On a mission: Emily McLaren, 14, has saved just over $800 worth of cans so far. Photos: Shannon Colee
Photo by
Shannon Colee
With over 8000 cans already collected, Echuca teenager Emily McLaren is determined to save for her space camp by collecting and recycling even more.
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“I thought it was amazing, a really great way to raise money for the camp. I did it last year when I went to New Zealand. I raised half the money myself,” she said.
The international camp that has Emily so excited is the Space-X-plore trip being offered to students through Echuca College.
Taking place in the United States, during the camp students get to do lots of great activities like visit NASA and learn all about the science of theme parks.
Determined: Emily McLaren is collecting cans to save for her camp to the United States through collecting cans.
Photo by
Shannon Colee
“We all learn about physics and how they make the roller coaster go and we learn about psychology and how they draw you in to do other stuff,” she said.
“It’s very exciting to be able to go and explore some new different stuff to do. And it’s going to be very hands-on. “
Emily’s mum Melissa said she had noticed Emily’s interest in STEM rising since being more exposed to these sorts of activities.
“She’s been really focused on that side since starting to get involved in these camps, when previously the sciences and STEM probably wasn’t really on her radar at all,” she said.
“Now that’s more her focus. So it’s been a really great opportunity.”
“I think these camps give them a real hands-on opportunity to learn the stuff they’re learning in the classroom, how it’s applied to the real world, because chemistry and physics, well that can seem quite boring in the classroom.
When it comes to a future career path, Emily said these camps had definitely helped her have more ideas.
“There are a few things that I’m thinking of doing when I’m older and I don’t really know, so I feel like this will help,” she said.
“I think it’s quite cool. I really like STEM. I like more of the engineering side of it.”
If you would like to help Emily reach her goal by donating directly or by giving her cans, contact Melissa on 0408 056 119 and she and Emily will come and collect them from you.
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