YouSA国际影视传媒檙e never too young to go camping, and for five days in August kids in Inuvik got a taste of cabin living.

From Aug. 2 to 6, Children First SocietySA国际影视传媒檚 First Steps on the Land Program took children between ages two to 12 years old out to camps so they could get a taste of the outdoors SA国际影视传媒� with an emphasis on getting kids who otherwise wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 have the opportunity to do so.

SA国际影视传媒淩esearch tells us how important it is for children to connect to nature,SA国际影视传媒� said ChildrenSA国际影视传媒檚 First Society executive director Patricia Davison. SA国际影视传媒淚t benefits their health and mental well-being. It gives children the sense of being part of something greater, learning about the land and how we fit as humans. That respect for the land is so important.

SA国际影视传媒淭ime with Elders instill that sense of belonging and hope for the future, not to mention all the traditional knowledge and respect for everyone and everything that the Elders share.SA国际影视传媒�

On average, 10 to 20 children went out on each day, and a different group of kids were taken out to Ernest and Alice VittrekwaSA国际影视传媒檚 camp by boat. Freda Alunik also helped out at the camps this month. This is the second on-the-land camp this year SA国际影视传媒� in the spring Freddie and Sarah Jerome opened their camps up to the program.

Now in its fifth year of operation, the program is run in partnership with the NWT on the Land Program Collaborative, Inuvialuit Regional CorporationSA国际影视传媒檚 Project Jewel and numerous Elders and other community partners who donate space and time.

SA国际影视传媒淚t is a drop-in program,SA国际影视传媒� said Davison. SA国际影视传媒淐hildren who donSA国际影视传媒檛 have access to this type of experience can register. Children enrolled in programs at Children First Centre have access to the program. Any family that would like to have their child involved can contact Children First Society.SA国际影视传媒�

Davison said parents could email execdir@childrenfirstsociety.org to learn more.