Waterloo Chronicle, February 28, 2007
Astronaut Chris Hadfield will speak to about 350 local cubs this week at the University of Waterloo.
By Jennifer Ormston, Waterloo
Cubs learn many valuable lessons, like how to build a fire and paddle a canoe.
This week they'll be able to add space exploration to the list.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield will speak to about 350 cubs on Friday at the University of Waterloo.
Mike Onotsky, the leader of the 21st Waterloo pack, has been trying to get an astronaut to come and visit the local cubs for the last four years without any success, until now.
"(Hadfield) is the number 1 guy in Canada — that's for sure — in terms of the space program," he said.
The astronaut has an impressive resume with accomplishments like being the first Canadian to walk in space, the U.S. navy test pilot of the year in 1991 and the first CF-18 pilot to intercept a Russian bomber over Canadian airspace.
"I could go on and on," Mike said.
Mike invited all the local cubs, not just his pack, to hear Hadfield speak, and he thinks they'll take a lot away from the event.
"They'll definitely gain an appreciation for what goes on in terms of space exploration and Canada's part in helping to develop space exploration."
The cubs program is offered by Scouts Canada, a youth organization that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The group provides programs for boy and girls between the ages of five and 26. Cubs are eight to 10.
The all-boys 21st Waterloo group is one of many packs in the city. It holds its weekly Monday meetings at Westvale public school.
There, the kids learn about the outdoors, nature and the world around them by taking part in a variety of activities, attending camps and going on hikes.
They also learn everyday skills, such as how to use a hammer and saw, or turn off the water if a flood starts in their house.
Cubs wear a tan shirt with a red sash over their shoulder that is covered in their badges.
Each pack has a different coloured "necker" — or tie — that the cubs also wear.
Mike was a cub when he was young, and he's passed that tradition onto his two sons, Joseph and Jacob.
He's noticed the boys derive a sense of pride from their accomplishments with cubs, especially earning badges.
There are about 60 badges to work for including family helper, carpentry and camping.
Twelve-year-old Joseph, who is now too old for cubs, thrived in that area.
"In school, you get a mark on your report card. Here you get something you can wear on your uniform. And that means a lot to them," Mike said.
The mother of one Waterloo cub said her son has learned a lot from the club, including fire building, first aid and astronomy.
Erica Boland enrolled her 10-year-old son Alexander in the program a year ago.
"They learn a little bit about everything which is right up his alley. He's an information-oriented kid."
She decided on cubs for Alexander because he's a "relatively shy little boy" who doesn't like sports.
And she's already noticed some changes in him since he joined the pack.
"He really enjoys the activities that they do, and seems to have a little bit more self-confidence and is a little bit more willing to try new things."
The cub packs, in general, have been experiencing a decline in enrolment over the years, said Mike, who attributes this trend to kids choosing to spend their free time on other activities, like video games.
The 21st Waterloo pack is an exception; it has maintained or increased its participation each year.
Other area packs haven't been so lucky.
"One of them in Wellesley didn't even have any kids sign up this year," he said.
"I think children and parents don't realize what kinds of cool things we do in scouting."
For instance, Mike's group has built rockets in the past and then launched them in a field.
He encourages parents to consider cubs for their kids because it teaches skills they won't learn in school.
For more information about the north Waterloo area cubs, contact David White at 519-742-6047.
