Leadership Team 25+
As part of our amazing expedition, our young people will be supported by Scout Leaders from across Kent who have an array of experience in different scouting groups and sections. See below for more details about each of our Scout Leaders and their expertise.
James Burford
Explorer Leader, 25th Medway
Why did you want to participate in ArcticQuest2026?
I would like to see the northern lights under sail in the Arctic circle.
What are your interests?
I like scuba diving.
Gemma Wood
Squirrel Leader, 1st West Malling
Why did you want to participate in ArcticQuest2026?
I was inspired by my husband going on ReQuest2021 to Antarctica following the launch. This inspired me to get back into Scouting and start something new with the youngest section of Scouting….Squirrels! I often hear Squirrels are too young to do an activity, which spurred me on to apply as this may inspire our youngest section you can achieve anything, and to have adventures of their own within Scouting and further afield.
I love having adventures, and this would be an amazing opportunity to help crew a tail ship in Arctic waters. This would certainly take me out of my comfort zone as I’ve sailed a small boat when I was a Guide and then with my husband and Scouting friends for a week. I enjoy being part of a team and working towards the smaller goals to achieve the bigger goal.
I have watched numerous documentaries on the Arctic and those that inhabit the polar region. What shocks me is that those inhabitants have had to adapt their way of life compared to their ancestors due to ice caps melting; as of a result of climate change. I am keen to highlight the message to future younger generations that our planet is precious and we must look after our planet as the eco-system is fragile; so we can sustain and maintain the planet for future generations to come.
A little about your life?
I live in the West Malling area and I’m married to Matt, and have two young children age 4 and 2. My family keep me active; but I do enjoy the outdoors when I have an opportunity. I enjoy cycling, running and swimming outdoors. I do have some hobbies such as baking, knitting and gardening.
What is your favourite Scouting moment?
This is a tough question as Scouting has given me many opportunities to be involved in camps and lots of activities. I have visited Sweden as a young leader; completed a Static-line parachute jump as part of Network. The one memory that sticks in my mind the most is meeting Matt up a climbing wall all those years ago!
Helen Smith
Duke of Edinburgh Adviser
Why did you want to participate in ArcticQuest2026?
I was lucky enough to be on the team for ReQuest2021 to Antarctica with Kent Scouts which only sparked my interest in the Polar regions. I am an avid traveller and love pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Fun fact about me?
My partner and I foster cats from Battersea. My partner and I have recently gotten engaged!
Mike Keam
Assistant Group Scout Leader, 2nd Whitstable Sea Scouts
I have always been fascinated by Arctic exploration and I don’t mind the cold. I spent the early part of my working life as a ski instructor and the rest of my time at sea. I love being on snow or water and this is the chance of a lifetime to combine both and explore.
A little about your life?
I am married and have a three-year-old daughter called Amelia and a dog called Rocky. I have a couple of boats and love being at sea. When I’m not boating or doing other general scouting activities, I like playing in our troop marching band.
Lydia Vadgama
Squirrel and Beaver Leader, Maidstone East District
Going to the Arctic circle is a once in a life time opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up. I visited Iceland as a young person and seeing the enormity of the glaciers was breathtaking. I can’t wait to see Svalbard as I have heard so much about it and have always wanted to go.
A little about your life?
I love to travel, I love adventures and I also love taking unusual modes of transport to get about. Living and working on a boat as part of this journey will definitely be in my top 3!
Fun fact about me!
I love board games and have over 100 different types at home. My husband and I have made a board game to fundraise money for this expedition!
Ricky Baker
Cub Leader, Maidstone East District
This is an amazing opportunity to visit a part of the world that very few people get to go and see. To help young people experience this as well makes it more worthwhile.
A little about your life?
Recently married to fellow leadership member Lydia and we have recently made an Arctic themed card game!
What’s your favourite scouting moment?
Taking my group onto the Cutty Sark and convincing them to look for the ship’s cat called the “Catty Shark”.
Tim O’Brine
Group Lead Volunteer at 2nd Tonbridge Land Scouts
What is your Scouting role?
As well as being a Group Lead Volunteer, I am also a regular helper at 14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts leading explorers in kayaking, paddle boarding and powerboat sessions.
Why did you want to participate in ArcticQuest2026?
Participating in the ArcticQuest2026 Expedition is a profound personal and professional aspiration. The untouched wilderness and extreme environments of the polar regions have always inspired me, especially as a marine biologist eager to explore the oceans’ mysteries. The anticipated unforgettable experience lies in the silence of these remote areas, where nature’s voice prevails. Additionally, the opportunity to actively contribute to meaningful research projects, such as investigating microplastics in the Arctic Circle and conducting plankton sampling, aligns perfectly with my commitment to making a lasting impact on our understanding of these critical ecosystems.
Something about life:
I am a dedicated scientific author, driven by an unwavering passion for marine conservation and the restoration of coral reefs, while actively researching the devastating impact of plastic pollution in our precious aquatic environments. Fuelled by my love for the ocean, I’ve immersed myself in a plethora of water sports, from exhilarating scuba diving to thrilling powerboating, serene kayaking, and even the dynamic world of underwater hockey! But beyond my adventurous pursuits, I am blessed with an incredible support system—my amazing wife, Flick, and our two wonderful children, Sophia (8) and Phoebe (6), who inspire and encourage me every step of the way on this thrilling journey!
Toby Gardner
Thanet District
David Wraight
Medway Explorers and Training Advisor
