INUVIK - Planning events for youth that last all summer can be a daunting task, but Kimmi Male and her team at the Midnight Sun Day Camp are ready for it.

The day camp started on July 3 and the camps are being run until Aug. 17.

Participants of the Town of Inuvik camp smile during an activity earlier this week. From left, Makayla Kikoak, Alicia Wenghofer, Paris Wainman, counsellor Brenegan Baskin and Shannon Furlong. Summer day camps are now in full swing but there are still spaces. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Male works for the town as both day camp co-ordinator and recreation liaison.

This is Male's third year with the day camp, and she said planning for the weeks and weeks of events is always a challenge. There are seven weeks in the program, with each week having its own designated theme.

"We try to keep it varied, so the kids are doing as much as possible," said Male.

"This week's feature is 'Arctic athletes' so the kids will be playing all kinds of sports."

Male added that Arctic sports (traditional games) is also on the menu, to be taught by one of the counsellors.

Using the town's facilities is something that Male tries to do as much as possible.

"We were in the pool every day last week for splish-splash week," she said.

"We use the pool every day, but wanted a full week to swim."

Male said that she wants to integrate as many programs as possible.

"We brought in three new camps last year and we want to do them again next year," she said.

"We want to alternate our camps so the kids don't do the same thing every summer."

For those parents who didn't register in June for the camps, there is still space available in the upcoming camps.

"There are still parents coming in on Monday to register for that week, or Friday for the next," she said.

"There is lots of space for new faces."

Male said that her team of counsellors also went into the schools before classes were let out, to advertise the program.

"I think the school presentations boosted our numbers a lot," said Male.

The camps are for kids aged 5-12.

Last year, Male introduced camp outs, which had the groups staying in campgrounds with chaperons and having fun outdoors.

"We're doing some more camp outs this year as well," she said.

"Our first stop will be at Happy Valley campground."

The Town of Inuvik also partnered with the Gwich'in Tribal Council to bring the youth on the land during the camp.

"The kids stay with us during the day and stay at the new Gwich'in camp on the east branch of the Mackenzie River," said Male.

Male added that the Gwich'in camp is intended for youth who will be travelling from nearby communities only.

The Inuvik day camp is located in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex and has regular business hours.