Rankin Inlet (July 28/04) - You have nothing to fear, but fear itself -- and maybe a clove of garlic and a squishy clump of mud or two!

Kane Komaksiutiksak, 6, got a good deal when his dice roll pointed to a green pepper.

So it was in Rankin Inlet this past week when more than 60 youth gathered at the arena to take part in the community's first Fear Factor challenge.

The event was sponsored by the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre's Youth Outreach program.

The kids dug for keys in a bathtub full of home-made mud, ate a variety of not-so-tempting delicacies, dodged waterlogged socks, made their way through a dark obstacle course and swung into the swimming pool a la George of the Jungle.

Youth counsellor Stella Kablalik said she let her imagination run wild while organizing the event.

And, while the first round was a blast for all involved, Kablalik promises even more gooey fun as the summer progresses.

"This is the first Fear Factor we've held in Rankin and the first round was, more or less, a test run for the rest of the summer," said Kablalik.

"The kids really enjoyed the afternoon and it was great to see them so eager and excited.

"They definitely left wanting more."

Kane Komaksiutiksak, 6, and Anna Mekka Kowmuk, 7, summoned all their courage to get past the food challenge.

Komaksiutiksak may have got the better of the deal when his dice roll pointed to a green pepper.

"It wasn't that bad, I guess" said Komaksiutiksak.

"But I don't think it will be one of my favourites."

Kowmuk rolled a lemon with her turn.

Kowmuk walked away from the table trying to figure out how to get her lips working again. When asked how the lemon was, all she could muster was, "Not too good!"

Kablalik said the helpers had almost as much fun as the kids during the first round -- a point emphasised by the gleeful look on municipal bylaw officer Warren Kusugak's face as he "helped out" tossing wet socks at kids running the gauntlet.

"I'd like to see this continue until school goes back in," said Kablalik.

"If the kids stay interested, we'll go from there."