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Junior Rangers program a huge hit

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Nov 11/05) - It sure looked like an army. The launch of the Junior Rangers program in Fort Providence attracted 31 participants over the weekend.

"I'm really impressed," said Ranger Aebert Sengmany, who helped organize the event at the community hall.

He added that two more youths approached him Monday saying they were out of town but wanted to get involved.

Cameron Sapp, 14, said the weekend lessons included learning the phonetic alphabet, how to stand at attention and at ease, and how to salute properly.

"The best part was shooting an air rifle," he said. He noted that he hit the target three out of five times.

Sapp said he signed up for the Junior Rangers just for something else to do.

Shelby Nadli, another participant, enjoyed the marching drills. "I found it fun," she said.

Both Sapp and Nadli indicated that they plan to stick with the program.

The Junior Rangers can give those ages 12 through 18 some solid structure in their lives, according to Sengmany.

"It's something that belongs to them. They can do things as a group," he said, adding that parental and community support for the program have been outstanding.

There are 34 other Junior Ranger patrols in the North.

Warrant Officer Ed Patten and Capt. Tony Lynch came in from Yellowknife to assist Sengmany, Sgt. Cliff Vandell and Master Cpl. Serge Levavasseur in offering instruction over the weekend.

Lynch said the Junior Rangers will eventually be taught how to use global positioning systems (GPS), map and compass, first aid and weapon safety.

With community assistance, the youth will also learn traditional practices and life skills.

All the components can be combined by holding an event such as a moose or caribou hunt, Lynch said.

There are also opportunities for the teens to go to the Yukon for a camp and qualify for marksmanship competitions.

Sengmany added that the Junior Rangers are taught how to deal with adversity and encouraged to be role models in the community.

Academics is also recognized, as the top performing Ranger students will get awards in school.

"There are great things to come," Sengmany predicted.