Two years ago, Yukon curler Claire Cameron learned she might have the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Arctic Winter Games if a group of junior girls curlers formed a team. 

“That idea really resonated with me,” Claire said.

She took it upon herself to reach out to other curlers and find three girls who wanted to join her team. But finding three junior female curlers is not easy in the Yukon, said Cameron, because there are not many girls in her age group who participate in the sport. 

“We tend to lose some of our curlers to other activities…. And sort of in the teenage years, there often comes a choice of where to focus,” said Cameron’s father and the team’s coach, Scott Cameron. 

“So, yeah, that made it challenging for us to find a curler with the right age, with the same sort of goals in mind that the rest of the team had.”

Curling teams like this one, often come together in unconventional ways, Scott said. While most teams at the games are selected after organized tryouts, curling teams often come together more organically, he said.

After months of searching and calling other curlers, Claire finally found three other girls who were willing to prepare for the Arctic Winter Games, and they officially formed a team in the fall.

“I think it’s really cool that a couple of years ago I had this idea, and now it’s coming to life,” she said.

Not only did Claire encourage her teammates to join her team, she also inspired her father to become the team’s coach. 

When Scott learned his daughter wanted to form a team for the games, he looked for someone who could coach it. When no one else stepped into the role, he decided to get his coaching training in October and stepped into the role. 

The Arctic Winter Games is the team’s first major competition, said Scott, adding that its experience is mostly recreational. However, since coming together in the fall, the members have made significant progress as a group, he said.

And most importantly, the girls have found a sport they enjoy and place where they fit-in, said curler Denai Robins, who was the last team member to join.

“I remember when I joined the team, I was so nervous, and I didn’t want to make any mistakes, but they were never mean to me…. They were always so inspiring,” Robins said.

“Ever since I joined the Arctics team, it just makes me happy. I don’t enjoy doing a lot of physical activity, but when I do it with people that I like … it just makes it all so much better.”

The team is a tight-knit group that has quickly developed a close bond, Scott said. And after months of preparation, including practices, clinics, league games and fundraisers, the team played its first AWG game Sunday against Team N.W.T.

They suffered a tough loss, but Claire said she’s proud of her team’s effort.

“The scoreboard didn’t look great, but I think we played really well,” she said. “I think we worked really well as a team…. There were a lot of team shots, so everyone sort of worked together and the result, we won three ends, which is really good.”

Scott said he hopes the team will want to stay together and “keep throwing rocks” after the games. 

“If they had fun and want to come back, that’s a sign of success,” he said.

Riley Rawlings, one of the other curlers on the team, said she thinks her team has a bright future.

“After the games, I want to keep curling and see what else life has to offer me with curling,” Rawlings said. “Hopefully getting into the Olympics or other Arctic Winter Games with my team.”

And no matter where they place in these games, the girls say they hope they can inspire other young girls to try curling and join a team like theirs.

“I hope I can be a role model for them. I definitely encourage more girls to come and join curling,” Rawlings said. “I’m just hoping we can expand curling for women.”

Team member Lilja Reid said she’s excited to meet other people at the games and play teams of different skill levels. She hopes other young curlers who are watching will want to take part one day too.

“It’s a little nerve wracking but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and step up to be a part of this kind of thing because it’ll be a once in a lifetime experience,” she said. 

“It’s not all about winning. It’s just about the experience and being there and having fun.”