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INUVIK - For a group of Inuvik cadets, this summer has been all about camp life.

The Inuvik Royal Canadian Army Cadets participate in the annual cadet camp in Whitehorse every summer.

A group of Inuvik cadets are taking part in the annual cadet camp in Whitehorse, Yukon. Whitewater rafting is one of the activities that the young troops are participating in this summer. The camp is in session for another week. - photo courtesy of Cheryl Major

The camp is a six-week adventure with many activities and challenges for the young troops.

This year, Lydia O'Connor is attending the camp with her sister Laura.

O'Connor said the experience this summer is one that she'll remember for a long time.

"It's been a fun time so far," she said.

O'Connor has been a member of the Inuvik troop for nearly two years.

She said the local team left for their summer camp during the first week of July. "We got here on July 5," she said.

While staying at the camp, O'Connor said, they are sleeping in barracks on bunk beds. "The beds are nice and comfortable," she said.

The day starts at 7:30 in the morning and lights out is at 11 p.m. O'Connor said she enjoys the things to do at camp during the day.

"We take part in sports activities, we got to go on trips to the museum," she said.

The cadets are also involved in drill exercises, which test the skills of the troupe.

"We have drills and classes that we attend," said O'Connor. "When we're in class, we learn about drill calling."

For most kids during the summer, the usual dress is a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. O'Connor said all cadets at camp are to use issued clothing, which is green.

"We have sweatshirts, T-shirts, pants, all that stuff," she said. "Sometimes we wear combat gear."

O'Connor said she took part in this year's camp because she wanted a memorable experience this summer.

"I wanted to get out and have fun," she said. "I'm making new friends and getting involved in something fun."

O'Connor and the rest of the Inuvik squad were able to take part in rafting and canoeing exercises during the trip.

"I'd only been paddling once before," she explained.

She was one of the lucky youth who didn't get all wet during the paddling lessons.

"We learned all about the different strokes and techniques," she said.

Being on the land and living a simpler life is something that O'Connor got used to quickly.

"I got used to camping pretty fast and being out on the land," she said.