Fort Simpson (Oct 06/06) - It was just like being at a real campground - marshmallows on roasting sticks, campfire stories and even a tent that just didn't want to be put up.

And like any good camping trip, there was lots of laughter as kindergarten students at Bompas Elementary in Fort Simpson created a make-believe camp right in their classroom Sept. 29.

Kindergarten students, from left, Marie Hardisty, Allan Menicoche and Hunter Norwegian were the first to set up their tent for a make-believe camp-out. These Bompas Elementary students in Fort Simpson had all the camp trimmings, including marshmallows. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

But, as any good camper knows, you have to get your gear set up first, and that means getting your tent set up, something that proved to be an effort in organized chaos.

"They know how to do it, it's just getting them to do it," said Christine Jervah, the program support teacher at Bompas Elementary.

Most students just needed a little helping hand to get them on their way.

Hunter Norwegian, five-years-old, said the tent was no problem, and was fun to put up.

"Putting up the tent was easy," he said, looking over his tent with a critical eye.

It was certainly something Norwegian could boast because he was part of the first group to get the tent set up and ready to go.

But it couldn't be a real camping experience without a campfire story or two.

Soon the class was gathered around the fire (made of a flashlight and kindling), sticking their faces out of their tents to hear teacher Val Gendron read the story book The Elders Are Watching by David Bouchard.

But that wasn't all.

After a good story, the kids got two marshmallows each, which they "roasted" over the fire in delight.

Thankfully, only a few caught fire! Gendron said the students learned about what gear they'd need to go camping.

They would also learn what you do when out camping, she said, which includes lots of fun outdoors.

Gendron said the kids had already participated in a culture camp where the students went in the forest behind the school to pick berries for jam, to make bows and arrows, and to go on hikes.