Inspiring Explorers Alumni William Pike presenting during the 2024 Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit.

In April, the Trust’s 2024 Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit saw 25 students, aged 11-14, from across Aotearoa New Zealand travel to Ōtautahi Christchurch, the country’s Antarctic Gateway City. The goal of the Summit was to inspire students to develop an explorer mindset by stepping outside their comfort zone, all while fostering a connection with Antarctica and the legacy the Trust cares for.

The students rode in Hägglunds, experienced an Antarctic storm, and met penguins and huskies at the International Antarctic Centre. The tried on Antarctic clothing, learned about Antarctic transportation, and living and working on the Ice, during a tour of the United States Antarctic Program’s facilities.

The students engaged with Antarctica’s history of exploration through a fun quiz, going on a virtual reality visit to Hillary’s hut at Scott Base, and taking part in an interactive outdoor adventure based on The Worst Journey in the World, Apsley Cherry-Garrard's 1922 memoir. The students also heard first-hand experiences from those who have spent time working and exploring in Antarctica, including members of the Trust’s conservation team and Inspiring Explorers™ alumni.