REPULSE BAY - Youth in three Kivalliq hamlets are getting the chance to have a great time while working on their literacy skills this summer.

Kristin White of Ontario and Bernie McDonell of Quebec are in Repulse Bay to deliver the annual Books, Fun and Sun Camp sponsored by Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., in partnership with Kivalliq School Operations in Baker Lake.

Queen's University student Kristin White reads along with a group of young students during the Books, Fun and Sun Camp in Repulse Bay this past week. - photo courtesy of Kristin White

White is taking geological engineering at Queen's, while McDonell is in civil engineering.

Queen's has been sending students to the Kivalliq for more than half a decade.

There are two students in Repulse, Baker and Arviat this summer.

White said she and McDonell have both been camp counsellors in the past.

She said Queen's Project on International Development is catered towards engineering students and that's how she and McDonell heard about it.

"We do two separate camps," said White.

"We have one group of kids aged six to nine and another for kids aged 10 to 12.

"The younger kids go from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., while the older kids come in from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m."

The camps will continue until July 24.

White said camp turnout has remained fairly consistent over the years.

She said there are about 25 kids in the younger group every day, and about 10 to 15 in the older age group.

"That's close to what they had at camp last year and the kids have been great.

"The first day they were quiet and shy, but now it's a real camp atmosphere.

"They're enjoying reading time and the games we play, like Pictionary and other word-related games.

"They also enjoy the gym time we end each session with."

White said she and McDonell are enjoying their time in Repulse, which is the first time in Nunavut for both of them.

She said the community has been great to them and they'll remember the experience for a long time.

"I hope to go back to school and get a couple of people who were interested in what I was doing this summer to apply for it next year.

"I'd strongly recommend this program because helping kids develop their skills is a nice way to spend summer."