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Young Explorers Program ... FAQ'S

FAQ'S

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YEP
 

WHAT EXACTLY IS YEP?

  • The 'Young Explorers Programme' is the brainchild of legendary extreme explorer Mike Horn. And it’s all about bringing like-minded 15 – 20 year olds together as a team to experience and appreciate, up close and personal, the true awesome beauty of our planet.
  • Once chosen, Young Explorers will board the specially-made Pangaea Exploration boat (check out the boat section on this website). Then they’ll learn first-hand about the ‘ups and downs’, highs and lows’ of our earth with Mike (because no-one knows our planet better!).
  • At the end of the day (make that days), Young Explorers will know more ways to help save our world with sustainable environmental solutions (after all, our youth hold the planet’s future in their hands!). And, while you may not know anyone when joining, you’re sure to make new friends from around the world that will last a lifetime!
 

WHAT MADE MIKE START YEP IN THE FIRST PLACE?

  • Mike wants to expose youngsters to some of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the world. And by doing this, these Young Explorers will gain an insight into the environments, and the dangers affecting them. The Young Explorers are encouraged to share their experiences with family, friends and peers –acting as Pangaea ambassadors to spread the word about protecting our fragile and endangered environment.
 

SO WHAT’S YEP IN A NUTSHELL?

  • It’s simple. YEP has three main goals. These are:
    • TO EXPLORE the world’s unique and most remote places together with Mike.
    • TO LEARN about environmental challenges from Mike and other specialists in the focus fields of the expedition.
    • TO ACT by participating in local environmental projects in the regions that are explored, providing immediate step-by-step solutions.

HOW DO I APPLY TO BECOME A YOUNG EXPLORER?

  • You need to apply via www.mikehorn.com during the open application periods. Just fill out the simple Young Explorers Application Form at www.mikehorn.com and let the Mike Horn Team know why you want to be a Young Explorer.
  • The application process is open 3 to 4 times a year and up to 4 – 6 months before each Young Explorers Expedition.
 

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE YEP EXPEDITION?

  •  Applicants are encouraged to re-apply for the selection camp even if they have not been selected the first time round.
  •  However, once an applicant has participated in the Selection Camp they will not be considered for another Selection Camp or Expedition.
 

HOW ARE YOUNG EXPLORERS SELECTED?

  •  We review all complete online applications received and choose 16 potential Young Explorers who will be invited to attend a 10 day selection camp in Switzerland. Eight will be then be chosen to join Mike Horn on the Pangaea.
 

WHAT ARE THE BASIC SELECTION CRITERIA?

  • Although Young Explorers may have different skills, abilities and stories, they usually have a few things in common. Such as a passion to discover nature and travel our earth, meet new friends from diverse places, and to make a difference!
  • All youths from 15 to 20 years of age (during the online application period window, i.e. you were born between December 16, 1990 and March 04, 1997 for the AFRICA Expedition application), from around the world are invited to apply (but you must be able to speak English).
  • For your own comfort, you should have a basic fitness level (e.g. able to run/jog comfortably for 2.5km).'

 

WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
 

  • No problem. Many of our applicants are ‘first-timers’ and have never even slept outdoors or even hiked in nature. .
  • If you’re keen to learn new ideas, try new things, have lots of fun and are motivated to make a difference in our environment – this is for you!
  • You’ll also learn lots of exciting stuff step-by-step from our instructors – like kayaking, sailing, photography, technology and innovation, and engaging in the Pangaea Act Programmes.
 

WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT’S NOT COVERED HERE?

  • Easy – just visit www.mikehorn.com and connect to the community website at pangaea.yep.com, chat to other community members and ask questions or email us directly at:

register@mikehorn.com

 

Download the YEP Brochure

 

 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF EACH YOUNG EXPLORER THAT COMPLETES THE PANGAEA EXPEDITION?

  • After your Young Explorers Expedition, Mike wants you to share the lessons you’ve learnt with your peers, family, colleagues and communities and act as an ambassador for the Pangaea Expedition.
  • You’re also encouraged to initiate local projects within your communities (check out previous Young Explorer’s projects).
 

I'VE SENT IN MY APPLICATION. WHAT NOW?

  • You will receive an email confirming our receipt of your application.
  • If you’re selected we will send you an acceptance email and several forms to fill out and return to us in order for you to attend the camp.
  • These forms include important information about:
    • Equipment
    • Liability Release
    • Written consent from your parents/guardian
    • Written consent from your school
    • A medical certificate
  • NB: Please make sure that your forms contain ALL the required information as any lack thereof could prevent you from joining the Pangaea Expedition!  
 

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE EXPEDITION?

  • At the end of the 10 day Selection Camp, all the chosen Young Explorers will be told prior to their departure from the Selection Camp.
 

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I PLAN TO ATTEND A YOUNG EXPLORERS SELECTION CAMP AND AN EXPEDITION?

  • A Selection Camp is up to ten days long. Also plan for additional travel days you’ll need to travel to Switzerland.
  • A Young Explorers Expedition normally lasts for about 17 days. Additional travel days must also be planned for, depending on where your Expedition will take place.
 

WHAT ABOUT A PASSPORT AND A VISA?

FOR THE SELECTION CAMP

  • You must have a passport that is valid for at least SIX MONTHS AFTER the completion of the Young Explorers Selection Camp.
  • If chosen for a Selection Camp you must check with your local Swiss Consulate or Embassy to see if you require a visa to enter Switzerland. Once your flight details have been confirmed you also need to verify if you need a transfer visa to travel on the flight itinerary to Switzerland.
  • We will do as much as possible to help you obtain your visa including providing you with an invitation letter. However, the granting of a visa is up to the Swiss Consulate and Embassy Authorities.

FOR THE EXPEDITION

  • You must have a passport that is valid for at least SIX MONTHS AFTER the completion of a Young Explorers Expedition.
  • If chosen for a Young Explorers Expedition you must check with the local Consulate and/or Embassy for the countries in which the Expedition will occur. Once your flight details have been confirmed you also need to verify if you need a transfer visa to travel on the flight itinerary to the destination.
  • We will do as much as possible to help you obtain your visa including providing you with an invitation letter. However, the granting of a visa is up to the Swiss Consulate and Embassy Authorities.
 

WHO ORGANISES THE FLIGHT AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS?

  • The Pangaea Expedition Team will handle your travel arrangements from the nearest International Airport in your country.
 

COSTS

WHAT COSTS ARE THE YOUNG EXPLORERS EXPECTED TO PAY?

  • All your transportation costs are covered by the Pangaea Expedition.
  • The only costs for your own expense are travel to your nearest International Airport for departure AND your passport, visa and vaccination fees...
 

SELECTION CAMPS

WHY A YOUNG EXPLORERS SELECTION CAMP – AND WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

  • A Young Explorers Selection Camp is compulsory for all the 16 potential Young Explorers which were chosen from the applications received.
  • The Camp is held in Chateau-d’Oex Switzerland at the Mike Horn Expedition Centre, up to 4 months prior to an Expedition.
  • The Camp serves as a selection process to choose the final 8 Young Explorers to go on the Young Explorers Expedition with Mike Horn. A number of activities will test your abilities and prepare you, such as:
    • General well-being and fitness course
    • Sailing course
    • Photography/filming course
    • Map work
    • High and low ropes courses
    • Survival and first aid course
    • Technology and innovation by Pangaea partners
    • Overnight raid in the Swiss Alps combining many activities and challenges

IF THE YOUNG EXPLORERS SELECTION CAMP IS WHEN I AM AT SCHOOL, WHAT SHOULD I DO?*

  • You must get permission from your school and parents to attend the Selection Camp. We can provide an official letter to help apply for leave to attend.
 

YOUNG EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS

HOW MANY EXPEDITIONS ARE PLANNED AND WHERE WILL THEY TAKE PLACE?

IF THE YOUNG EXPLORERS EXPEDITION IS WHEN I AM AT SCHOOL, WHAT DO I DO?

  • You must get permission from your school and parents to attend the Expedition. We can provide an official letter to help apply for leave to attend.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE CAMP AND EXPEDITION?

  • The Mike Horn team will send you a detailed list of the items you need to bring for the Selection Camp and, if you are accepted, also for the expedition (This will vary according to the time of year, activities planned and location.)
  • The Mike Horn Team will supply some of the core equipment.

WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING ABOARD THE PANGAEA?

  • Pangaea can be classified as the world’s finest luxurious exploration boat, specially designed and equipped to withstand the harshest weather conditions. (Expedition schedules, plans and dates will be followed as closely as possible, but may change for safety reasons, should the weather become too extreme.)
  • Fresh water is made onboard with water purifiers but is used sparingly with all 30 people aboard.
  • Pangaea has five toilets (or “heads’ as they are called on boats) and showers which are used according to a roster.
  • The Pangaea chef cooks three meals a day for all onboard. (NB A menu is planned before the expedition, so all Young Explorers with specific dietary requirements or allergies must inform the Expedition team well in advance.)
  • All Young Explorers are obliged to help in the kitchen doing various tasks.
  • The Pangaea is equipped with bunks in comfortable cabins designed specifically for the Young Explorers. Take a closer look with the virtual tour of the boat.
 

PARENTS

WHO WILL COLLECT MY YOUNGSTER AT THE AIRPORT?

SELECTION CAMP
  • Members of the Mike Horn Team will meet your son/daughter at Geneva airport. They will display a Mike Horn sign and provide transport by car to the Mike Horn Expedition Centre in Chateau-d’Oex (about 150km east of Geneva).
EXPEDITION CAMP
  • This will vary according to each Expedition, but a member of the Mike Horn team will always meet each Young Explorer at the nearest airport and transport them safely to the Pangaea Sailing Vessel or to a relevant location to join Mike.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MY YOUNGSTER IS DOING AT THE SELECTION CAMP?

  • Participants will have 24/7 access to the Internet during the selection camp in Switzerland and will be able to send emails frequently.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MY YOUNG EXPLORER’S EXPEDITION IS GOING?

  • There are two ways in which a parent can stay in touch with their Young Explorer during the expedition – by phone call or via email. Alternatively, the Young Explorer section of the Mike Horn website on www.yep.mikehorn.com will have regular updates.
  • Often the expedition travels to the most unspoilt and remote natural regions in the world, so we can only maintain connectivity via satellite. Internet access (sending emails) will also be limited in these circumstances and parents are advised to catch our live daily news-feeds and updates on the internet.
  • The Pangaea Expedition will cover the cost of your Young Explorer’s initial phone call home to confirm they have arrived safely. Thereafter, phone calls will be limited to within reason and at our discretion.
  • Young Explorers are welcome to bring a cell phone and laptop with them. Parents are free to call the office at any time as team members are also available to answer your questions and pass messages on.

WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN ON THE PANGAEA?

  • In any emergency, the expedition team can contact the Mike Horn Pangaea Office in Switzerland immediately via satellite phone – and vice-versa. Our office team members are also available 24/7 for any queries or concerns.
  • Safety on- and off-board the Pangaea is paramount and all international regulations are strictly adhered to at all times. All senior crew members are also fully trained in safety procedures.  
  • Safety surrounding the actual Pangaea sailboat is comprehensive with a tender powerboat to facilitate trips to and from land, and four easily dispatched emergency life rafts (in the unlikely event of a dire emergency).
  • An onboard satellite phone, the internet and VHF radios can be used for quick and instant emergency communications.
  • A certified doctor accompanies the Young Explorers at all times, on every expedition.
 

MEDICAL

IMMUNISATIONS FOR THE YOUNG EXPLORERS PROGRAMME

  • No immunisations are required for the Selection Camp in Switzerland however it is always advisable to ensure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
  • All Young Explorers are advised to visit their Doctor and/or Travel Clinic for the necessary vaccinations regarding the destination of the particular Expedition. (Allow at least 4–6 weeks before your trip for your vaccines to take effect and to prevent diseases like malaria.)