Fort Simpson (July 14/06) - Waking up to a morning reveille will be part of everyday life for six Fort Simpson cadets for the next six weeks.

As part of the cadet program, the youth are attending camp at the Whitehorse cadet summer training centre.

Fort Simpson cadets Kaley Hillaby, left, Charlene Deneyoua, Jackie Norwegian, Celine Gargan, Josh Baton and Jordan Snider, front, wait at the airport for their flight to cadet camp in Whitehorse, Yukon. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Waiting at the Fort Simpson airport for their flight to the Yukon July 7, the cadets were excited about what lie ahead.

For Josh Baton, 17, and Kaley Hillaby, 12, it is their first year at the cadet camp.

Horseback riding is at the top of Hillaby's to-do list. She used to ride and misses it. Baton looks forward to horseback riding and swimming.

Setting off on her third year in Whitehorse, Charlene Deneyoua, 14, is an old hand at camp. "Having a good time, meeting friends and completing the course are what I'm looking forward to," Deneyoua said before the journey.

Cadet Jordan Snider was heading off to a slightly different destination. After two years in Whitehorse, Snider said he wanted a change so he applied to go to a drill and ceremonial camp in Vernon, B.C.

Cadet camp involves activities such as camping, canoeing, hiking and making shelters, Snider said. His favourite activity last year was mountain biking.

Despite all the great activities, it is the people that keep the 15-year-old coming back.

"I just like the friends," Snider said.

Camp, however, isn't all fun and games. The cadets live in barracks and every week there is an inspection.

"They're really tough," Deneyoua said.

Cadets have to make sure their uniform is neat and their boots are polished. The barracks floor has to be swept and mopped and the area around the building has to be clean.

The beds are also under close scrutiny. The regimental sergeant major who does the inspection expects quarters to bounce off the bed, Deneyoua said. One time, her bed wasn't tight enough so they ripped it apart and she had to make it again. The trick is to tuck the sheets under the bed, she said.

There is also a parade every morning that can be strict.

Cadets have to get up at 7:30 a.m. to be ready.

"That's early," said Celine Gargan, who admits she usually sleeps in until noon.

To be accepted for the camp, the cadets had to be recommended by Lieut. John Hazenberg and pass through a formal process. The camp is held every year in Whitehorse and is free of charge for the cadets. In fact, they get paid to go.

Besides swimming, Jackie Norwegian, said the best part of the camp is being able to go shopping during free time at Wal-Mart and along the main street of the city. The weekly stipend comes in handy for purchases.