My name is Caitlynn Turner, and you may have read about my previous adventures as a teen volunteer at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Now, I’m getting ready for my greatest adventure yet; a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the polar bears.
It’s almost here, and on October 9th I will finally be leaving for Canada! I have patiently been waiting since I was chosen by the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, (CREW) to represent the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden at Teen Leadership Camp. This is a week-long trip spent right along the Hudson Bay in the ‘Polar Bear Capitol of the World’ known as Churchill, Manitoba.
I can’t tell you how excited I am! This is definitely a trip that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. Not only will I get to see the magnificent polar bear in the wild, I will get to meet other teens that are just as thrilled and inspired to help the bears as I am. I have been preparing to leave for a number of month as I’ve had reading assignments to do so that I have a better understanding of polar bears in general, and climate change in the arctic. I’ve applied for and received my passport; and I have been shopping to get warm layers, a hat, gloves, and other essentials so I can handle the cold weather (it’s fall in Canada, so temperatures are a “warm” 30 degrees on average during the day). I’ve even got my Canadian currency at the ready. All that fun pre-trip stuff. Now, the trip is so close I am actually starting to pack, but it hasn’t really set in that I’m leaving so soon. To tell the truth, I don’t think it will until I get up very early Sunday morning to make my flight. Until then, I can’t wait! Check back soon, and join me in this great adventure.
We are excited for you!
Have a GREAT TRIP!!! We are proud of you and your hard work. Be careful and God bless.
I hope you have a wonderful experience. I wish you the very best. I have attached a link to your blog on Prism so that my classes may easily follow you. We look forward to reading of your experiences.
Thank you everyone!
Good luck, and don’t get eaten by a polar bear! Stay warm!
PS- Bring Mrs. Cronier back a rock.
We all wish you the best of times on your unbelievable trip to see the polar bears! Have fun, we know you will! 🙂 We’ll miss you! Stay safe!
<3 your soccer girls!
O and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …from Morgan Wolfer and Hannah Rose 🙂
Enjoy your trip Caitlynn, your CREW supporters are as excited as you are! Tell the polar bears I’m hoping to see them too some day!
Hi Cait,
I have been in contact with your Mom off and on all day just to see how you are doing and when you arrive in Canada. I am so excited for you. Take alot of pictures of those beautiful bears. Love, Grandma
Hi Cait,
I just read you newest blog. (blog is a strange name) Iam so thankful that you didn’t have any travel hangups. Sounds like the real fun is about to begin. I pray for you each day. Love to you, Grandma