INUVIK - Kirt Ruben, a student of the Recreation Leaders program at Aurora College, is busy honing his skills with Ingamo Hall's summer day camp.

Ruben's work as a day camp co-ordinator will earn him the job hours required for his diploma.

Kirt Ruben, a participant in the Recreation Leaders Program and also the day camp co-ordinator for Ingamo Hall, stands behind a pyramid of his day campers. Bottom row, from left, Colby Dillon-Voudrach, Daynah Kunnizzie, Darielle Bonnetplume, Preston Dillon-Lucas, Monica Bonnetplume, second row, from left, Angie Kunnizzie, Melanie Bonnetplume, Janine Bonnetplume, Annabelle Kunnizzie, on top is Madison Ross, standing beside them is Frederick Arey. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Ruben is originally from Paulatuk and moved to Inuvik to get his qualifications in recreation.

"I moved here in 2005 to take part in the rec leaders program," said Ruben.

Ruben explained that he needs 450 hours in a recreation-based job to finish the program.

"The rec practicum is on-the-job experience basically," said Ruben.

"It's all about learning how to work a day-to-day job in recreation."

Working at the day camp is something that Rubens said he's happy with because he enjoys working with youth.

"Working with these kids is great, every day is something new," he said.

Ruben has been working at Ingamo Hall since May 25, when he started his planning for the summer activities.

"I spent the time working on my schedule and finding funding sources for the program," said Ruben.

The Ingamo day camps started last week.

Ruben said that when he started organizing the events, he reviewed previous day camp plans.

"I went back and used some elements from past day camps at Ingamo," said Ruben.

"I used some of my ideas and implemented them into a new schedule of events."

Ruben said that he got most of his ideas from activities that were done during the recreation leaders program at the college.

"Right from day one of the course, we learned how to start up programs and how to get funding for them," said Ruben.

"The course was a real eye opener for me, I got to learn how these activities come together."

Ruben said that the new generation of youth has it good, with the number of events and activities to do.

"There is so much out there for the youth today," said Ruben.

"You see a big change in what healthy living means now."

Ruben also takes advantage of the time he has with the youth to educate them about leading healthier lives.

"The kids are so open to the programming," he said.

"They always want to take part in the activities every day."

When the summer is done, Ruben wants to move to Fort Smith.

"My wife is moving there, it would be nice to go as well," said Ruben.