Fort Simpson (Aug 11/06) - Fighting boredom in the summer can be hard when you are young and school is out.

Some youth in Fort Simpson found plenty to keep them occupied at the Blazing Trails youth day camp sponsored by the Brighter Future programs at Liidlii Kue First Nations.

Deidre Yakinneah gets a bit inventive with her origami crown by using clear tape. - Roxanna Thomspon/NNSL photo

The gym and connecting room in the recreation centre were transformed into the day camp centre with posters and tables laden with arts and craft supplies.

The first week was busy with approximately 12 youth coming in the mornings and afternoons, said Vanessa Waugh, one of the councillors.

Afternoon sessions were generally fuller because some of the participants would sleep in and miss the mornings.

Programs and activities were organized around the youth's tastes. "If they were bored, we sat down and decided what to do instead," said Seka Champagne, a councillor.

Activities ranged from active games to arts and crafts. The participants were split half and half on which they preferred, said Champagne.

Robynn Digness liked doing the crafts. Her favourite craft was decorating a treasure box with glitter and tissue paper. She also made a dreamcatcher.

Although crafts were fun, she liked something else better.

"When we have snacks," said Digness, 7, with a grin.

Deidre Yakinneah also favoured the crafts. Coming every day, Yakinneah said origami was her craft of choice. She made a crown and a fish.

"It's sort of easy and complicated at the same time," she said.

Michael Gast bucked the trend by saying that outdoor activities were the best part of the camp.

Gast came almost every day to the camp, which ran from July 31 to August 11.

"It's something to do," said Gast.

Toping the list of popular games were British bulldog, four corners and charades, according to councillors.