KIVALLIQ
A group from four Kivalliq communities were among the 60 Canadian Junior Rangers from 25 isolated and remote communities across the North who took part in an enhanced training session offered by the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group this past month in Alberta.
Breathtaking views in every direction of the Canadian Rockies were one of the highlights of the sevenday camp.
The Junior Rangers came from patrols in Atlin, B.C., the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut to conduct their training at the Tim Hortons Children's Ranch, located in Kananaskis, about an hour's drive west of Calgary.
Training activities included a camp routine, responsible leadership, icerescue training, possession acquisition license certification and traditional crafts, while cultural activities consisted of a visit to Banff, a ride on the Gondola and swimming in the hot springs.
Capt. Stephen Watton said the two activities many of the Junior Rangers seemed to enjoy the most were the Gondola and possession acquisition license certification.
He said the Gondola adventure was an eightminute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a fourpassenger cabin, during which the Junior Rangers climbed 2,281 metres (7,486 feet) in elevation to the summit's upper terminal.
"Then it was an easy, onekm selfguided boardwalk, which consisted of 368 steps along the summit ridge to the Sanson's Peak meteorological station with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains," said Watton.
"The Junior Rangers who attended this camp were selected by the Rangers staff and adult committees of each patrol
"The kids are great, very well mannered and enjoy, tremendously, all the activities they take part in."
Watton said the skills offered to the youths at the various enhanced training sessions are courses generally not available in their home community.
He said the skills the Junior Rangers learn are valuable assets they can carry forward into their adult life.
"Two prime examples of that are, again, the ice-rescue training and the possession acquisition
licence certification.
"Both of those skills are quite valuable assets to these young adults.
"It's interesting to see the kids get along and interact so well, because they learn more about each other, their home communities and the different cultures among the communities.
"They're all friends on Facebook and the like, so they're always excited to see each other, exchange ideas and catch up on what's happening."
