Ice Quest: Antarctic Adventure

Sample Week

Each day unfolds with a new theme, allowing campers to gradually build their own map of the Southern Ocean, engage in immersive marine science workshops, and work together on unique projects like creating a “submarine” and designing their own sea creatures.

Day 1: Charting the Unknown

• Morning Gathering & Storytelling:

Kick off with an introduction to the Ocean and the adventure ahead. Storytelling sets the stage, introducing participants to the creatures, cultures, scientists, and explorers who have ventured into the Southern Ocean.

• Crafting the Map (Part 1):

Campers begin creating a large, collaborative map of the Southern Ocean. Each day, they’ll add more to the map as they “discover” new areas.

• Mindful Immersion & Movement Games:

A mindful “mission” and games like “Shore Bird Waddle Relays” help campers connect to the landscape they’re discovering.

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Day 2: Discovering Marine Life

• Marine Biologist Visit & Creature Workshop:

A marine biologist introduces campers to real-life sea creatures, such as urchins and starfish, giving hands on exposure. Discussion includes the roles of kelp, water nutrients, and other creatures in the life cycle of these animals. Inspired, campers then design their own creatures, imagining how these animals survive, thrive, and interact.

• Map Update (Part 2): Adding Life Zones

Campers add “Marine Life Zones” to their map, marking where different creatures and habitat exist based on what they learned.

• Expedition Role-Play & Story Circle:

Campers take on expedition roles and embark on a guided “expedition” where they “encounter” challenges and add notes to their journals.

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Day 3: Nature Skills & Team Building

• Surviving and thriving in the Southern Ocean:

Working in small teams, campers become sea animals and build their habitats together. This activity promotes teamwork and problem-solving.

• Map Update (Part 3): Adding Habitat Zones

They’ll add “Habitat Zones” and “Research Posts” to the map, marking places where they’d set up camp or seek shelter in real expeditions.

• Field Games and Reflection:

Campers dive into outdoor games and finish the day with a quiet storytelling circle, sharing about the coastal adventures they imagined or encountered.

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Day 4: Building the Submarine

• Submarine Building & Deep Sea Exploration:

Campers bring their submarine designs to life, creating an “exploration vessel” to navigate their map’s coastal waters and surface zones.

• Mindful Immersion & Movement Games:

Another mindful “mission” to help campers connect to the landscape they’re discovering.

• Scavenger Hunt

In groups, campers receive lists of marine discoveries they must make. They set off with counselors in groups to make their discoveries.

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Day 5: Bringing It All Together

• Final Map Update & Expedition Completion

Campers add their last “discoveries” to the map, illustrating underwater routes, adding labels for “deep sea zones,” and finalizing their collective exploration.

• Adopt a creature / organism:

Campers adopt their creature and then circulate among other campers, exchanging information and understanding how one creature, organism, or coastal feature impacts all the others. Campers make any final tweaks to maps.

• Closing Ceremony:

With the finished map, each camper receives a certificate and shares one memorable part of their experience, celebrating their achievements and discoveries.