Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Whitehorse (Sep 05/05) - You can't tell Annie Karpik that science is for geeks.

Karpik, of Rankin Inlet, was one of six Nunavut youth chosen to travel to Whitehorse for national science camp, where they learned that science can be fun.

You can't tell Kalluk Darlene Sanguya that science is for boys.

"Girls are better than guys at math and science," said Sanguya, showing that she won't be deterred from pursuing her favourite subject.

They were late arriving - weather delayed their departure for three days - but even the delay couldn't stop their learning. From Aug. 8-15, they were learning, even if it was hidden inside fun.

"On our way there, I thought it would be experiments and stuff," said Karpik. She couldn't have been more wrong. The kids were presented with hands-on learning.

They flew by helicopter to a glacier, visited the world's smallest desert and learned the stone age technique of flint knapping a the manufacture of stone tools.

For Sanguya, from Clyde River, highlight was the helicopter ride to the glacier. "That was one of the most amazing things I have ever done, but you do get sand in your hair," said Sanguya.

She liked the camp, but had mixed feelings about being in Whitehorse: "It was great, but it was too hot."

Both Karpik and Sanguya would go again in a minute, but they are too old. The age limit for national science camp is 15 and they both will turn 16 this year.

The trip to the glacier was a major one for all the youth, while they were there another student discovered a frozen bird head. Frozen artifacts have been turning up at the glacier, and everyone was excited to see if one of their own discovered something.

Jeff Tabvahtah was the chaperon for the six youth and had a blast too. He credits the kids for their interest in science and credits the camp for making it interesting for the students.

Another trip saw the students visiting the world's smallest desert.

"It's not that big, but I had never seen a desert before," said Karpik.