2019 Plancius Expedition
In 2019, renowned diving scientist and explorer Jeff Bozanic led a remarkable expedition to Antarctica, tracing a route through some of the Southern Ocean’s most storied and remote locations. The journey took the team from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia Island, where they visited vast king penguin colonies and historic exploration sites, then onward to Elephant Island, famously tied to Shackleton’s Endurance story. They sailed past the massive Iceberg A68A, one of the largest icebergs ever recorded, and explored numerous lesser-known yet scientifically significant Antarctic sites along the way.
What made this expedition particularly special was the inclusion of youth in the spirit of polar exploration. Jeff was joined by Venturing Scout Liam Hallinan of Crew 774, Orange County Council, who traveled with his grandmother, Gail Buschen. Liam played an active role in supporting the scientific mission of the voyage. Under Jeff’s mentorship, he helped sort and preserve biological specimens, assisted in documenting field observations, and gained hands-on experience in polar science — skills and exposure rarely available to someone so young.
The 2019 expedition served as more than just a learning opportunity for Liam; it became the foundation for something even greater. Inspired by his experience, Liam and Crew 774 began planning a dedicated youth expedition to Antarctica. That vision became reality in 2021, when Crew 774 conducted its own Antarctic voyage, continuing the legacy of youth involvement in polar exploration and scientific discovery. It was a perfect example of how real-world adventure can spark leadership, curiosity, and the drive to make meaningful contributions to science and conservation.
2021 Crew 774 Expedition
In December 2021, Venturing Crew 774, based in Laguna Woods, California, made history as the first organized Scouting unit ever to visit Antarctica. This groundbreaking expedition continued the Scouting legacy of exploration and scientific engagement at the bottom of the world. The journey was the direct result of a 2019 expedition in which Venturer Liam Hallinan accompanied renowned diving scientist Jeff Bozanic. Inspired by that experience, Crew 774 organized a full-scale youth expedition with an ambitious goal: to immerse Scouts in real-world science, adventure, leadership, and conservation on the world’s most remote continent.
The expedition was led by a combination of youth and adult Scouting leaders. Elizabeth Morgan, serving as Crew Advisor, and Jeff Bozanic, as Crew Committee Chairman, oversaw the program and supported the youth as mentors and guides. The youth leadership team included Taleah Bozanic, Youth Expedition Leader and Crew President; Case Lasater, Expedition Vice President of Activities; Chloe Polzin, Expedition VP of Communications; and Angeleia Do, Expedition VP of Administration.
In total, the expedition included 39 participants: 20 youth members and 19 adults, each playing a vital role in the success of the mission. The youth participants were:
John-Aaron Bozanic, Markus Steinebrunner, Jarrett (JK) Oldenburg, Orion Arnold, Kenneth Mueller, Ryan Shay, Alex Wendt, George “Reid” Johnson, Jude Marting, Jack Andrews, Madeline Ang, Michaela Vacco, Taleah Bozanic, Jaime White, Kaiya Burgess, Morgan McMillen Black, Angeleia Do, Chloe Polzin, Kenyon Burgess, and Case Lasater.
The adult participants were:
Jeff Bozanic, Elizabeth Morgan, Elaine Brown, Bernd Steinebrunner, Scott Hermann, Robert (Rob) White, Chris Burgess, Jason Seltzer, Leslie McMillen, William Wendt, Keith Karnes, James (Jim) Howson, John Briscoe, Debbie Briscoe, Rich Marting, Steve Parris, Cynthia Parris, Christopher Espinoza, and Jade Nguyen-Mueller.
During the expedition, the crew visited a range of stunning locations along the Antarctic Peninsula, including Cuverville Island, home to one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the region. Scouts kayaked among icebergs, camped overnight on the continent itself, participated in a polar plunge, and engaged with Antarctic wildlife up close — including penguins, seals, and whales. They also conducted field-based scientific and conservation activities, documenting environmental conditions and contributing to educational outreach.
The 2021 Crew 774 Antarctic Expedition wasn’t just an adventure — it was a transformative experience. Through careful preparation, youth leadership, and deep engagement with the environment, each participant returned with a renewed sense of responsibility for protecting our planet and the tools to lead others in doing the same. It stands as a model for what Scouting at its best can accomplish: building character, curiosity, and commitment through real-world exploration.
Will you be joining us
for the Scouting adventure of a lifetime?
2026 Crew 774 Antarctic Expedition
United States • Soviet Union (USSR) • United Kingdom • France
Japan • Argentina • Australia • Canada • Chile • South Africa
New Zealand • Norway • Germany • India • Italy • Brazil
Despite Cold War tensions, both the U.S. and the USSR made major contributions, including launching the first artificial satellites (Sputnik 1 by the USSR and Explorer 1 by the U.S.) — ushering in the space age. The IGY also saw unprecedented cooperation in Antarctica, with 12 countries establishing more than 50 research stations across the continent.
This spirit of peaceful collaboration led directly to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, ensuring Antarctica would be used exclusively for scientific and peaceful purposes — a legacy of the IGY that continues to this day.
