Sisters' Arctic adventure

Kelowna sisters Leonie and Louisa Steigenberger have returned from the "trip of a lifetime" on board the 2019 Arctic Expedition run by Students on Ice.

The expedition from Jul. 23 to Aug. 7, offered 131 high school and university students from around the world the opportunity to sail to western Greenland and the Canadian Arctic to learn about the wonders of the region.

17-year-old Leonie says the ship-based program was incredibly educational, connecting her to leaders from across multiple disciplines.

"Every morning we had the morning briefing with the expedition leader and then chose our workshops. We had everything from Inuit elders to paleoclimatologists. I did a botany identification class, learned about Arctic plants, climate change, arts and crafts, and focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals." 

This trip has helped her to become even more forward-thinking and engaged with the world, says Leonie, who hopes to pursue a career in sustainable development.

Students on Ice founder and executive director Geoff Green says the Arctic is a "powerful and experiential learning environment" to grow a deeper appreciation for the planet and fuel a greater ambition to make a difference.

Both sisters were overwhelmed with the support they received from family, friends, the public and George Elliot Secondary. 

Leonie is available to speak at school or public events and can be contacted by email at [email protected].