Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 06/01) - School may be out but camping season has only just begun.

The summer day camp program (for ages five to 12) got under way Tuesday, and runs until Aug. 23. The program consists of eight weekly camps, with a different theme each week.

This week marks the start of various camps put on by the town. Helping deliver these camps are, in front row, Dion Clingwall, left, and Mark Lansing. In back, from left, are Paula Anderson, Sherri Hodgson and Brandy Dahrouge. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

Day camp co-ordinator Sherri Hodgson reported that at least 60 youths were registered for "Just do it." This camp is being run in conjunction with Sport North, which arranged for instructors to come to town and offer tips on basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and tennis.

At least 75 kids have registered for next week's Splish Splash water bash camp.

"We don't really have a maximum," Hodgson said.

Other camps to be held are the Great Northern Arts Festival, the Rugged Urban Camper, World of Mystery, Magic and Intrigue; Inuvik Eco-challenge; Time Traveller; and Search for the Northern Stars.

"Plus the kids will be swimming and doing other things like mini-golf and all the other stuff," Hodgson said.

The Outdoor Adventures program is geared for those between 11 and 15. A canoe camp takes place this weekend.

Other programs

For the last weekend in July a boating camp is on tap, and a five-day trek camp takes place in Tombstone, Yukon, in mid-August.

The co-ordinators for Outdoor Adventures are Mark Lansing and Brandy Dahrouge.

This week also marks the start of the Explore Team program.

There will be one group for July and another one in August.

Youth leadership co-ordinator Dion Clingwall explained the program consists of youth-driven projects that contribute to the community. The program is for those 14-18.

Last year a group catalogued cross-country ski trails.

"If you give them a one-month block, you've got more time to really work on specific skills, and to develop a project, hopefully from beginning to end," Clingwall said.

Explore kids (plus some involved in Outdoor Adventures) will canoe to Tuktoyaktuk July 16 to 20. In August the Explore participants ware scheduled to journey to Whitehorse.