2021 ReQuest2021 Expedition
The ReQuest2021 expedition was the second organized Scout journey to Antarctica, commemorating the centenary of the 1921–1922 Shackleton-Rowett Expedition, which notably included Scouts James Marr and Norman Mooney. This modern expedition celebrated the enduring connection between Scouting and polar exploration.
The expedition was the vision of Alan Noake, a dedicated Scouter from the UK, who served as the project founder and expedition leader. The expedition itself was led by Sarah Gerats, an experienced polar guide. Together, they guided a team of ten Scouts who embarked on a voyage to Antarctica aboard the tall ship Bark Europa from December 2021 to January 2022.
The participants were:
Alan Noake – Deal, Walmer, Sandwich & District, Kent; Sarah Gerats – Expedition Leader; Cathy Mummery – Weald District, Kent; Matt Wood – Malling District, Kent; Helen Smith – Gravesham District, Kent; Lucy Morgan – Sevenoaks District, Kent; Genevieve Scullion – Deal, Walmer, Sandwich & District, Kent; George Stonor – Faversham District, Kent; Darcey Holmes – Thanet District, Kent; Sam Payne – Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; Alex Maciver – Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland.
During their time in Antarctica, the team engaged in various research projects focusing on climate change, oceanography, and wildlife observation. They also conducted educational outreach, sharing their experiences to inspire a new generation about environmental stewardship and adventure. The ReQuest2021 expedition not only honored the legacy of past Scout explorers, but also demonstrated the ongoing commitment of Scouts to global citizenship and scientific inquiry.
The official website for the ReQuest2021 expedition is www.request2021.org.uk. This platform offers comprehensive information about the Kent Scouts Antarctica Project, including details on the expedition’s objectives, participants, research projects, and educational outreach initiatives. Visitors can also access updates, reports, and multimedia content related to the expedition.
2024 Blue Green Expeditions
In early 2024, John R. F. Humphreys, a 15-year-old Eagle Scout from Florida, became one of the youngest people to conduct scientific diving in Antarctica. As part of a team with Blue Green Expeditions, he contributed to real-world research including benthic video surveys, plankton sampling, and monitoring sea star wasting syndrome. Carrying his Scout spirit of adventure, leadership, and preparedness, John trained extensively in cold-water diving and drysuit use to prepare for the harsh Antarctic conditions. His achievement reflects the power of Scouting to inspire youth to take on bold challenges and make meaningful contributions to science and exploration.
Will you be joining us for the Scouting adventure of a lifetime?
2026 Crew 774 Antarctic Expedition
Will you be joining us
for the Scouting adventure of a lifetime?
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.
