Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 03/05) - When Anne-Marie Giroux says it takes an entire community to raise a child, she knows of what she speaks. Giroux is the lead child care worker for the summer day camp run by the Centre for Northern Families and the SideDoor youth centre.

Agnel Poruthur and Elijah Avadluk enjoy time at the Yellowknife golf course during the summer day camp offered by the SideDoor Youth Centre and the Centre for Northern Families.

She says growing up in a low income family herself meant not always being able to participate in many activities.

"I didn't have this. Creativity was essential to keep yourself occupied and out of trouble," she said.

"So just because you don't have a big income, it doesn't mean you can't have things in life."

"The importance of this is so big," Giroux said of the significance of the day camp for the children.

"What we're doing is giving kids who normally wouldn't have an opportunity to take part in these activities, the opportunity to try different things and challenge their skills.

"We're exposing them to things that they could do. It opens up so many doors."

Children between the ages of six and 12 are participating in the camp.

This year, 40 children are actively participating, although 70 have registered.

Throughout the community

With community support, the children are able to participate in a myriad of activities throughout the community.

Ryan Peters, executive director of the SideDoor, said he is pleased to be able to partner with the Centre for Northern Families to help run the day camp.

"I think it is really key to take the positives both organizations have to offer," he said of the program success.

"We're providing a good, safe wholesome environment for youth over the summer."

Each day, the children will do anything from tour Great Slave Helicopters to try out their skills with a five-iron on the Yellowknife golf course.

Great fun

For one student, Elijah Avadluk, 10, it wasn't the first time he has golfed but it was great fun, nonetheless.

"I'm having fun. I like golf. You have to concentrate, but it's not like a competition, you just have to play," Avadluk said.

Agnel Poruthur, 11, was also swinging high at the golf course during an afternoon of activity. "I've golfed before. It's nice," Poruthur said.

"We can play and enjoy and our bodies get refreshed," he said of the sport.

"But I enjoy making crafts with paper the most."