NUNAVUT - For kids, summer is a glorious time free of homework and full of fun.

With school now out for the summer, communities across the territory are gearing up for summer camps and programs with the goal of guaranteeing a memorable summer for kids -- and a stress-free one for parents.

In 2007 Resolute Bay held a literacy camp, headed by Rob Hiseler of Queen's University. The university has been organizing similar literacy projects in the North for years. - photo courtesy of Kirsten Jewell

And for some communities, this year's summer camps will be particularly special.

"It's going to be our first time (running summer camp)," said Paul Haulli, recreation co-ordinator for Hall Beach.

Haulli added the recreation department is currently in the planning stages and has yet to decide what activities the program will offer.

Other communities, such as Arctic Bay, have already launched their summer program.

Sheena Qaunaq, who is the co-ordinator for the justice committee and the community justice outreach worker, said Arctic Bay started its camp two weeks ago.

This year, the hamlet recreation department and the justice committee have teamed up to run the summer camp together.

"There's about 25 to 30 kids (signed up for camps) right now, but there will probably be more," said Qaunaq.

"There are still families out camping. Once everybody's back, there should be more kids (signed up)," she added.

Arctic Bay will run its summer camp until mid-August, packing weekly schedules with indoor and outdoor games, as well as barbecues.

Plans for youth programs in Resolute Bay are well underway, said Joadamee Amagoalik, recreation co-ordinator.

"Baseball is happening pretty soon but it's taking a while for all the snow to disappear in the community," said Amagoalik.

While Amagoalik is hopeful youth in the community will be able to play ball this summer, he added it's not only the weather that stands in the way of youth summer programs.

"It's hard to get the youth (involved) in the summer time, just because of the fact most of them are staying up all night and sleeping all day long," he said.

"If we wanted to do the programs, we'd have to hold them at nighttime and that don't work too well," he added, laughing.

While Amagoalik and others will try their best to get involvement up, parents and kids looking for fun summer activities are encouraged to call hamlet offices for more details.