Fort McPherson (Sep 06/04) - It is a dilemma passed on from generation to generation, but finding ways to keep youth busy and out of trouble can ultimately determine the very social fabric of a community, say several recreation directors in the North.

"Recreation is the biggest benefit to a community because it alleviates health and justice costs," Victor Stewart, recreation coordinator in Fort McPherson, says.

"These costs go down as a result of good recreation facilities," he added.

"It's a proactive method of crime prevention."

Without proper recreation outlets, Stewart says youth are more apt to either stay at home and succumb to boredom or eventually get into mischief.

"Without facilities, there is no socializing. And there are lots of kids not getting enough exercise who will have health or heart problems," Stewart said.

The overall recreation situation in Fort McPherson is "pretty good," Stewart said, because of the variety of programs offered but the hamlet still lacks adequate infrastructure which could be utilized for recreational activities.

Stewart said he is pleased with the success of the summer day camp and the after school program which operates each school year.

While this year's recreation budget is $377,000, Stewart said a good portion of that is spent on associated maintenance and insurance costs for those facilities used for recreation.

Stewart says upgrading of various facilities, such as the baseball diamond, is currently needed in the hamlet of about 900 citizens.

"We have lots of kids who need recreation and more facilities."

A new soccer field and hiking trails would greatly benefit residents as well, he said.

But recreation does not end with sending one's children out the door to participate in an activity, Stewart noted.

"Kids will copy from their parents. We need more support from those parents by (having them) participate with their children," he says.

Jimmy Tutcho, SAO and band manager in Colville Lake in the Sahtu region, says his tiny community of about 100 residents also faces challenges in providing adequate and varied recreation for its youth.

"Lack of recreation eventually has a social impact," Tutcho said.

"We want to get them into activities, but often don't have the money, so we rely on donations from the oil and gas industry," Tutcho said of the high cost involved in sending youth to other communities to participate in sporting events.

Currently, an outdoor skating rink is being built for the community, but again, Tutcho says the expense of purchasing a tent covering and all the equipment and skates needed will be another challenge.

"Getting funding is important but we try to get as much as we can with what we have."

A recreation coordinator hired for the summer in Colville Lake is doing a "great job" implementing programs which utilize recreation facilities and encourage going out on the land "to get away from trouble," he says.

Again, challenges exist, he noted.

"A crucial factor is to get parents involved, as well. Instead of relying on staff to make sure children have adequate recreation, we want to encourage parents to assist us in getting their kids to do something," Tutcho says.

Aklavik's recreation coordinator Dean McLeod says in that hamlet, with about 700 residents, recreational activities are also used as a tool to keep the youth active and out of trouble.

"We have special events for the youth and they are always interested but you've got to have the parents involved as well," he said.

"We're big on special events here," he noted, adding that holidays are always a reason to have fun with the community.

McLeod said the school is also good for providing many extra-curricular activities for youth throughout the year.

In Inuvik, the area's largest community, recreation coordinator Bobby Despres says recreation provides youth with a form of escape.

"But some kids like structure, some don't," he noted.

Several Northern children enjoying their last few days of summer took part in a variety of activities to keep themselves busy.

Colton Chinna, 10, of Inuvik says one of his favourite pastimes, aside from riding his new bicycle, is playing Nintendo and other video games.

For Fort McPherson youth Allison Neyando, 12, playing soccer and travelling with her team is what she likes best. "There's lots to do," she said.

However, while a wide range of activities are available for youth, Despres said there are still those who decide to vandalize those areas which other youth enjoy, such as the basketball hoops or the skateboard ramps. "It's only a select group, but it ruins it for others. We have some of the same challenges as in the south."