Olivia Reckert, a junior at St. George's Independent School in Memphis, was one of 15 youths who ventured to Churchill, Manitoba, on a week-long trip to observe the habitat of polar bears and work alongside scientists and zoologists.

The North American group participated in video conferences and webcasts, all the while blogging about their adventures. After the expedition on the tundra near the Hudson Bay, the 15 camp members were encouraged to return to their communities and organize plans of action that promote environmental stewardship and the conservation of the polar bear habitat.

One of many trips around the country, the adventure is part of the Polar Bears International Youth Leadership Camp program. Designed to inform, inspire and empower students to enact change within their communities, the camps benefit not only the life of polar bears but the overall character of the teens that are involved. The group promotes communication skills, confidence, teamwork and innovative thinking in young individuals across the globe.

The organization selects outstanding students who are active in their region's volunteer and leadership programs affiliated with the Arctic Ambassador Center. The centers are usually located at nearby zoos and wildlife parks.