Fort Resolution (July 21/03) - Parents in Fort Resolution have come up with an innovative way to combat juvenile delinquency. They've decided to open a local chapter of the Junior Rangers.

"It's important to offer kids an alternative to getting into trouble," said Richard Simon, one of the parents who played a role in bringing the program to Fort Resolution.

"We have some rambunctious kids and we hope this will help them settle down and instill a sense of discipline," he said.

Simon said many of the parents in the community were also looking for a way to get their kids out of the house. "Right now, lots of kids stay inside watching television and playing video games. This will get them to be more active," he said.

The Junior Rangers have 95 chapters and 2,700 members across Canada. The program is designed to teach kids 12 to 18 basic skills like shooting, drilling and surviving in the bush.

"It will be an excellent way for many kids to get back in touch with the land," said Simon.

He also says the Junior Rangers will provide an alternative to the new hockey program in Fort Resolution.

"Not everybody here likes hockey or can skate," said Simon. "This will give the kids who don't participate in that something to do."

The Fort Resolution Junior Rangers program was recently certified by the Department of National Defence, allowing instructors to move forward with a number of activities.

Simon said the plan is to introduce the Junior Rangers to marching and shooting drills followed by courses in firearms and boating safety.

"There will be a number of activities that we do with the kids," he said. "Hopefully, they will get them used to following orders and give them some basic survival skills."

Chad Beck, one of the Junior Rangers, has enjoyed his time in the program.

"It's been fun," said Beck, 15. "The part I've enjoyed the most is target shooting."

So far, there are 24 Junior Rangers in Fort Resolution. Simon hopes that eventually, the most troubled youngsters in the community will join the program.

"Hopefully, they'll see their friends doing it and join themselves," he said.