Popular free Nunavut hockey camp set to resume in August

Past Nunavut Hockey Stars camp participants pose with coaches in Iqaluit including Team Canada hockey gold medalist Gillian Apps, far left. The camp will run in Iqaluit Aug. 14 to Aug. 18 and is open to boys and girls aged five to 18. (PHOTO COURTESY NHS FACEBOOK)

After a one-year hiatus because of a last-minute fundraising glitch, the Nunavut Hockey Stars summer camp will go ahead as planned this August in Iqaluit.

Co-ordinator Jesse Mike said June 8 that attendance this year might be smaller because of less airfare sponsorship for the communities, but she’s hoping families and supportive neighbours, will have time to do their own fundraising so that kids from remote Nunavut hamlets can attend.

“The camp provides an opportunity that otherwise would cost thousands and thousands of dollars because first you have to get down south to the camp and then the camp costs a lot of money,” Mike said.

“It’s not the same as going to a camp with all your buddies, and people like you.”

Nunavut Hockey Stars camp, launched in 2002 to teach Nunavut kids hockey, healthy living, teamwork and leadership skills, runs from Aug. 14 to Aug. 18 this year, is free of charge, and open to boys and girls aged five to 18.

The camp was cancelled last year after First Air’s sponsorship deal with Nunavut Stars expired leaving organizers insufficient time to raise money to bring in coaches and two players from each community.

First Air has been able to offer only discounted flights this year and because of a codesharing deal, the airline can only sponsor players coming from places the company flies to.

Those served by Canadian North will have to find ways to raise money out-of-pocket or through community fundraising events, Mike said.

The good news is, there are still two months before the camp starts which leaves plenty of time for creative ways to raise that money in town.

And camp organizers also plan to help in fundraising efforts, Mike added. In fact, you can go to their crowdfunding site here to donate to the cause.

Once the players arrive in Iqaluit, they usually stay with families so meals and accommodations are covered. It’s just a matter of raising money for the flight to Iqaluit, Mike said, because the camp itself is free.

In years past, organizers have flown in male and female coaches to help run the camp and this year will be no different, Mike said.

Coach commitments are still being finalized but Jeff Flanagan, who coaches the Junior “A” Milton Icehawks, has confirmed he will return as he has in years past.

Each year is made possible by the 10-15 local and visiting coaches who put in hours of volunteer time as well as the 40 or so parent and community volunteers who commit a week’s worth of their time so the kids can enjoy themselves fully.

Participants are usually broken down into age groups and throughout the week, they engage in both on-ice skills development and off-ice strength and teambuilding exercises, Mike explained.

“I’m excited. I get frustrated sometimes because I feel like I have to keep proving the importance of this camp,” Mike said, explaining all the many things kids can benefit from by attending.

“It’s a comfortable place to learn… It shows them the importance of being physically active for your physical health and mental health but also to improve in whatever sport it is you play. We talk about the importance of healthy food. The lunch we provide is always nutritious.”

For families who struggle through poverty, grief and other challenges, the camp can have such a positive impact on children and, through them impact families and whole communities, she said.

Some former participants who have outgrown the camp still volunteer in their communities and some have become young leaders and mentors, Mike said.

Go to the Nunavut Hockey Stars Facebook page if you want more information.