Student explores The Explorers Club

Earlier this month, 12-year-old Julia Van der Laan of Camp Sherman attended the prestigious Explorers Club dinner at New York City's Waldorf Astoria.

This was the annual dinner held by the 103-year-old club and featured "The Importance of Polar Places" as its topic.

This gave Van der Laan, a seventh grader at Sisters Middle School, a rare opportunity during spring break to hear firsthand talks by leading scientific explorers.

The dinner was hosted by Dan Rather, longtime CBS television news personality. The dinner highlights included exotic appetizers such as whole roasted rattlesnake, bovine penis, alligator gumbo, earthworm canapés, teriyaki hissing cockroaches and others.

"I liked the turtle soup and the hearts of palm appetizers," said the 12-year-old.

Van der Laan was born in Holland and came to the United States four years ago. According to her, she was the only "kid" at the formal black tie or native dress dinner event in New York.

She attended the dinner with her stepfather Shane Lundgren who is a member of The Explorers Club. Also accompanying Julia on her New York visit was her mother Wendela Lundgren.

Lundgren made two polar air flights (1997 and 1998) reaching the North Pole in the '98 flight. He also made two biplane flights over Siberia, recording data and information about that distant land.

While in the city, Julia visited the New York Yacht Club's exhibit room. Another trip highlight was visiting the Natural History Museum and viewing various sea animals.

"I had fun, but New York City is very much different than Sisters or Camp Sherman," said Julia. "There are many blocks and avenues to get used to. I liked my visit but prefer living here."

Her previous east coast visit, while a student at Camp Sherman's Black Butte School, came through participation in the National History Day competition.

Both parents were asked if Julia had any scientific aspirations for the future.

"She enjoyed her New York visit and was interested in speeches at The Explorers Club dinner," said Lundgren. "There is a summer Arctic ice research program for 16 year olds that might be a future possibility."

For more information visit http://www.explorers.org.