Cambridge Bay (Sep 27/04) - Julie Clements has caught Northern fever. At the beginning of the summer, the Langley, B.C., native was hired by the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay as their pool supervisor.

New recreation co-ordinator Julie Clements is all smiles during the Frolics in Cambridge Bay. The Langley, B.C., native is working on plans for upcoming events. - photo courtesy of Julie Clements

But, fate would step in soon after she arrived and Clements ended up on a path that would eventually see here staying up North much longer than expected.

Former recreation co-ordinator Kylo Harris resigned from his position and hopped on a snowmobile to Kugluktuk to take the executive directorship with the Kugluktuk Grizzlies Athletic Association soon after Clements' arrival.

"I thought that the recreation co-ordinator position was a fantastic opportunity to grow on my previous recreation experience," she said.

Originally set up as the interim co-ordinator, Clements jumped at the opportunity to apply for the position full-time.

"I was very interested because as recreation co-ordinator you are involved with the community on so many levels," she said.

Already immersed in her position, Clements said there are some major upcoming events in the hamlet that she is really looking forward to.

One is the hamlet's week- long Frolics held every year in May.

The other is the Kitikmeot Games.

Held in Kugaaruk this year, the Games are scheduled for Cambridge Bay in 2005.

The games showcase the best of traditional sports in the region. Clements said it is going to be a unique experience for her.

"That is something I am really excited for," she said.

And, as recreation co-ordinator, she'd be remiss not to take a stab at a few Arctic sports, which she plans to learn.

She's not sure if she'll be good enough to be competitive by then however.

"We'll see," she said.

Promoting recreation

Overall, her goal is to promote recreation in the community and get as many people involved as possible.

"I'm going to a workshop in October with all the recreation directors from around the Kitikmeot. We'll be brainstorming ways to promote recreation," she said.

Typical of most southerners who make the trek to the Arctic, Clements said it was a region of the country she had always been interested in.

"My first impression of Cambridge Bay was how different it was from any other place I have seen," said Clements.

"The landscape and the whole environment up here are really extreme. I have seen the most beautiful sunsets this summer and I am hoping to see Northern Lights this winter."

Although Clements expected to be back home in August, she said she always kept an open mind about remaining north of 60.

"My goal this year is to learn as much as possible about the local traditions and celebrate them with the community," she said.

Equipped with a parka and winter boots, Clements is now bracing herself for the quickly approaching Arctic winter.

"I'm a little nervous about how cold it's going to get," she admits.

"I don't have any concept in my mind what -40C feels like. I am going to stay really active in the programs so I don't even notice the temperatures, and maybe learn about the stars and constellations since they will be out all day," said Clements.

Other than enjoying her new Arctic home, she said she will be working hard with the recreation department.

"I feel really excited about the new programs and services that the hamlet will be offering this year. There are so many great ideas and projects we are working on.

"I just hope we can do them all," said Clements.