Arctic Bay (Oct 20/03) - Instead of sleeping in on the weekends like most kids their age, a group of Arctic Bay teens are up bright and early.

They are members of the Arctic Bay Army Cadets and their weekends are usually full of events like practising their marksmanship, learning new drills and having fun.

Last Saturday was no exception. The members were up early in the morning to organize and compete in a biathlon. The group doesn't mind the work, they enjoy it. "There's not a whole lot to do in this town and the cadets are fun," said Becky Qaqqasiq. She is only 15 and already a sergeant in the group.

Master Warrant officer Neil Kigutaq, 16, agrees that being in cadets has been a great experience for him. Since joining the group five years ago he has had the opportunity to travel around Canada and meet new people. "Cadets have a big affect on my life," he said. "It's helped build my confidence and helps me be a better person."

Kigutaq has come a long way as a cadet. Now he is in charge of the group and teaches the new members.

"I've learned a lot about leadership and what it takes to teach the new members," he said.

Nataiel Chouinard, 16-years-old, said he has learned how to achieve his goals. On Oct. 1 Chouinard was promoted to Warrant officer and is second in command under Kiqutaq.

Chouinard explained the best part about the program for him is learning all the new skills like marksmanship and survival training.

"It's always a lot of fun," he said. "We get to do things like kayaking, rappelling down a mountain and hiking."

Qaqqasiq said being a cadet is a lot of work but the rewards have outnumbered the disadvantages.

"You get to learn things that other people don't," she said. "You learn what it means to be responsible and a leader."

Ron Elliot, commanding officer for the cadets, said it's always amazing to see the changes in the cadets over the years as they grow into responsible youths rather than get into trouble.

"It's easy for youth to get into trouble when there's nothing to do and these guys are doing something about that," he said. Elliot added that the group wouldn't have been as successful without committed community volunteers.

"There are six adults who have been really committed this year to the group," he said. "Without them this program wouldn't work and the kids would suffer."