Ann Bancroft’s travels, needless to say, don’t often swing through the Mankato area.

When she’s not becoming the first woman to reach the North Pole or skiing across Greenland, Bancroft also operates her own foundation, which supports young women through grants and scholarships. She’s a lifelong advocate for education and a volunteer for numerous causes, including disabled adults and the Special Olympics.

In addition, she’s one of the most sought-after keynotes on the public speaking circuit for her inspirational story of a young Minnesota girl with a learning disability who wasn’t afraid to take risks.

But adults and children alike will have the chance to catch her on Oct. 21 when she headlines the Science and Nature Conference, which is hosted by Gustavus Adolphus College and sponsored by the South Central Service Cooperative and Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence.

Bancroft will give her keynote address at 9 a.m. and also host a luncheon and book signing, which is open to the public.

The conference, however, is geared toward students in grades 3-9 and features about 25 breakout sessions. Topics range from fly-fishing and geocaching lessons to sessions on robots, wind power, archaeology and paleontology.

Bridget Serig, academic programs coordinator for SCSC, said entire schools as well as individual students and families are welcome to attend. Adult chaperones are admitted to the conference free of charge, but adults and students must register by Wednesday.

“The sciences are where kids are going to find jobs in the future,” Serig said. “This will be valuable for everyone who has the opportunity to attend.”

For more information about the event, contact Serig at (651) 808-1958 or by emailing bserig@mnscsc.org. To register, call (507) 389-6851 or online at mnscsc.org.