Introducing “National Geographic Global Explorers”
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced the launch of National Geographic Global Explorers, a unique exploration based family program that provides an unforgettable “smart fun” experience. Designed in conjunction with National Geographic Education to inspire the next generation of explorers, kids and teens will join in activities – science, exploring and storytelling – adapted to their age for maximum enjoyment and engagement.
From earning their Zodiac “driver’s license” to “Spot It” infield activities to locate and observe wildlife, and storytelling challenges where children learn how to create slow motion and time lapse videos with a National Geographic certified photo instructor, activities have been planned to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge of explorers age 18 and under.
National Geographic Global Explorers has been designed for families to experience this unbelievably rich environment and to be inspired by it, and to have fun in it. Kids will hike up volcanoes; snorkel with sea lions; walk among giant tortoises, all while learning how to read maps, populate a field notebook, and build storytelling skills.
“My father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, was a lifelong explorer and involved me at a very young age. Those experiences made an indelible impression on me, and informed the person I am today,” said Sven Lindblad, President and CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “Children love to explore, and our goal for this program is to help inspire our next generation of global explorers to make a positive impact on their world.”
"Together with Lindblad, we're thrilled to be providing this innovative new program for young explorers," notes Lynn Cutter, executive vice president of National Geographic Travel. "Not only does the National Geographic Global Explorer program add a rich, rewarding and fun new dimension for kids and their families that goes far beyond other family travel offerings, but it also supports a core mission of National Geographic to help foster global citizens of the world."
Operating under the “We Are Explorers” brand – a structure based on the National Geographic Educational Learning Framework, the program will be staffed by Lindblad naturalists specially trained and certified as National Geographic certified field educators.
National Geographic Global Explorers will be organized into two phases: independent experiences and group experiences with a Field Educator. In the first phase, young explorers will be encouraged to utilize “field notebooks” to mimic the research scientists conduct in the field, maps to keep track of the itinerary, wildlife checklists and more. During this phase, “storytelling challenges” will help them share their experiences from the day – independently or collaboratively - and via different mediums, including photos, videos, journaling, music and maps.
Group experiences will allow young travelers to actively participate in discussions with naturalists, and in current citizen science projects such as helping to count sea turtles during nesting season. While onboard, they will work with field educators on myriad group projects, such as creating a short film of their adventures, or participating in “mapping” to determine who traveled the farthest, and the challenges of being in such a remote place.
Timed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first citizen explorer expedition to Galapagos led by Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1967, the program will launch in Galapagos this June aboard Lindblad’s new 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour ll and 48-guest National Geographic Islander.