Arctic Adventure

U6th pupil, Joe Hilton (C), has been selected to go on a 5 week expedition to the Svalbard region of the Arctic this summer courtesy of the Army and the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES).

Leaving on 25th July, Joe will take part in fieldwork projects including fossil hunting and monitoring climate change. He will experience glacial travelling, snow shoeing, ice climbing and mountaineering all of which culminates in a four day trek. As part of a team, he will also contribute to the “Clean Up Svalbard” Campaign and will survive on a diet of freeze dried meals cooked on a primus stove.

Speaking after his selection, Joe said “This is such an unexpected and amazing opportunity. When I applied for the Bursary, I never thought that it would lead to me going on an expedition to the Arctic. I could have gone to the Himalayas but I decided on the Arctic because it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know that it is going to be tough physically but I am really looking forward to the expedition.

Joe recently met his fellow team members at a training weekend which gave them an over view of what to expect on expedition and an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the kit.