STUDENTS ON ICE ARCTIC YOUTH EXPEDITION 2012 July 29–August 13, 2012     The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012 represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for youth to expand their knowledge about the circumpolar world, and to gain a new global perspective on the planet, its wonders, and its present and future challenges.   The ship- and land-based journey will explore the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland between July 29 and August 13, 2012. It will involve 80 international high school students, 14 to 18 years old, and a team of 35 world-class scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, leaders, innovators and polar experts. Students on this summer's expedition will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that will help them to be Arctic ambassadors and environmentally responsible citizens.   The themes of the 2012 Arctic Expedition are Interconnection, Discovery and Transformation. Within this framework, students will learn about the changes taking place in the Arctic environment and how these are linked to broader global environmental changes. They will explore how human and natural systems are inextricably connected and consider how each of us personally relates to the natural world. Students will also examine how personal and societal transformation can take place and they will be asked to consider how their own unique skills and interests can help to bring about positive change to their own lives, communities and the world around us.   Expedition activities will include extraordinary wildlife encounters, educational day excursions, visits to remote Arctic communities and archeological sites, and opportunities to acquire first-hand knowledge and insight into the dynamics of climate change. Participants will likely encounter whales, seals, polar bears, caribou, seabirds, walruses and more. The expedition team will be a part of a powerful cross-cultural experience though which they will gain perspective on the planet and their homes.     Expedition Goals Expeditions equip youth with vital tools and knowledge that allow them to link local realities to global issues while empowering them to bring about positive change. CONNECT to the natural world FOSTER a new understanding and respect for the planet LEARN about the Arctic environment and northern Indigenous cultures EXPLORE solutions to our most pressing global challenges INSPIRE participants to make a difference     Expedition Themes A Students on Ice expedition brings together environmental and civic education, cultural immersion, personal leadership development, and plenty of polar adventure. INTERCONNECTION ...of humans and natural systems How are we connected to nature and to each other? In what ways are cultural, social and natural systems related? How does change in one part of a system have an impact on something else? DISCOVERY ...the quest for adventure, purpose and meaning How do we see and understand ourselves and our relationship with the world? What do you hope to learn on your Arctic expedition? In what ways will this experience affect you and how you see your future? How can you make best use of your interests and talents to help build the world we need? TRANSFORMATION ...personal, environmental and social change Why are the Arctic and the Earth changing? How can we work to bring about positive changes to our lives, communities and the world? What changes can/should you make? How does personal and societal transformation happen?   To retrace the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2011, click here... The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012 will inspire young leaders to make a difference at home and around the world! How to participate on the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012: Interested students and chaperones should visit our Participate Section and then contact the Students on Ice office to get more information and an application form, or you can download application forms here.   Participant Coordinator Students on Ice Natural Heritage Building 1740 chemin Pink Gatineau, Quebec, Canada J9J 3N7 Toll free: 1-866-336-6423 Tel: 819-827-3300 Fax: 819-827-9951 Email: apply@studentsonice.com