment. Still many of us continue to echo the same sentiments as that caller, "Our youth don't have anything to do."

We continually rack our brains for new ideas and games for kids to play. Everything has become so complicated and time consuming. We wish and hope a time will come when America will return to the lifestyle the Andy Griffith Show portrayed in Mayberry.

In that longing the problem becomes nightmarishly clear. Mayberry isn't a tangible place or a thing that can invade our community like a fad or fashion. And the longer we continue to wait, the more complicated it becomes to return to the simplicity we all desire.

A return to the lifestyle is, however possible.

This past weekend Clayton Lake State Park held its Annual Trout Fishing Derby. Thousands of people packed into the park to participate in the highly anticipated competition. Prizes and cash for the biggest trout, walleye, channel cat and bass were at stake with the top prize, a 14-foot aluminum boat, trolling motor and trailer, at the focal point of their fishing fury.

Through out the weekend families spent time together, fishing, camping and cooking, as they continually watched their names on the ranking board. Kids told tale tales of the potential winners that got away and an entire community came together to simply celebrate life.

Late in the afternoon of the final day, the crowds began to gather to see firsthand the winning catches. In honor of the community's efforts and participation, New Mexico State Senator Patrick H. Lyons, District 67 House Representative Brian K. Moore, New Mexico State Parks Director Tom Trujillo and New Mexico State Parks Deputy Director Paula Roybal attended.

When the final minutes ticked away, the contest was declared officially over. As they began calling out the names of the winners, the crowd cheered, laughed and smiled. In the distance a young boy was running with his monster catch, too late to compete still too proud to care. As he neared the shelter a voice shouted out, "Let his catch count! He's just a kid!"

When the final minutes ticked away, the contest was declared officially over. As they began calling out the names of the winners, the crowd cheered, laughed and smiled. In the distance a young boy was running with his monster catch, too late to compete still too proud to care. As he neared the shelter a voice shouted out, "Let his catch count! He's just a kid!"

Since the rules would not allow it, the master ceremonies proclaimed, "If that fish weighs more than three pounds. I will personally give him $20." It was three pounds nine ounces, the grand catch of the tournament. The boy held the fish proudly over his head declaring himself the king of fisherman and securing his bragging rights. He was satisfied knowing he had caught the monster and waited around to cheer on the others.

As each category was called, men, women, kids and grandparents collected their rewards for their catch. A barbecue grill, a new rod and reel and even $500 cash. Still the excitement continued to grow as the announcement of the grand prize drew near. A couple more names and the crowds' excitement couldn't be contained any longer. A quiet roar overtook them like tidal wave and they shouted, "Draw the name! Draw the name! Just draw the name!"

The senator stepped up and plunged his hand in the box, pulling out the slip of paper containing the winner's name.

There was silence and a pause in the crowd.

Aaron Cruz!

A 9-year-old returning resident of Clayton, Aaron had just a moment prior won a Play Station for his winning trout catch. The gaming machine now sat in the corner unattended, no longer a match for the win of his life. His father stepped to his side and a smile erupted on the boy ear to ear. The moment was enhanced by the thunderous applause and gracious congratulations from the crowd. Not a single moan or sign could be heard from the group, only honest displays of joy for a kid and his dad.

That is when Trujillo said it; " Folks, this is Mayberry!"

"Our youth don't have anything to do."

It is the statement used when America comes to the realization they have again lost touch with their kids. It isn't difficult to figure out what makes them tick and what keeps them captivated. It isn't difficult to turn around and fix. It only takes a day fishing with a parent and playing in a park, an activity that costs less than a new toy and less than a movie.

It is the same thing that made you tick, your parents tick and your grandparents tick when they were children. It is Andy & Opie walking down the road, whistling and carrying a pole to their favorite fishing hole. It is a father or mother taking them by the hand and simply spending time with them. Doing something or doing nothing. Just being there.

Mayberry is indeed possible in America today and in one small New Mexico town known as Clayton, it is alive today.