The London Masons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation has donated £5,000 to support The British Exploring Society, which was formed by Surgeon Commander GM Levik RN, a member of Captain Scotts final expedition to the Antartic. This funding will support young people engaged in youth services in London to take part.

Many of us will know the joy of exploring the world, discovering new lands, new people and experiencing cultures which are so different from our own. For young people the experience of traveling can be transformational, The British Exploring Society works with small groups of young people to deliver youth development with the support of a range of professionals.

By no means are the expeditions to be considered holidays, these expeditions take place in some of the most remote and wild regions on the planet, with teams undertaking valuable scientific work.

Honor Wilson-Fletcher, CEO of British Exploring Society told us that the “British Exploring Society is thrilled and very grateful for this generous donation. It is good to know that organisations like the London Freemasons and the MCF recognise the support young people urgently need and are there to support us in providing it. The funds will go towards our Spanish Badlands programme. This helps young people engaged in a youth service in London to take part in a programme designed to empower and equip them with the courage, skills, resilience and determination to make the most of their futures.”

Since 1932 over 100 expeditions with 10,000 leaders and explorers have taken part. British Exploring has accumulated a unique heritage of exploration, using science to discover and understand our environment. By combining expeditions with some of the most beautiful and inspirational wilderness areas and utilising their strong links to local research centres and conservation agents, giving young people the opportunity to make a real contribution to current scientific understanding.

Morgen Biggin, Young Explorer from the Amazon 2018 expedition tells us “An amazing and fantastic life changing experience that has opened my eyes as to how big and diverse our world actually is and has instilled in me a sense of adventure which will last a lifetime. It has boosted my confidence and prepared me for University life also. It has taught me that I am capable of anything as long as I am brave enough and put my mind to it.”