The Teenager Who Explored the South Pole

Robert Barger always wanted to fly. He joined the Civil Air Patrol when he was 13. One day, he got the chance of a lifetime. He was asked to explore the South Pole! 

Barger was only 17 when he left for his mission. He spent the next four months of his life in the South Pole. His job was to take photographs for the mission. 

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD)

The South Pole is at the bottom of the Earth. It is in a place called Antarctica. It is very cold and icy. In the summer, the sun shines all day. But in winter, you never see the sun at all! 

Photo Credit: gary yim/Shutterstock

Barger worked with explorers and scientists in the South Pole. He wrote all about his mission in a journal. When he came home, he met the president! Many years later, he was awarded a medal for his service.  

What Do You Think? Why do people explore faraway places? 

Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Robert Bowden/Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary