Being young is a real challenge!
“Being young is a real challenge. Who’s ready to believe in my dreams? There’s such a long road ahead that I sometimes just feel like giving up and dropping out…”
Bernard’s talks appeal to young peoples’ imaginations, but above all inspire them to excel: to be determined, know how to motivate themselves, show initiative, and show the strength of friendship and trust. It’s important for young people to find the inner resources to reach their goals and achieve their dreams.
Against the backdrop of a multimedia presentation, Bernard describes his World Tour and his greatest exploits: the North and South Poles, Everest and the highest peak on each continent. Making new discoveries to feed one’s capacity for wonder and enjoy the sweet taste of success calls for focus, discipline and hard work.
The question period is a chance to reiterate the messages of perseverance and self-confidence, to build one’s own life goals. What we do makes us who we are.
He addresses many educational aspects, and the multidisciplinary dimension gives teachers a chance to adapt the message to the subject of their choice: geography, geology, meteorology, ecology, physiology, glaciology, history, nutrition, moral education, etc. It's a unique opportunity to learn. For best results, group students by cycle.
"Every step you take is one less left to take."
For questions about rates, length and other technical details, please see our general FAQ.
Q.1: Would Mr. Voyer agree to come to our school?
Of course, as a speaker. Mr. Voyer offers a lecture adapted to all levels. You can contact us to obtain further information.
Q.2: What are the main messages conveyed to students during your lectures?
Q.3: Will he sign autographs for the students?
Unfortunately not. This would take far too much time. On the other hand, an autographed poster will be offered to each institution. It is the same for the pictures. It will only be possible to take one group picture.
Q.4: What was your first expedition?
It wasn’t really a true expedition but I remember that when I was a kid, my friend Marcel and I spent one night under a tent…. behind his house!!!
Q.5: Did you get scared during your expeditions?
Yes, very often. In high mountain, for example, there is always a risk of avalanche, of stones falling, cracks, storms, frost bites, etc. Sometimes, I even fear that I won’t be able to succeed, I’m afraid of forgetting something, that my tent tears in the wind, that I will lose my way. That it why it’s so important to be well prepared before leaving on an expedition.
Q.6: What did you bring and leave on top of Mount Everest?
I brought a small plastic bottle that I filled with snow, my only memory of up there. No one leaves anything on top of Everest, it would become pollution and also out of respect for this sacred mountain.
Q.7: Do you have a hero?
My hero is Sir Edmund Hillary, the very first person to reach the summit of Everest with his companion, Sherpa Tensing Norgay, in 1953.
Q.8: Between the North and South Pole, which is the coldest?
The South Pole. The temperatures can reach -70°C as opposed to the North Pole, where they rarely exceed -50°C.
Q.9: Did you see any animals at the poles?
On the way towards the North Pole, I saw polar bear traces, Arctic foxes and you can sometimes see appear, in the cracks of the ice, the head of a seal. At the South Pole, there is no form of animal life. On the other hand, on the outside of the Antarctic continent, you can see tens of millions of seals, penguins, whales, birds…
Q.10: Do you brush your teeth in expedition, how do you wash yourself?
Of course. Personal hygiene remains very important in expedition. It’s a little more complicated and less comfortable however. We sometimes have to wash ourselves with snow.
Q.11: How do you potty in expedition?
Just like you, but a little quickly!!!
Q.12: What do you eat in expedition?
For reasons of lightness and conservation, the majority of the meals are freeze-dried (dried with cold) or dehydrated (dried with heat). We just need to add hot water and let it sit a little and it’s ready! In fact, it’s almost the same food as astronauts.
Q.13: What are your favourite foods?
Q.14: What were your favourite activities when you were young?
Summer camp, scouts, army cadets, athletics, skiing. And as a teenager, I devoted myself to outdoor activities: excursion, boating, kayaking, parachuting and deep-sea diving.
Q.15: Do you have brothers and sisters?
Yes. I have a sister, Sophie and two brothers, Pierre and Frédéric.
Q.16: Do you have any children?
I have one. My son’s name is Yoann.
Q.17: Did some of your friends die in expedition?
Not with me. But unfortunately, I have several adventurous friends who died in mountain. Being prudent is certainly one of the great qualities to be acquired before leaving for remote places.