Want your family to connect with the world in a whole new way? The award-winning adventure cruise specialist Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is on a mission to transform children into explorers.
The new National Geographic Global Explorers Program — developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education — is an exploration-based experience that is both smart and fun. The unique program launched this summer in the Galapagos on the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour ll and the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander. And it is rolling out to Lindblad-National Geographic’s Alaska sailings in summer 2018.
Kids swimming with sea lion in Galapagos. Courtesy of Stewart Cohen
Working with National Geographic-certified field educators, kids and teens take part in activities — science, exploring, storytelling — adapted for their age. With daily in-the-field challenges, they’ll locate and observe wildlife based on cues. They use writing, photography and may even learn to create movies to capture moments of wonder. They may also work as junior scientists to help on projects like counting nesting sea turtles, when conditions allow.
Through all this, your kids will develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of a true explorer. Add to that, kid-friendly menus, engaging hikes, language lessons and much more, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a life-altering trip your family will never forget. “Global Explorers is an evolution of our long-term commitment to educating and inspiring our next generation as future stewards of the planet,” said Sven Lindblad, President and CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “Hopefully these experiences will leave an indelible impression on them to make a positive impact on the world.”
Here’s a look at what a day in the life looks like for a National Geographic Global Explorer traveling in the Galapagos.
Young Explorers with a Galapagos Giant Tortoise on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands National Park. Courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins
8 a.m. Rise and shine! Head for the National Geographic Global Explorers bulletin board to get your In the Field: Spot It! observation clues, new inspiration for the Storytelling Challenge and other daily details.
10 a.m. After breakfast, hop on a Zodiac and head out to hike among fascinating wildlife and plants. Spot a pair of blue-footed boobies? Observe sunbathing marine iguanas? Jot your species and thoughts in your Field Notebook. Or head out with a National Geographic-certified field educator to collect plankton from your Zodiac, then view it under the video microscope aboard the ship midday.
Kids taking a swim off a Zodiac in the Galapagos. Courtesy of Sven-Olof Lindblad
1 p.m. After lunch, be a digital storyteller. Meet your Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor or the ship’s video chronicler in the lounge and learn how to use your smartphone to create impressive slow-motion and time-lapse videos — then test out those skills later on in the field.
3 p.m. Grab your snorkel gear and your snorkel buddy, and get ready to experience the amazing undersea life of the Galapagos as you swim among the fish, sea turtles and sea lions.
Examining sea life. Courtesy of Jennifer Davidson
4 p.m. It’s time to drive! Learn to operate a Zodiac and earn your “license.”
5 p.m. Before dinner, head to the library or the lounge to recap what you saw and did in your Field Notebook. Add the day’s points to your points tally so that you can keep track of your progress on being certified as a National Geographic Global Explorer.
Life aboard National Geographic Endeavour. Courtesy of Marco Ricca
8 p.m. After dinner, head to the top deck to stargaze with a naturalist, who will be your guide to the Equator’s night sky. Does the sky look different than above your own home? Draw a star map in your Field Notebook. Tonight you will dream of journeys of discovery.
To learn more about the National Geographic Global Explorers Program, visit Expeditions.com
