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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Conor Dea is working his way up the Scouts ladder - after winning the Chief Scout's Award for hard work in the program and gaining many badges, he is poised to take a course this weekend to become a leader in the club.

Conor Dea, 15, was just awarded a chief scout's Award for hard work and earning a large amount of badges. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

"I started in Cubs and I went up to Scouts," said Conor, who first joined the scouting movement five years ago. "I think I'm going to go up to Venturers." Venturers plan events and take leadership roles.

"I like it. I think it's a great thing to do," he said.

In the club, Conor said he learns survival skills, knots, camping techniques, how to cook and make shelter, among other outdoors skills.

Outdoor activities, along with hiking and video games, are his main hobbies.

"It gives me something to do other than homework," Conor said of the club. "I'm not just sitting in my room watching TV."

Conor's mother, Heather Dea, said she thinks the club has helped ingrain a strong sense of morals in her son, and has contributed to his confidence as he grew up.

"We, as parents, feel that it's a good way to make your kid respectful and understanding. It's some training that makes them able to stand on their own two feet," said Heather.

"If push comes to shove, Conor will jump in in a heartbeat," she said, citing times that he has stepped in on bullying situations.

"He's got this calmness about him that I don't see other kids having. He doesn't have the aggressive nature that some kids brought up playing sports have."

David Dea, his dad, joined the Cubs as a Cub leader when Conor was eight, so they have been going through the program together.

"I really like how it's something that they do together," said Heather. The club has given them opportunity to spend a lot of time together, camping and helping out with activities.

Heather said both Conor and his dad are great with kids, and she thinks Conor would make an excellent kindergarten teacher. Conor, however, is very interested in pursuing a career in welding. Conor said if he enjoys being a leader, he may stick with it into adulthood.