Ten children from Bell Baxter High School have been chosen to undertake a self-led 100km Polar expedition next Easter – supported by another ten class mates who will be helping with the planning, training and fund raising … and who get to take on a challenge of their own in Scotland later next year.

Back in May and June (2019), the 20 13-15 year olds attended selection weekends at Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore to be chosen to take part in The Polar Academy – voted ‘Europe’s toughest youth training programme‘.

The ten taking on the 100km self-led trek will head to Eastern Greenland next Easter. Once they touch down – the expedition begins in earnest. They will be pulling their own 45kg sledge, sleeping in tents whilst temperatures drop to as low as -20c … and they’ll be crossing difficult terrain.

Craig Mathieson, the founder and leader of The Polar Academy, identifies ‘invisible’ youths and they experience life-changing methods deployed by the charity that helps participants to “redefine their physical and mental limits“. The Polar Academy website says …

“All participants are put through a rigorous ten-month training programme before being immersed in the wilds of Greenland, navigating through some of the world’s remotest terrain for ten days. Their confidence soars with every step.

On their return to Scotland, each pupil shares their experiences with their peer groups, speaking to more than 20,000 school children in their region. They are living, breathing proof that dreams are attainable and that ordinary pupils can achieve the truly extraordinary!“

The Polar Academy is a Scottish Charity which relies solely on donations. It costs 175k to operate. Over the coming weeks and months, Bell Baxter High School will be holding various fundraising events – and we will do our best to keep everyone posted via this Blog and our social media pages. Why not follow the team on Twitter – @bbpolaracademy – and lend your support via their JustGiving page.

Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Please share with anyone who might be interested in sponsoring them.

There are 20 kids in total aged 13-15 although some will be 16 by the time of their trips …

 

Leadership Team

Louis | Lara | Rachel | Robbie | Charlotte

Stephanie | Jorja | Boo | Bryce | Kayleigh

Teacher – Niall Duncan

 

Expedition Team

Leah | Emily | Eve | Molly | Molly

Sophie | Lauren | Ember | Blair | Kristian

Teacher – Kirsty Simcock

 

The Expedition Team are heading to the Arctic. The Leadership Team will go on one in Scotland later in the year.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

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