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LUTSEL K'E/SNOWDRIFT
The learning doesn't stop once school's out for summer for some youth in Lutsel K'e.

A group of young people in the community recently rolled up their sleeves for a science and engineering camp designed to teach them about opportunities in a wide variety of sciences, engineering and technology careers, including in the NWT's mining industry.

Eight-year-old Ashton Catholique enjoyed the camp, which was held at the community centre and the gym at Lutsel K'e Dene School from July 2 to 5. He said the camp made him more interested in science.

"We made some fun stuff," he said.

Ashton's mother, Hanna Catholique, said her son and all the children really enjoyed the camp.

"They had different little projects to do every day," she said.

Becky Broderick, a community wellness worker in Lutsel K'e with the Department of Health and Social Services, helped set up the science camp for Actua, a charity group which offers science, engineering and technology youth outreach programs throughout the country.

"It was for grades 1 to 6, but they made exceptions for a little bit younger and a little bit older," said Broderick.

In all, about 15 youths participated. Broderick said the camp was a good thing for the community. Mohammed Haridy and Kaitlynn Sadler, both from the University of Alberta, instructed the camp.

"The instructors were really well prepared. They put on a show at the end of the camp," said Broderick, adding many family members turned up to see what the young people had learned.

"It wasn't just targeted for kids," she said. "That last day kind of included everyone and that community focus is really important in Dene communities."

The camp was delivered by DiscoverE from the University of Alberta, a member organization of Actua, and supported by Diavik Diamond Mines. Actua has been delivering science outreach programming for youth in the NWT for a number of years.

This year in Lutsel K'e, the mining industry was the focus, as well as the myriad of related career opportunities. Youth learned about the topic through hands-on activities, ranging from simulating the formation of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, to designing circuits and exploring the conductivity of various materials and designing structures.

Gus Fomradas, a geologist at Diavik Diamond Mines, visited the camp to help lead participants through different rock cycles.

Using coloured crayon pieces to represent the differences between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock, campers learned to treat each group in ways that mimicked the conditions that cause different rock formations.

"It was great to meet the kids and talk to them about the Diavik Mine and geology," stated Fomradas in a news release.

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