Offered in partnership between Adventure Canada and The Explorers Club since 2016, the Young Explorers is a unique and innovative outreach program that supports the personal and professional growth of young explorers.
Young explorers apply with specific, place-based project proposals that demonstrate significant potential, then travel on board one of Adventure Canada’s selected expeditions to conduct their research or complete a creative or cultural project.
The purpose of the Young Explorers Program is to encourage and facilitate the spirit of exploration through the pursuit of science, art, and conservation. The program aims to encourage personal growth for young people who will benefit from direct experience, academic study, cultural exchange, and connecting with The Explorers Club and Adventure Canada communities. The Young Explorers Program Alumni will lead the next generation to thoughtful policy, action, and communication.
The 2023 Young Explorers Program will be available as part of the Adventure Canada High Arctic Explorer expedition, from July 25 to August 5, 2023.
This program is open to those directly affiliated with or recommended by The Explorers Club. **The Faculty of Science does have a faculty member who would serve as a supervisor/club connection
To register for the program please fill out and submit an application form. You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to apply.
The deadline for submissions is March 10, 2023.
2023 Young Explorers program will be available on the following expedition:
High Arctic Explorer, July 25 to August 5, 2023
The High Arctic Explorer expedition is characterized by fascinating geography wildlife, culture, and ecological and conservation issues. Our classic Arctic journey begins by exploring Greenland’s dramatic fjords and dynamic maritime communities. The great Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and source of the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic, is one of many highlights along Greenland’s spectacular western coastline.
Across the Davis Strait in Nunavut, the Canadian Arctic experience begins in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). As we head north, polar bears, whales, and muskoxen abound on Devon Island, while Prince Leopold Island remains one of Canada’s best birding areas. Abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson’s Bay Company posts offer a haunting glimpse into the region’s rich history of exploration and trade.
At Beechey Island, we’ll pay our respects at the graves of three of Sir John Franklin’s men, along with a crewmember from the search ship Investigator. Our disembarkation point, Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), memorializes the courage of the Inuit in Arctic Canada.
This itinerary represents Adventure Canada’s definitive approach to expedition travel, and we will spend our days searching for every exploratory opportunity. It is our most wildlife-oriented expedition. In the winding fjords of Greenland and the multitudinous islands of Nunavut, we will live and breathe the natural history of some of the planet’s most striking features.
We welcome projects ranging from a scientific focus to social science and the arts. The parameters of the project are flexible and can include a one-time small-scale project or an exploratory stepping stone for a larger project. Both independent-interest projects and academic research proposals are accepted. Priority will be given to projects that align with the United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development. Proposals must consider our intended itinerary and the awareness that we only stop in a scientific location for a few hours before sailing to our next destination. Flexibility and understanding that we are on an expedition where weather and wildlife ultimately dictate our daily itinerary should be considered when developing your proposal.
Included
- Cabin Category 3 – shared accommodation
- Charter flights (if any)
Not included
- Commercial flights
- Pre- and Post-trip Hotels
- Evacuation insurance (Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance in the amount of no less than $500,000 USD is required)
- On board Expenses and Gratuities
If selected for the expedition:
General Expectations
- You will be an ambassador for both Adventure Canada and The Explorers Club and will conduct yourself accordingly
- You will receive detailed information about the trip from Adventure Canada and should have a working knowledge of the itinerary
- You must be available for pre-voyage, on-board, and post-voyage interviews, including video interviews, as well as any press appearances as necessary
- You must be available to attend (in person or via Skype) a pre- and post-voyage Adventure Canada Young Explorers Program gathering
Pre-Trip Deliverables
- You must provide a biography and photo prior to the voyage by an agreed-upon date
- If you plan to conduct field research, you may require a license, permit, or other authorization(s) from the country, region, and Indigenous landholders. You are responsible for all permits, licenses, and authorizations
- You will be required to sign a release and hold harmless naming The Explorers Club and Adventure Canada
- You must read and sign the Code of Conduct before coming on board
On-board Deliverables
- You must deliver your proposed work to guests and expedition team members in a formal presentation. This will be a joint presentation with all Young Explorers. Additional presentations may be possible depending on the subject matter
- You must be available for interviews, including video interviews, by Adventure Canada, The Explorers Club, and the media
- You may be required to submit supporting documents such as:
- Published scale/survey
- Researcher-generated survey
- Focus group probing questions
- Interview questions
- Consent form and letter of information
- Timeline of activity for each day of the trip
- Correspondence with community and local stakeholders
- Finalize the scope and timeline of delivery of your project
Post-Trip Deliverables
- You must turn in your final project in the form (film, publication, book, study etc) and timeline mutually agreed upon and signed off on by you, your staff mentor, and the Adventure Canada Young Explorers liaison
- You must provide a written summary and content pieces of your project no later than one month after your voyage. Findings will be published by both Adventure Canada and The Explorers Club
- You must communicate your schedule of speaking engagements and published works to Adventure Canada and The Explorers Club in advance
- You must credit Adventure Canada and The Explorers Club on any published material (including online, print, or otherwise) resulting from this experience
Note: all of these deliverables and expectations must be met to be considered an alumnus of the program and enjoy all accompanying privileges.
For more information, please visit: https://www.adventurecanada.com/2023-young-explorers-program-details-and-how-to-apply
Note: The University of the Fraser Valley is not affiliated with this program and only advertising the opportunity for those who may be interested.