A CAIRNS teenager is preparing to camp in minus 10C temperatures during the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica.

Former St Mary's Catholic College school captain Sarah O'Leary will fly out to Argentina next month to board the Sea Spirit for a two-week trip to the Antarctic as a member of environment group 2041.

The organisation, named after the year when environmental protection under the Antarctic Treaty could end, was founded by Sir Robert Swan, the first personto walk both the North and South poles.

While 2041 is a long time away, Sarah said it was vital to get the message out now to protect the region.

"My generation will be the one standing when it is 2041," the 18-year-old said.

"We need to stand up and make sure Antarctica stands protection."

During the trip Sarah and about 90 others will spend a night camping on the ice, getting a chance to experience the landscape and wildlife of the Antarctic.

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