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WHITEHORSE
Last month Delaney Vandell found herself in a raft heading down the Tatshenshini River in the Yukon.

Junior Canadian Ranger Brandon Thom of Fort Providence holds onto a throw bag rope as he is pulled to the shore of the Yukon River during swift water rescue training. The activity was part of a Junior Canadian Ranger enhanced training session in Whitehorse. - photo courtesy of Cpt. Stephen Watton

"It was so cool," said Vandell.

This was the first time Vandell, 13, of Fort Providence had been white water rafting. Vandell said she learned about different areas in the river such as eddies and saw a lot of amazing scenery.

White water rafting was one of many challenging activities that five Junior Canadian Rangers from Fort Providence had the chance to experience at an enhanced training session for Junior Rangers in Whitehorse. The Fort Providence Junior Rangers were among 202 youths from 36 communities across the three territories and Atlin, B.C., who participated in the session.

The training session is designed to give Junior Rangers opportunities that aren't available in their communities, said Capt. Sharon Low, commanding officer, Junior Canadian Rangers.

"In the end we hope to instill self-confidence in the Junior Rangers," she said.

Divided into groups

The session, which took place from June 24 to July 1, focused on the three primary areas of the Junior Ranger program: traditional, life and Ranger skills. The youths were divided into seven groups that rotated through different activities every day.

One of the on-the-land activities Junior Ranger Brandon Thom, 14, enjoyed the most was marksmanship.

The Junior Rangers were familiarized with range protocol before using air rifles, .22s and 12 gauge shotguns.

Thom particularly liked skeet shooting. Thom said skills he learned while hunting with his grandfather helped him hit 20 out of his 25 moving targets.

Thom said he also liked whitewater rafting and rappelling, both activities he'd never done before. With the rappelling it seemed like you had to jump right off of the mountain, he said.

"It was pretty scary," said Thom.

This was the first time Thom, who's been a Junior Ranger for a year, has participated in a training session such as this.

"It was fun and I met lots of people," he said.

Thom said the session definitely motivated him to stay in Junior Rangers.

Other activities the Junior Rangers participated in included ATV safety and handling, ziplining, swift water rescue training, trapping and wood cutting. The wood cutting was very popular, said Low.

The Junior Rangers learned how to use chainsaws and proper safety gear. For youths who live in the tree line it was a chance to learn safety tips. Youths who live in the Arctic were excited to cut up trees and take slices home with them.

Activities filled almost every portion of the participants' days in Whitehorse.

"They were really kept busy from 8 in the morning until 10 p.m. at night," said Low.

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