Most students can’t wait for school to end in
June and they certainly aren’t thinking of heading north for their
holidays. But this summer, 80 students buck this trend and join the
Students On Ice Arctic
Youth Expedition and head to the Arctic to explore the effects of
climate change and other environmental issues on this delicate ecosystem.
The Students on Ice Arctic
Youth Expedition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for youth to expand their knowledge about the circumpolar world, and to gain a
new global perspective on the planet, its wonders, and its present and future
challenges.
The ship- and land-based journey will explore
the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland between July 29 and August
13, 2012. It will involve 80 international high school students, 14 to 18 years
old, and a team of 35 world-class scientists, historians, artists, explorers,
educators, leaders, innovators and polar experts. Students on this summer's
expedition will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that
will help them to be Arctic ambassadors and environmentally responsible citizens.
Mike Jensen, who works at The Manitoba Museum, is
making his 4th consecutive trip into the Arctic
with the program and is the sole Manitoban representative. “What surprised
me most is just how diverse an ecosystem it really is – very vibrant with
plant, animal and marine life,” says Jensen. “Most people think of
the polar region as very barren and cold – but it truly is alive. And the
weather is so wide ranging. Some days I’m in shorts and a t-shirt and
others I’m wearing layers of clothing on the deck and still can’t get warm.”
One of the unique aspects
of the Arctic trip is that 40% of the students are from Canada’s northern
regions of Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. The other 60% come from all over the
world. This year’s group has representatives from all across Canada, Russia,
the United States and even Greenland.
“The best part of the trip is meeting and
working with these teenagers,” says Jensen. “Every year, the new crop of eager
and dynamic kids just completely inspires me.”
The themes of the 2012 Arctic Expedition are
Interconnection, Discovery and Transformation. Within this framework, students
will learn about the changes taking place in the Arctic environment and how
these are linked to broader global environmental changes. They will explore how
human and natural systems are inextricably connected and consider how each of
us personally relates to the natural world. Students will also examine how
personal and societal transformation can take place and they will be asked to
consider how their own unique skills and interests can help to bring about
positive change to their own lives, communities and the world around us.
Expedition activities will include extraordinary
wildlife encounters, educational day excursions, visits to remote Arctic
communities and archeological sites, and opportunities to acquire first-hand
knowledge and insight into the dynamics of climate change. Participants will
likely encounter whales, seals, polar bears, caribou, seabirds, walruses and
more. The expedition team will be a part of a powerful cross-cultural
experience though which they will gain perspective on the planet and their
homes.
