Sitting with Wayne and Audrey Forth in their Bracebridge home, the co-winners of the Citizen of the Year for the Town of Bracebridge, is like a breath of proverbial Muskoka air — their spirit and obvious verve for life is evident through their laughter and perpetual smiles.

In a world of political correctness, where what you say is more important than what you do, the Forths are a definite throwback to a time when actions were tantamount to who you are as a person.

Interspersed with chuckles and laughter, the interview with the retired couple clearly showed their love and passion for the two youth organizations they have been a part of for more than 60 years combined, Girl Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada, and the rewarding experience of coaching Special Olympians.

It was this dedication and selflessness that brought the attention of the Bracebridge Rotary Club to recognize them with the annual citizen of the year award at a club luncheon on Friday, July 4.

With a collection of John Wayne DVDs over his shoulder, Wayne speaks honestly about how he is not an outdoors person, but how he loves the camaraderie of the group, including both the children and the adults he has had the fortune of meeting and leading.

“I like the outdoors, but I didn’t join the scouts for that,” he said. “I enjoy sitting down with a bunch of kids in a circle, talking about anything. I enjoy craftswork, specially wood.”

He counts George Smith, an assistant Cub leader, whom he met in the group, as his best friend. It’s just one example of the value he has received from his involvement.

“It’s another circle of people you get to know,” he said.

The best and most rewarding thing, he added while smiling, is to learn of former Cubs (now adults) doing well many years later.

Audrey, flashing teeth, smiling, speaks about her responsibilities in leading the girls, her Pathfinders, the future and the reason why she has been involved with the Girl Guides ever since she can remember. The times have changed and the program has reflected that, but Audrey has always taught her girls to be empowered and self-confident.

“It’s really great to see young girls, who in a normal situation they probably would let the boy take charge. In our organization the girl takes charge,” she said. “We’ve had girls run camps . . . they do everything from booking the camp site to the planning and running of the camp. It’s great to see the growth in the girl.”

She added some activities may seem like a simple crafts, but the organization attempts to attach value to activities, like this past year when her group crocheted four afghans that were donated to Muskoka Interval House.

“You’re teaching them a craft and doing a service with it. That’s part and parcel with scouts and girl guides, doing the service,” she said.

Both born in Bracebridge, the couple, who have two full-grown children — a daughter that is the senior branch leader with the Guides and a son that is a Beaver leader — have obviously imparted their love for these organizations to their children.

Audrey has been in Girl Guides all her life, except for four years when she was in Toronto studying to be a nurse. She started as a Brownie, and then became a leader.

Wayne started with Scouts Canada in 1975 when he was asked to come and help out.

The couple are also avid bowlers, and the two were asked several years ago to help coach Special Olympians. They didn’t hesitate to lend a hand. For their help they were given a hug, in fact, many hugs.

“You do anything for the Special Olympic athletes and they appreciate everything,” she said. “Both them and their families are appreciative. . . . Every time you see them, no matter where you are, you get a hug.”

Audrey started coaching five years ago while her husband started four years ago with the special athletes.

Even with many days filled, they still make time to be active, participating in sports such as bowling and baseball. The couple is nearing their 60s and they hope there will be someone else to step forward soon so they can step back to pursue other interests.

Wayne is quick to point out that he’d love to spend more time with his granddaughter.

Despite her busy schedule, Audrey has started to volunteer with the Bracebridge Sportsplex and Rene M. Caisse Theatre this past year.

After an hour, the Forths’ smiles unabated, it is readily apparent that their strength and spirit lies in the children they have led and will lead.

Audrey, as if on cue, said, “Being with the children keeps us young.”