For many athletes, training camps are a time to hone their skills in their chosen sport.

The same now appears to be true for local youth activists lobbying for better ways to deal with climate change.

From July 27 to 29, youth aged 15 to 30 from around the territory will gather at the Sprucewood Camp in Marsh Lake for the Power Summer Yukon training camp.

The event is aimed at youth to learn about taking non-violent, grassroots action on climate change in preparation for the national Power Shift gathering set for October in Ottawa/Gatineau, Que. that aims to "build the movement for a just and sustainable future.”

On Thursday afternoon, Power Summer Yukon organizers Malkolm Boothroyd and Cassy Andrew announced the local training camp in Shipyards Park, placing a banner between two wooden tripods.

The banner, the organizers said, is just one example of direct non-violent action that can be taken; "the very tactics to be taught (at) the Power

Summer Yukon climate justice training camp.”

"What better way to announce the camp itself?” Andrew asked reporters as she and Boothroyd worked against Thursday's buffeting wind to set the tripods up and display the banner.

Activists from the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, the Council of Canadians and other groups will be making presentations throughout the weekend event.

There will also be local guest speakers on hand talking about what can be done at home. One topic, for example, will focus on farming in the Yukon.

Along with looking at how to take action, climate change will be explored as well.

"Climate change threatens to destroy our future, yet rather than fight climate change, the Harper government gives $1.4 billion (in) taxpayer dollars each year to oil companies and the tar sands,” Andrew said in a statement.

"The Power Summer Yukon training camp will teach young people the skills needed to fight for our right to a future safe from climate change and extractive industries.”

The organizers are also taking action in planning the event by using locally sourced food, including 100 lbs. of fish Icy Waters has donated, Boothroyd pointed out.

By the end of the weekend, Andrew said, it's hoped a strong northern voice will be established for the larger PowerShift 2012 national event.

Approximately 1,500 youth are expected to take part in the national event aimed at stopping climate change.

It's unknown how many will show up for the Power Summer Yukon session. Organizers are not putting a limit on how many can attend.

While the local group has received funding from a number of sources to host the training camp, those looking to attend will also pay a fee of between $20 and $45 to help cover costs.

Andrew pointed out though that to make the event available to all, there is a scholarship program to assist. Participants are also being asked to supply their own camping gear for the weekend, but, as with costs, there may be options for those needing camping gear as well as transportation from the communities to get to Whitehorse.

Participants can register for the local training camp at www.wearepowershift.ca/power-summer-yukon.