SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Despite years of driving ATVs around Fort Providence, Sheldon Sanderson discovered he still had skills to learn during a Junior Canadian Ranger camp.

Sanderson was one of 22 participants in an advanced level enhanced training session that was held in Yellowknife from July 12 to 23. The session, the first of its kind in the North, drew Junior Canadian Rangers from across the three territories.

Lorna Akpalialuk, right, of Pangnirtung, Sheldon Sanderson of Fort Providence and Melanie Nookiguak of Qikiqtarjuaq learn about knots and lashing during the Junior Canadian Rangers enhanced training session held in Yellowknife from July 12 to 23. - photo courtesy of Capt. Stephen Watton

"It was great, really great," Sanderson said.

During the camp, each Junior Ranger received certification training in all-terrain vehicle operation, possession acquisition licensing for firearms and the pleasure craft operator certification. The ATV training involved learning how to make sharp turns and U-turns and drive up-hill and over obstacles. It was good information, said Sanderson.

For Sanderson, 17, the best part of the training session was going to Bull Moose, a fly-in camp approximately 100 kilometres west of Yellowknife, for four days. Participants had the chance to go swimming daily and there was a large rock to jump into the water from.

"Shooting on the range was pretty fun, too," Sanderson said.

The advanced level training session was designed to introduce Junior Canadian Rangers to skills they wouldn't normally receive in their home communities, said Capt. Stephen Watton, the unit information officer with 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.

Basic-level courses have been held for the past eight years, but this was the first time an advanced course has been held in the patrol area. The goal was to further the development of the program, Watton said.

In addition to the certification, the participants, ranging in age from 16 to 18, learned traditional skills and Ranger skills. As part of the traditional skills, a Canadian Ranger showed the group how to make deadfall traps out of logs for animals ranging in size from bears to foxes. The Junior Rangers also learned how to make a bough bed, which is like a stable hammock, between four trees.

Ranger skills included GPS training, chainsaw sharpening and bush and camp skills.

"They all enjoyed it very much. They had a great time," said Watton.

The camp allowed the Junior Rangers to make new friends, develop leadership skills and self-confidence, he said. For some participants it was their first trip to Yellowknife, and for at least one member it was a first chance to eat at a Tim Hortons.

Sanderson said he plans to stay in the Junior Ranger program because of the opportunities provided to travel, learn new skills and try new things.

He said he also intends to encourage other Fort Providence youth to join.

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