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Paulatuk youth learned about the importance of the environment while out on a camping trip at Rat Lake. Seen here is chaperon Melba Ruben, left, Grace Nakimayak, Theresa Ruben, Anna Ruben, Ashley Nakimayak, Madeline Nakimayak, Logan Ruben, Ruben Ruben Jr., and Brianna Wolki. - photo courtesy of Marlene Wolki/Parks Canada

PAULATUK - A group of nine youth from Paulatuk went out on the land with Parks Canada for a five-day camping trip earlier this month, but some curious grizzly bears cut the trip short.

Parks Canada interpreter Marlene Wolki said Parks Canada has been taking youth into national parks for several years. Last year weather delays prompted them to take the youth to a location just outside of Paulatuk by truck.

"We went to a place called Rat Lake. It's about nine kilometres southeast of Paulatuk," said Wolki.

"Every year we try to get youth into a different national park. The reason is to give the youth from Paulatuk an appreciation of the park and the role of national parks and Parks Canada. Every year the weather is always a factor. Last year the kids went out to Rat Lake and everything went well so we figured we would take them on the same camping trip this year," said Wolki.

She said the trip is meant to teach the youth about environmental stewardship as well as outdoor and water safety.

For youth participant Madeline Nakimayak, 9, it was her first time out on the land.

"It was fun. We played lots of games and we went on hikes for a couple hours," said Nakimayak.

She said everyone wanted to go swimming, but the weather and the water were too cold.

The trip was scheduled to run from July 14 to 18, but they decided to head home on July 16 after a group of grizzly bears set up shop near the camp.

"I guess the bear smelled the food. It was very scary," said Nakimayak.

She said some of the adults saw the first bear. When they did, kids were sent into their tent to be quiet for a few minutes.

"Marlene told us to be quiet. We got in the tent to do our journals and just stayed quiet," said Nakimayak.

The bear wandered off, but later returned with two others. Although they were keeping their distance, Wolki and the other adults decided it would be best to pack it in early.

"It's really unusual for there to be bear activity in the area," said Wolki.

Wolki said the campers were never in any danger.

The bears kept their distance and one of the chaperones was standing by with a gun in case the bears approached.

Despite cutting the trip short, Wolki said everything else was a success and there are plans to repeat the program next year.