Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has introduced National Geographic Global Explorers, a unique family program on Galapagos Islands cruises. Designed in conjunction with National Geographic Education to inspire the next generation, children and teens will learn about the island’s environment through science, exploring and storytelling.  They 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.   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 children to actively participate in discussions with naturalists, as well as participate in citizen science projects such as helping to count sea turtles during nesting season. While on board the ship, they will work with field educators on a number of group projects, such as creating a short film of their adventures, or participating in “mapping” to determine who traveled the farthest. 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 month aboard Lindblad’s new 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour ll and 48-guest National Geographic Islander.