LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Sitting in a semi-circle a group of young children carefully watch Rosario Lloret as she points to pictures of different animals. Along with each picture Lloret says both the Spanish and English word for it which the children quickly repeat.

"Oso, bear. Gatto, cat. Lobo, wolf. Vaca, cow."

Ravanna Hanna, 6, holds a craft including rojo (red), blanco (white) and azul (blue) flowers she made during the Spanish Children's Camp in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

As its name suggests, learning Spanish was a key part of the Spanish Children's Camp that was held in Fort Simpson from July 7 to 18. Basic vocabulary words were slipped into all the camp's activities.

Every day the children played a game that helped introduce Spanish words. The words were reinforced during the other camp activities including crafts and storytelling.

"They really listen," said Lloret.

Because most of the participants were under the age of six they quickly started using Spanish words.

"They are like sponges," she said.

The Health, Fitness and Fun Society, of which Lloret is a member, organized the camp. The society was founded in April to support ballet lessons that were offered in the village. The society's goal is to introduce liveliness and new activities to the community while promoting fitness and healthy activities, said Lloret.

"Our main goal is to keep doing it charge free for everyone," she said.

The society's board is open to ideas anyone wants to suggest for new activities, said Lloret. If the board votes in support of a program they apply to different funding sources for the necessary money and then begin offering the activity.

Lloret, who is originally from Spain, suggested the idea of a Spanish children's camp to the board who readily agreed.

"It's one of the things I can teach best," she said.

Despite being excited about the project Lloret didn't foresee the amount of interest the camp would receive from the community. An average of 24 participants a day far surpassed her original expectations of 15.

After finishing a game about animals Fayth Sibbeston, 5, said she was happy to be at the camp.

"I like Spanish," said Sibbeston.

When asked what she could say in Spanish Sibbeston replied with "de nada", or thank you.

Sitting with her granddaughter during a craft, Ruby Ryan said she was impressed the participants were actually picking up some Spanish.

"It's nice to have something different and the kids seem to enjoy it," said Ryan.

For their next program the society is considering offering Tai Chi lessons for parents and children. Ballet lessons are also expected to being again in the fall.