#WeTwo expedition: Scouts reach Antarctica
We promised you an update on the #WeTwo City to Sea expedition to Antarctica. Well, we're excited to share that the team’s made it – meaning Scouts have reached the ends of the Earth, all in the name of adventure and conservation.
Explorers, and team leaders Dwayne Fields and Phoebe Smith, have successfully led a team of ten young people to Antarctica. Among the team are Scouts, Reo from Birmingham, and Daniel from Lanarkshire.
At 3pm on November 11, the #WeTwo Foundation reached land. ‘Take them to Dartmoor, they said,’ remarked Dwayne and Phoebe, ‘but we didn’t listen. We’re happy to introduce you to the next generation of adventurers dedicated to carbon neutral exploration.’
Inspiring positive change
The team are using the power of adventure to inspire young people and encourage them make positive change for the planet (and themselves). The aim is about planting seeds, not flags, for more responsible exploration and discovery.
First stop was Buenos Aires, Argentina. The expedition members explored the city by cycling, learning about wetlands from a local naturalist, meeting up with some locals, and even watching a tango. ‘We learned so much,’ said Dwayne. ‘Thank you Buenos Aires, you’ve been good to us.’
Great support
There's been plenty of support for the expedition along the way, including from the Vasey Family Trust, who kindly sponsored the Scouts' places.
Some famous friends also wished them well, including musician and DJ, Cerys Matthews MBE: ‘I’m so jealous and wish I was with you, but want to wish you all the very best with this trip to Antarctica. Have the best of times, learn as much as you can and let’s all become ambassadors to this wonderful magical planet earth that we love so much. All the best and have a blast!’
Scouts Ambassador, Ellie Simmonds OBE, also made time to send them a special message: ‘I just want to say a huge good luck for your adventure in Antarctica. I cannot wait to hear all about it when you’ve completed it. It’s going to be absolutely incredible. There are going to be some challenges along the way. Those are the times when you need to rise up with self-belief. You can do it, no matter what.’
‘It’s going to be the most life changing experience for you,’ says presenter and former athlete, Denise Lewis OBE, ‘but I know you’re going to smash it. Just try and take everything in, work together and most importantly come back safely.’
Learning more
The young people are learning more about Antarctica as part of their trip, getting to grips with the science on board the expedition ship.
They focused in on the ice: ‘the role it plays in the great ocean conveyor belt and what we can learn about the climate from the past in it.’
We wish the team well with their remaining time on the expedition, and of course, a very safe trip home.