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IQALUIT - A group of middle school students recently took a break from their regular routine to find themselves up to their elbows in wires, circuitry and various metal bits.

Twenty computer-inclined youth were invited to take part in IGN.I.T.E., an IBM technology camp hosted at Aqsarniit middle school from Oct. 8 to 10.

Paula Naulaq, left, and Molly Ell explore the innards of a computer at Aqsarniit middle school in Iqaluit Oct. 9. The girls were particpating in IGN.I.T.E., an IBM computer camp. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

"I hope it comes back next year," enthused Grade 8 student Bryan Slaney.

The budding electrical engineer said he relished a chance to explore electricity hands-on, creating an FM radio in a snap circuit workshop.

Students spent an afternoon learning to design their own web pages, with a few words of wisdom regarding web etiquette and cyber bullying.

Pairs also had a chance to build and tear apart a PC.

The construction of a Lego robot was the most challenging bit of all, according to Grade 6 student Dayle Kubluitok.

"It took us all the whole morning and almost half the afternoon," she said.

Kubluitok and her activity partner Gabriel Maurice demonstrated how, at the touch of a few buttons, their robot could chase noise and visual cues down the school hallway.

"We started with just a wheel and then it got difficult," she said.

"These kids need to be engaged with technology," said Rukhsana Syed, the IBM Canada programs manager who travelled to Iqaluit to facilitate the event.

"We already see fibre optics, Internet here. So why should these kids be left behind the rest of Canada?"

Syed brought with her a trunk full of technical goodies, and plans to donate five of the Lego robot-building kits to the school.

The next step, she said, would be to build capacity in the schools to continue teaching the skills long after she's gone.

This session was piggy-backed on Blueprint for Life, a visiting job fair, and hosted in partnership with the local Royal Bank of Canada.