That's one of the lessons passed on to the seven youth who took part in Exploring Ventures, a week-long camp at Notana Lake in December.

Michael Cazon, a camp co-ordinator and instructor, said even something as simple as mixing fuel for a snowmobile or a chainsaw requires a knowledge of ratios.

"Every activity we were doing, we were connecting it to language arts," Cazon explained. "They experience it and they remember it.

"There are so many gifts out there (on the land) ... people just have to share it."

There were cultural lessons as well, such as which plants have medicinal value, preparing moose hides and story-telling.

The youth were also taught about safety on the land.

"I learned how to go fish-netting under the ice and how to make a jump snare for rabbits," said Ernie Deneyoua, 12.

"We were doing a lot of fun things."

Some of the participants -- all of whom were between the ages of 12 and 20 and had applied for the program -- have dropped out of school.

Cazon said they were reminded that a formal education can help them earn a wage.

"Even if we want to live in the bush, you've still got to buy gas and figure out budgeting," he said. "If you sell fur, you've got to prepare it for market and things like that. So it's very important to have that education."

A pilot project, the program was a joint venture between the Liidlii Kue First Nation and Cazon's business.

There could be more like it in the future.

"There's lots of good stuff we can do," said Cazon.