Fossil Camp – Don’t Let This Opportunity Become Extinct!!

Join me on a journey to unearth the past and shape the future of palaeontology! I've been awarded a scholarship, but I still need your help to make this incredible opportunity a reality!

Hi everyone, I'm Elias Carpenter, a Lower Sixth student with a volcanic passion for Earth's ancient past and a dream of becoming a palaeontologist so I can expand our knowledge of prehistory.

Recently, an incredible opportunity has arisen: a highly-regarded palaeontology summer camp at Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Natural History Museum in Kansas, USA. This immersive program offers invaluable hands-on experience in fossil discovery and analysis – the kind of practical learning that textbooks simply can't provide.

The cost of this incredible program is substantial, and as an international student, funding opportunities are limited. However, driven by my ambition, I applied for a scholarship and was initially awarded $1119 (£840). While incredibly grateful, this still left a significant financial hurdle.

Knowing how crucial this experience would be for my future, I reached out to the camp organisers, explaining my situation and my deep commitment to palaeontology. To my absolute amazement, the museum director generously increased my scholarship to a staggering $3200! (£2400) This level of support for an international student is exceptionally rare, and it speaks volumes for their belief in my potential.

This incredible act of generosity has brought my dream within reach, but I still face a remaining cost of £1805 for the camp itself, plus £1500 for flights to rural Kansas, and an estimated £350 for other essential expenses. leaving a total of £3655 from an earlier total of nearly £6000. But I still need to raise a significant amount to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality.

So far I have fundraised / been awarded

• $1119 (£840) in the initial scholarship

• $2081 (£1560) in the extended scholarship

• £1250 for a return flight London Heathrow to Denver International

• £450 from my own savings

I'm launching this GoFundMe to bridge the remaining gap and embark on this pivotal palaeontological adventure. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly support:

Essential program fees, return flights, necessary equipment and living costs.

• £86 per day in program fees x21

• £250 Denver to Fort Hays return tickets

• £350 Personal Expenses

This summer camp isn't a holiday; it's a crucial step in my academic journey and a chance to gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will shape my future as a scientist. By supporting me, you're not just helping a student; you're investing in the future of palaeontological discovery!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering a donation and helping me unearth my future!

As a small token of my sincere gratitude, I'd love to send you a postcard or updates from the heart of Kansas and if you do want that: email me at eliascarpenter443 at icloud.com

Sincerely,

Elias Carpenter