Craig started by introducing the Academy and why he felt it necessary to create it.

He explained how secondary school pupils tend to fall into three separate categories: the high-flyers, the challenging types and the third what Craig refers to as the “invisible” ones. These kids typically lack self-confidence, don’t want to draw attention to themselves; may suffer from bullying, and some may even self-harm. They come from a variety of backgrounds, but more often are from supportive families.

The Polar Academy identifies ten ‘invisible’ 14-17 years old secondary school children and gives them the chance to redefine their physical and mental limits by putting them through a rigorous ten-month training programme world, before being immersed in the wilds of Greenland, navigating through some of the world’s remotest terrain for ten days! The training regime is said to be toughest for young people anywhere in the world.

At the end of this “journey”, these young adults are no longer “invisible”. They are confident team players, exceptionally supportive of their colleagues and confident in their new-found fitness and advanced skillsets. They are leaders.

When the pupils come back to Scotland, each member will present to 3,000 other pupils to talk about their experiences and what it’s like as a young person to be part of an expedition to the North Pole.

Craig and his team of world-class experts in their respective fields are achieving remarkable things with The Polar Academy. They are helping people to reach their potential and bringing families together. They are changing lives.