Inuvik's annual Camp Kivuni a hit

Inuvik youth are making crafts, learning about fire safety and preparing for a talent show at this year's Camp Kivuni.

The annual camp, which is run by the Town of Inuvik, is a seven-week day camp that will run until the third week of August from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Steve Krug, Camp Kivuni organizer and recreation program for the town, said campers don't have to enrol for every week – they can instead pick and choose which weeks work with their schedule or have activity themes that interest them.

"Registration is week to week, and there is a daily drop-in option. There's lots of flexibility and lots of availability," said Krug. "If kids are interested in a certain theme, like sports and fitness, or art and culture … they can choose which weeks they do or don't sign up for."

Krug said the camp has allotted the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation nine spaces each to provide youth in their membership with free spaces in the camp.

"Kids that may not have access to camp, can come to camp. This way, we get as many kids who may not get the chance to participate in camp to come out and get enrolled and participate," he said.

The camp hosts three age groups: 6 to 7, 8 to 9 and 10 to 12, and sees approximately 20 kids enrolled each week.

Camp Kivuni, which is Inuvik spelled backwards, offers kids the opportunity to participate in both educational and recreational activities.

"There's a border between overwhelming the kids with educational stuff, because they spend most of their time in school," said Krug. "We want them to have fun. They aren't forced to participate in the educational parts, they're just voluntary learning opportunities."

Campers have participated in youth workshops as a part of the Great Northern Arts Festival, toured the fire hall and participated in a scavenger hunt.

"This year, a focus is to get the kids outside as much as possible," said Krug. "The weather has been pretty inconsistent but we're still doing things like the scavenger hunt outside when we can."

Coming up, campers will be participating in water week, where they will make cardboard boats, learn about water safety, and possibly go on a boat ride – and there's still space for more youth to enrol.

"Next week is water week, so hopefully the weather is nice so the kids can splash around and have fun in the water outside," he said. "We always like to see new faces and kids participating."