Nearly three-dozen Aboriginal teens from across the country are spending their long weekend at McGill University to take part in the Eagle Spirit High Performance Camp, a program designed to facilitate access to sports through education.

The First Peoples' House, the university's Aboriginal student group, is hosting the event -- which is in its fourth year.

Thirty-one youngsters from communities in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are participating.

Lectures, skills development, physical testing and social outings are all apart of the three-day program.

The idea was conceived by Waneek Horn-Miller, a Kahnawake native who wanted to recruit more Aboriginal students to McGill.

"She wanted to make sure that these kids knew it's not all about sports – it's also about a balance of athletics and healthy personal relationships and culture and self esteem," said camp coordinator Paige Isaac.

Participants are learning valuable lessons, including how to support teammates who are facing criticism.

"We would encourage the teammate to stay strong," said camper Tahnee Simon.