大象传媒

Day four sees the team moving camp. Bad weather is approaching and they have just hours to reach the safety of lower slopes.

Their route back forces them to descend the steep slopes they鈥檝e climbed the days before. It鈥檚 a difficult and dangerous process lowering heavy sledges down the hills. A loose sledge can cause damage and injury and is one of the biggest hazards facing the team.
Another danger is the dog sleds that cross the Arctic landscapes. The expedition team needs to give them a wide berth or face becoming entangled in their lines as they race past.

The trek and the rising temperatures are taking their toll on the team鈥檚 feet. Many of the teenagers have multiple blisters, but there is no time to rest. It鈥檚 a tough physical test. Mathew Wood is just 14 but more than six feet tall. His strength and height give the impression of someone older, but right now he鈥檚 feeling homesick.

As the team pushes on, the snow cover becomes thinner, making it harder to find a route through for sledges and a safe place to camp. With wind and rain forecast, the expedition could be stranded without enough snow cover to move. Their options for a safe route through are running out, but after eight hours they make it to the edge of the sea ice and pitch a new camp.

Overnight the storm sweeps in with gale force winds and torrential rain. The snow anchoring the tents has melted, leaving them vulnerable to the elements. Craig is left with no choice but to abandon the expedition and head for the safety of the nearest settlement while they still can. The team is disappointed, but the conditions are starting to get dangerous.

Craig calls a dog sled team to help evacuate the teenagers struggling with blisters while the rest of the team skis across the melting sea ice back to Tasiilaq. It鈥檚 a sudden and dramatic end to the expedition. Back in the safety of their Tasiilaq base camp, the pupils have a chance to reflect on their experiences. They have had a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic wilderness and they could be the last generation to witness this fragile frozen landscape.

They arrive back in Scotland to an emotional reunion with their families. The expedition is over, but for the teenagers this is just the beginning. Their task now is to go out to schools across Scotland and tell their stories to other pupils.

A year ago they were invisible teenagers, lacking confidence and aspirations. Now they are role models with the ability to inspire their peers to believe they can achieve anything.