I tell ya... kids today!

Things sure have changed from when I was a kid.

No, I'm not going to go on about how I used to walk uphill in the snow (both ways!) to school every day in my bare feet, because admittedly, I had a pretty cozy childhood.

I grew up in a small town; pretty comparable to Squamish I'd say, in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

Farming was the predominant industry there, though, not tourism, so we had far fewer international visitors than does Squamish and probably a lot more cow tipping.

But, comparing the two, I can see many more differences.

The biggest thing I've noticed is how much more there is in Squamish for my kids to do than I ever had growing up.

Sure, we also had a travelling fair that came through town annually, but every year the beer tent got bigger and the ride and midway area kept getting smaller.

It's probably just one big beer tent and a Ferris wheel now.

In Squamish, the fair is alcohol-free and there's enough to do all day long - as long as you have enough cash to sustain the ticket-consuming fun.

We had the usual sports when I was a kid - baseball, soccer, hockey and basketball - but in addition to those, Squamish offers kids climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and let's not forget skiing.

Folks back home still can't believe my daughter gets to miss a day of school (if her grades are good) to spend one day a week learning to ski with the Whistler Blackcomb Ski School in the winter.

What I would have given for an opportunity like that when I was a kid.

My schools didn't even have music programs, and my oldest is fortunate enough to attend Mamquam Elementary where Mrs. Thompson has the kids singing, dancing, acting and developing a sound appreciation for all types of music.

There are even noon-hour guitar sessions and my little one came home lugging a loaner from the school all week after joining up.

She said she wants me to teach her Bob Dylan songs.

I nearly wept.

We had a community centre in our town when I was a kid, but it was mainly used for wedding receptions and bingo for blue-haired ladies.

There was nothing like the Adventure Centre, which is a favourite spot for my family when we want to get out of the house on a rainy day.

I think there may have been a museum in my hometown, but I don't remember ever going, and the little farmhouse where it was located looked condemned, haunted, or both.

Squamish has a train museum where kids can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and a Mining Museum where you can get dirty panning for gold... what else can I say?

From the toddler Strong Start program at Squamish Elementary and Valleycliffe Elementary to youth martial arts, cadets and the Squamish Academy of Music - my kids seem to definitely have more opportunities than I ever did, thanks to Squamish's location.

Yes, things sure have changed since I was a kid... and that's not so bad, is it?