Day camp growing large in Arviat

The kids summer camp is a happening spot in Arviat this summer, with a record number of children registering for the activities.

Hamlet director of community development and assistant SAO Amber Tattuinee said the hamlet has been holding the kids summer camp for almost 20 years, and 2024 marks the first time there has been 150 kids registered.

The program is aimed at kids aged seven to 12.

Tattuinee said even though the community hall is down for repair, the camp is still doing all right because the hamlet has a really big sports park.

She said the kids spend a lot of time at the sports park, while some groups are at the lake and others at the drop-in centre.

“The kids have lots and lots of activities, like little soccer leagues, baseball leagues, arts and crafts and swimming at the lake on some days,” said Tattuinee.

“The camp is popular with both parents and kids during the summer.

“Our recreation director takes care of the overall program and I help out when needed. We have two camp co-ordinators and 10 camp counsellors. That's good for now but we think the number is going to keep growing every year, which makes me a little nervous.”

Tattuinee said right now, the biggest challenge facing the summer camp is the ability to hire more staff.

She said each year, the hamlet hires its summer students first and then opens registrations for the kids.

“We never know how many are going to register. Sometimes it will be smaller one year and bigger the next. I think we just have to change a few things around and we'll be even better next year.

“Last year we split the two groups in two with seven-to-nine-year-olds in the first group for four weeks and then the 10-to-12-year-olds in the second group for four weeks.

“It actually worked out very well, so I think we're going to do that again next year.

“Our number-one priority during camp is making sure we're able to provide food and water for the kids. During the school year, the schools get funded to be able to feed the children for lunch, so we try to make sure we have that, as well, during the summer camp because some kids won't be able to get that at home.”