INUVIK - Organizers are busy preparing to send 12 Inuvialuit youth on the annual leadership canoe trip.

But this year the trip, which is sponsored by the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, has grown with the partnerships of Alaskan and Nunavut corporations.

The annual Inuvialuit Development Corporation youth leadership canoe trip has a new name; the Arctic Youth Leadership Expedition. Organizers are working hard to prepare for this year's trip down the Horton River. From left, Frank Wolki, Carl Kuptana, Charmane Elanik, Dolly Loreen and Shari Ann Wolki were all chosen by their schools to take the canoe trip last year. - photo courtesy of Amanda Cliff

Organizer Amanda Cliff, who has been involved with the trip for the last three years, said the preparations for the journey are almost complete.

"Eleven of the 12 participants are already chosen," said Cliff.

"They were chosen by nominations from their schools."

Cliff said the group was looking for youth who displayed leadership skills.

"We weren't just looking for the loud ones who were already leading others," she said.

"We wanted the youth who were willing to learn and try something new."

The youth leave for the trip on July 11 and will return from their canoeing on July 26.

Four high school credits are being offered to the participating youth.

Cliff said the trip is still being executed by Outward Bound, a company that specializes in youth outdoor adventures.

"IDC hosts the trip and subcontracts out for the delivery of the trip," said Cliff.

Peter Trainor, another organizer on the trip, is also busy working out details for the youth.

"We're arranging flights and accommodations while the youth are in Inuvik," said Trainor.

"The ball is definitely rolling, the plans for the trip are all set out."

Trainor said the planing for this year's trip has been easier and faster because of the trail blazed by other organizers in past years.

"It's been a lot of work, but it was made easier because the trip is well established," said Trainor.

Trainor is new to the concept of planning an outdoor adventure for youth, but has previous experience in working with young people.

"I'm enjoying the experience so far," he said.

"I've called some kids on the phone already to work out travel details."

Trainor said that when he called around to inform the youth that they had been chosen, the responses were all good.

"From hearing them on the phone, you can tell this is a big deal for them, which is good," he said.

The group will continue working on the trip until the youth arrive in Inuvik in mid-July.