Yellowknife (Aug 09/06) - A collective bargaining unit negotiated a deal with management to stay up an extra half an hour past bedtime this past weekend.

Twelve youth descended on Fred Henne Territorial Park for a union camp hosted by the Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

The theme of the camp was diversity and inclusiveness, regardless of age, sex, religion or ability, said Mary Lou Cherwaty, president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

"The biggest thing we were trying to teach is the collective is more important than the individual," said Cherwaty.

Six boys and six girls attended the camp, which involved group discussions, a number of speakers and team building, said Cherwaty.

The campers weren't without old-time camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, and arts and crafts sessions.

The 12 campers, 10 from Yellowknife and two from Deline, had a quality time according to accounts at the wrap up barbecue on Monday.

"We talked about unions and I learned some new stuff," said Eric Vandenberg, an 11-year-old camper

It was interesting to get to know what unions are about, and to get out and do some exciting activities like canoeing, said Vandenberg.

"I got to meet some people - it was a fun time,"he said.

With most campers' parents involved in Northern unions, it's nice to be able to explain what goes on in a union, said Cherwaty.

Organizing for the camp began a number of months ago, she said. Funding for the camp came from three main organizations: the Canadian Labour Congress, the Union of Northern Workers and the Public Service Alliance of Canada area council.

Along with funding, the camp also had 15 volunteers give up their time, said Cherwaty. The union camp is expected to be an annual event, running every long weekend in August, said Cherwaty.