Young Explorers Program on MS Midnatsol in Antarctica

Our complimentary Young Explorers Program is designed for children traveling with adults to magnificent destinations where the focus is on education, fun, and participation. The program emphasizes the environmental challenges our planet is facing; we use the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines as the foundation for this program. Our dedicated staff member will lead age-appropriate lectures and field research with your Young Explorer.

This program is available on all expeditions to Antarctica aboard MS Midnatsol. At the beginning of the voyage children will receive a Young Explorer package consisting of a t-shirt and workbook. 

The Perfect Complement to Youth Exploration

• Provides events and activities when children are not exploring with adults
• Activities and learning are designed for children between the ages of 7-13 (although all ages can join in)
• Young Explorers are greeted on embarkation day for an introduction to the program
• Young Explorers will be able to attend their own ‘Introduction to Antarctica’ presentation

Young Explorers Workbook Topics and Field Notes

• Science: Activities using the science center, looking into biology and geology of the Southern Ocean via real field samples.
• Polar history:  Activities both on board and in the field – including an actual recreation of the Amundsen party reaching the South Pole!
• Photography: Activities with our onboard professional photographers
• Nautical: Fun activities with our navigation officers - plus an exclusive meeting with the captain
• Children who complete the workbook will get a prize and an official certificate with an official ‘Ship Stamp’ from the captain

Environmental Education Game - for Youth and New Explorer Friends

Kids will be introduced to EcoChains, one of the best new environmental games available and a great educational card game, which will be incorporated into the program for play during the voyage.

Young Explorers Expedition Volunteers

Many young explorers are fascinated by the Expedition Team operation and this program allows youth to volunteer to assist the Expedition Team duties – a real hands-on way for kids to feel the rigours of explorations. On one of the Antarctica landings during the voyage, the Young Explorers will be invited to help the staff set up a landing site before passengers go ashore and may involve the following:

• Digging snow steps
• Carrying ashore emergency equipment from the boat
• Carrying flags and cones for path-making
• Stand on post by penguin colony with Expedition Team member
• General help on landing site, accompanying a staff member at all times