SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Sleeping outside in the middle of winter doesn't scare students from William McDonald School.

Grade 7 and 8 students from William McDonald School built igloos on Back Bay Friday. From the back, Samantha Sanderson, left, Kirstyn Falck, front row, Lauren Eggenberger, left, and Laura Hodgins said their shelter is more like an "egg-loo" because of its shape. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

While learning how to build an igloo on Back Bay Friday, 12-year-old Abigale Coad said she's confident she's tough enough to last five days in an igloo on Quyta Lake next month.

Coad is one of 20 Grade 7 and 8 students taking part in Camp Akaitcho from March 13 to 17.

Although the Grade 7 student said she never thought she would sleep outdoors in the middle of winter, she's excited for the challenge.

"It'll be interesting because not many people have done this," she said while shaving a block of snow on her test igloo.

"I think it's going to be a good experience. The skills I learn I'll have for the rest of my life."

While inside his own igloo, camp co-ordinator Jeff Seabrook said his favourite thing is seeing the students at the end of the camp, when they've realized what they accomplished.

He said the experience gives them a greater appreciation for the outdoors and the many forms of shelter and food it provides.

"This is a true learning experience," he said.

The camp provides leadership training and a venue for students to increase their self-esteem while experiencing life on the land.

When the students arrive at Quyta Lake next month, they are responsible for setting up a camp, which includes building igloos and stick shelters.

They will net their own fish, play Dene games, prepare cultural foods and take an interpretive hike that highlights both traditional and non-traditional survival skills.

It's about reviving and developing traditional and contemporary cultural skills of First Nation and Inuit people, said Seabrook.

In previous years, students have been faced with a lot of challenges, including sickness and exceptionally cold temperatures.

"We did it at -52 C," said Seabrook with a laugh. Despite the cold, all of the students toughed it out in their handmade shelters, he said.

Warm or cold, Coad said she's ready.

"I'm excited," she said. "Especially for when we actually start building our igloo and actually sleep in it."

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