ST. ALBERT— Space camp may be on the horizon for a group of St. Albert students after all.
About 80 Grades 5 and 6 students had planned to attend a camp in Laval Que. that simulated life in space. That plan was in jeopardy after the tour company Experiential Education seemingly vanished, taking the money paid for the trip with it.
READ MORE: Students’ dream trip to space camp in jeopardy after travel company seemingly vanishes
The families have until April 26, the planned departure date, to fundraise for the trip.
One of the families leading the charge is the Dahls. They had paid the required $2,500 to send their son Brennan to the camp. When the bad news came, the Dahls sprung into action. Brennan’s mom Shana Dahl started a Facebook page “Save Our Space Camp” last Wednesday and it’s snowballed from there. The Dahls, with the help of others, have organized a comedy show, pasta dinners, silent auctions, and have even collected bottles for the cause.
“The support has been outstanding,” said Chris Dahl, Brennan’s father.
“I had no idea what we were starting. It’s turning into an avalanche of support. It’s awesome.”
Many volunteers have stepped up to help save the camp, such as the St. Albert Theatre Troupe. The group is donating its facilities to host the comedy show fundraiser with comedian Andrew Grose.
“When you hear about kids like that not being able to go on their trip, it kind of hits you,” said Mark McGarrigle, a member of the theatre troupe.
“It would be kind of nice to think if we were ever in that situation maybe others would help too.”
With the community coming together to volunteer or donate to the cause, Shana is quite excited.
“I had a wild dream,” she said.
“I hoped that it would work and it looks like we are going to get these kids to space camp.”
As for Brennan, he’s just excited that his dream of reaching for the stars might come true after all.
“A few weeks ago I was pretty upset because it may not happen,” he said.
“But now, it may still happen.”
With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News
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