Worsley Weekend

Young Inspiring Explorers™ Worsley Weekend honoured ‘forgotten’ kiwi hero Frank Worsley, who captained ‘the greatest small boat journey of all time’ when he navigated the James Caird from Elephant Island to South Georgia Island to help save the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition.

The Weekend gives year 7-9 students the opportunity to connect with the spirit of Antarctic exploration by learning about the life and exploits of Frank Worsley through a walking tour of Worsley’s hometown. Taking place in 2020 and 2021, the students visited the house where he was born, his bust, and heard from Worsley historian and author Wendy Dunlop while visiting a Worsley exhibition at Akaroa Museum.

They were challenged to step out of their comfort zones as they learned some of the skills needed to be an explorer like Worsley. Activities included:

• a walking tour of Akaroa visiting Worley’s bust and the house where he was born
• visiting Akaroa Museum’s Worsley exhibition and hearing from Worsley historian and author Wendy Dunlop
• a bush walk to the site of Worsley’s family home
• an opportunity to challenge themselves and foster team work on the high ropes course
• learning about search and rescue and survival skills in the outdoors
• trying out traditional navigation techniques with a sextant
• developing map reading skills though orienteering
• hearing from three of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ Alumni about their expeditions to Antarctica and South Georgia Island.

After completing the Weekend, the students shared their experiences at a special morning tea, were also be welcomed in to the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Alumni Programme.

Who is Frank Worsley? Find out more