A Special Send-Off: Youth Celebration and Underwater Drone Testing

By Randolph Martin

Summer Student Employment Program Participant

(May 19, 2026 – August 18, 2026)

CERRI / Cree Nation of Chisasibi (CNC) - Work Blog Chisasibi | August 2026

Introduction

Friday was a special day for our team because it was the final day of work for the youth summer employees before they prepared to return to school the following week. Instead of having a regular workday, we spent time together learning, testing new technology, and enjoying a team activity at the swimming pool. The day gave us a chance to recognize the work the youth completed during the summer while also trying something new as a group.

Preparing the Underwater Drone

Before going into the water, the team worked together to prepare the underwater drone and its equipment. We looked at the different parts, checked the connections, and made sure the system was ready for testing. This was a hands-on learning opportunity because the team could see how the equipment is assembled and how important preparation is before using technology around water.

Figure 1: CERRI scientists Chloe Coombs and Peter House preparing and checking the underwater drone equipment before testing. Figure 2: The team learning about the underwater drone and preparing it for use.

Testing the Drone in the Pool

Once the equipment was ready, we brought the underwater drone to the pool for testing. The drone was placed in the water and operated across the swimming lanes while the team observed how it moved and responded. Testing it in a controlled pool environment gave us a safe place to learn how the drone works before it could ever be considered for other types of field or research use.

Figure 3: Underwater drone being tested in the swimming pool. Figure 4: Wide view of the pool during the underwater drone test.

Figure 5: The underwater drone moving through the pool during testing.

Learning, Teamwork, and Safety

The activity was not only about using a drone. It also involved communication, teamwork, patience, and safety. Everyone had to pay attention to the equipment, the pool area, and the people around us. Working together made the testing easier and gave the youth another example of how technology can be connected to research, practical skills, and community projects.

Figure 6: Poolside view showing the testing area and safety equipment. Figure 7: A final view of the pool and underwater drone test area.

A Special Last Day for the Youth

Because it was the youth employees’ last day of their summer jobs, the afternoon also had a more relaxed and meaningful feeling. Going swimming together gave the team time to enjoy the day, talk, and finish the summer work period on a positive note. The youth had contributed their time and effort throughout the summer, and this final day was a chance to recognize that contribution before they returned to school.

What I Learned

I learned that a work experience can include more than completing regular daily tasks. It can also include learning new technology, supporting younger team members, building relationships, and taking time to recognize the end of a successful work period. Testing the underwater drone showed me how equipment can be learned step by step, and the swimming activity reminded me that teamwork is also built by spending positive time together.

Why This Day Matters

This Friday was memorable because it brought together learning, technology, teamwork, and appreciation for the youth who worked during the summer. Experiences like this can help young workers build confidence and leave their summer jobs with positive memories and practical skills. For CERRI and CNC, activities that encourage learning and teamwork can also support future community-based research and help create opportunities for youth to stay connected to local projects.

Conclusion

Overall, Friday was a special way to finish the youth summer work period. We prepared and tested an underwater drone, learned together, spent time at the pool, and recognized the youth before they returned to school. I documented the day with photographs so the blog can show both the technical side of the activity and the team experience behind it. It was a positive ending to the summer job and another example of how learning can happen through hands-on experience, teamwork, and community connection.