Norwegian based cruise line and freight shipper, Hurtigruten, has announced a new educational program designed for children traveling to Antarctica from November 2016-March 2107 aboard the Midnatsol. The Young Explorers Program is complimentary and is best suited for ages 7-13.  Each young explorer will receive a field note workbook containing chapters focusing on science, polar history, photography and nautical studies. Science lessons will take place in the science center (which is also open to adults), where children will look into the biology and geology of the Southern Ocean through real field samples. Polar history activities include a re-creation of the Amundsen party reaching the South Pole, while photography professionals give lessons to encourage young travelers to capture the majesty of Antarctica. Navigation officers are on hand to help teach nautical basics which culminates with an exclusive meeting with the Captain. Each lesson completed in the workbook earns the young explorer one stamp; completing the workbook earns a prize and an official certificate. In addition, children will be introduced to EcoChains, a new environmental card game which will be incorporated into the program for play during the voyage. On one Antarctica landing during the voyage, your children are invited to help the staff set up the landing site before passengers go ashore which may involve digging snow steps, carrying emergency equipment from the boat, placing flags and cones for path making, or standing post by a penguin colony with Expedition Team members. Explorers are accompanied by a staff member at all times.  The program is available on all six Antarctica itineraries. The ship is a purpose-built ice class 1X ship with open seas stabilizers, forward-scanning sonar, ice radar, and a range of safety equipment.