Learning to lead
Junior Canadian Rangers take advanced skills in Alberta
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 12, 2014
KIVALLIQ/ALBERTA
Twelve Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) from across the Kivalliq were among the 50 who took part in an enhanced training session in Kananaskis, Alberta, this past month.
Karen Saumik of Whale Cove will be an instructor-counsellor at a Junior Canadian Rangers training camp at Whitehorse, Yukon, this coming summer. - photo courtesy of Stephen Watton |
The First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group's five-day session was held at the Tim Horton's Children Ranch from Feb. 21 to 26.
The advanced training provides the opportunity for JCR in the North, aged 16 to 18, to interact, experience cultural differences, and understand basic leadership and organization skills in a fun and safe environment.
The officer in charge of the training, Capt. Sharon Low, said the recent camp was a success in advancing the Junior Ranger program.
She said previous camps were more about self-development.
"In the past, for leadership, we had the kids participate in activities that challenged their confidence by pushing their comfort level a little bit," said Low.
"But, this time, we actually taught them leadership skills like how to speak in front of a group, organize small activities and organize meetings in their home communities.
"That was a really big step for the program."
Junior Rangers who attend enhanced training are selected by Rangers in their own hamlet and, depending on the community, there may also be school or adult committee involvement in the selection process.
Low said the Alberta camp included a lot more instruction and class time than previous sessions.
She said the JCR did, however, get to participate in a Culture Day held in Banff.
"A lot of them really liked going in the gondola or swimming in the hot springs.
"They also took part in an ice-rescue exercise that's aimed at increasing self-confidence while learning self-rescue and assisted-rescue skills.
"That training is always popular with most of the JCR who take part."
Low said there were youths who were hesitant, at first, to speak in front of the group during training.
She said a number of team-building exercises are held to help the Junior Rangers feel more comfortable in addressing the group.
"Everyone participated in the public speaking part of the training.
"The kids were all qualifying to be instructor-counsellors at the basic training session we hold at Whitehorse, Yukon.
"Karen Saumik of Whale Cove was successful, and was selected to be a staff member this coming summer."
Low said the heart of the JCR program is the programming delivered at the community level.
She said the youths who attended the Alberta camp now have the skills necessary to lead sessions held in their home communities.
"They're able to teach the younger kids the drill sequences, how to organize games and, of course, their weekly meetings.
"So, that's going to have a positive impact on their home communities.
"Having a 16- or 17-year-old kid able to lead a training session for the other Junior Rangers is huge."
