Don't/didn't become a climber?
1.I don't/didn't become a serious climber until the fifth grade, when I went up to rescue a kite that was stuck in the branches of a tree.
Which word is correct? don't or didn't? And why?
I think "didn't" is correct, right?
2.I walked in our garden when/while Tom and Jim were trying a big sign onto one of the trees.
Which word am I supposed to choose? When or while? And why?
Thank you in advance.