Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Jul 06/98) - If you're a kid, the summer days are just beginning to stretch out before you in a seemingly endless pattern of fun and abandon.

But if you're a parent, you're probably more inclined to look at those two months off in a whole different light.

That's right, mom and dad. Summer vacation is here and just exactly what do you have planned for the little tykes over the next 60-odd days?

If taking the summer off is an option and you're heading out on the land, enjoy your holiday. But if you're busy or a working parent, read on -- Nunavut has a number of interesting day camps available for children.

Beginning today in Iqaluit, girls interested in trades and technology can find out more about their options while building a go-cart and learning to operate power tools in a safe environment.

Instructor Salome Qaunaq says the girls will also listen to women speak about being involved in non-traditional forms of employment.

"We want young girls going into high school to be able to make choices and take courses to get into these fields," says Qaunaq, one of three trained instructors leading the free day camp.

"We don't want to tell them what to do, just show them and open more doors."

For more information, contact Qaunaq at the high school this week. Enrolment is limited.

If something a little more traditional but equally as scientific is closer to what you had in mind for little Annie or Pauloosie, sign them up for the Qikitaaluk Corporation's Summer Youth Camp.

Emphasizing traditional Inuit skills with an eye to specific scientific instruction, co-ordinator Elaine Owlijoot says she's looking for at least one youth from each Baffin community to take part in the camp.

To be held at Iqaluggarjuk, a camp outside of Iqaluit on Frobisher Bay, Owlijoot says participants are only expected to pay $100 towards the cost of airfare and accommodations during the two week camp.

"It's for students interested in the science fields ... we're out on the land for two days and back here for computers for two days," says Owlijoot.

The deadline to register is this Friday. Interested parents and participants can contact Owlijoot at the Qikitanni Inuit Association in Iqaluit.

While you have her on the line, ask to speak to the regional youth co-ordinator Raurri Ellsworth. Ask him about all of the other camps being offered by the Inuit organization, including Umiaq, the boat-building course offered in Pangnirtung. Ellsworth can find something for just about anybody.

Still unsure? Hustle your computer-minded offspring on over to Arctic College's computer lab for Kids on the Net in Nunavut's capital. Now in its second year, the introductory and advanced camps show children that computers and technology are accessible.

"It's all about learning and kids having fun," says instructor Tony Rose.

Subsidies are available for the two-week programs and Rose says there is still room left in the sessions scheduled for August. Contact Rose or Gwen Healey at the Nunavut Research Institute for more details.

Is little Sammy still kicking up a cloud of dust and looking forlorn? Call your hamlet council and ask for the recreation co-ordinator. Many municipalities host day camps that inexpensive and fun.

In Iqaluit, the summer day camp starts today and organizer Simon Adams says he already has a waiting list.