On April 1, 279 Elk Valley (Sparwood/Elkford), 904 Kootenai (Creston) and 552 Key City (Cranbrook) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadrons spent the “night at a museum.” It was a whole lot different than the movie. The displays did not come to life, though the young imagination could certainly bring aviation history alive.

East Kootenay air cadets have been fortunate to spend a spring weekend at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, Nanton, Alberta for several years now. The purpose of our trips is more than just exploring the museum; our cadets are there to work. Cadets receive hands on learning based on their training level. Junior cadets have to “earn” the privilege to assist with cleaning the in main hangar, by participating in all of the classes.

Level one and two cadets attend aviation related classes, taught by museum volunteers and Squadron staff. There are three main styles of learning – visual, audio, and kinesthetic (touch). In the cadet program, we try to appeal to all learning senses, to have a higher quality of learning. For example, at the local head quarters, they are instructed in the types of “aircraft engines” and how they work. At the museum they are able to see and touch the engines. There is even a mock up of how ‘piston’s work.

On Sunday, these cadets were given the opportunity to clean the engines and the North Hanger.

Level three and four cadets participate in “cleaning” the museum, in preparation for their spring season opening. They work together in small groups and learn how to be effective in sweeping, power washing, using squeegee, window cleaning and most importantly, how to safely dust/wash an airplane. Some airplanes have fabric wings which make them delicate and need special care in handling, like the Tiger Moth.

Senior cadets focused their leadership skills with implementing a plan for cleaning; time management; problem solving, following orders and giving clear directions to the cadets cleaning. They also had to ensure the cleaning was completed to the museum standards and if needed, task cadets to redo an area.

After all of the classes have been taught and the cleaning has been accomplished, the cadets are able to tour museum. Cadets were overheard telling others about the area “they” cleaned and how they cleaned it. They were proud of their efforts.

Every year the museum looks forward to our visit, as it is large task that we take off of their hands. The volunteers enjoy teaching the cadets and passing on their knowledge. They have a lot of insights that make the cadets think a little deeper.

The aim of the National Cadet program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship, leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Canadian youth aged 12 to 18 are encouraged to learn more about the cadet programs in their community. Though the program is military based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the forces. Adults, if you are interested in becoming a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer, or you would like to hear about the opportunities available in your community to assist a local Cadet Corp or Squadron, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

The Bomber Museum of Canada will be having their 2017 Season Kick Off – Lancaster First Op. Seventy-five years ago, on the night of March 3/4 1942, the Avro Lancaster flew its first operation. The Lancaster will be rolled out of the hanger and they will be firing up her engines at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Capt Lori-Lee Bott

Lead image: FSgt Eimer (552) on ladder, WO2 Blackmore (904) assisting to dust a large model. Photos submitted

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