Almost one hundred years ago, in 1921 the explorer Ernest Shackleton selected two Scouts to join him on his final Quest expedition to Antarctica. In 2021, on the 100th Anniversary, Kent Scouts will be recreating this experience for 18-25 year old Network Scouts and adult Leaders. We have named ours the ReQuest expedition. We will be travelling to Antarctica for 3 weeks on a 100 year old tall ship named Bark Europa flying on Boxing Day.

My main role in Scouting is District Network Commissioner for Gravesham which oversees Scouting for 18-25 year olds. And I have been lucky enough to be one of the Leaders selected to go on this once in a lifetime trip which will involve me being jointly responsible for the 6 participants.

Whilst on board as a team we will be undertaking research on Krill (TASK), similar to James Marr's project in 1921, alongside my own individual research project – “microplastics and plastic pollution and the devastating impact it is having our environment and how it has now reached Antarctica. I will investigate why it is a problem and how why we must take preventive measures.” The work does not stop there, both before and after the expedition I will be promoting our clear purpose which is built on peace, environment and heritage and inspire more young people to be adventurous and educate them about Shackleton and plastic pollution.

For now, thank you so much for your donations and support!