“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”  -Albert Einstein

You said it, Al...That's why we're sending you into space for a cause.

What we're doing

The Maumee High School Physics Club is planning a journey to the edge of space!  We intend to send a capsule attached to a weather balloon to around 90,000 feet (17 miles!) above the earth to inspire children with life-threatening illnesses to dream big.  A digital camera attached to the capsule will record the journey in high definition!  Click here to see how another group did this.

By doing this, we hope to raise money and awareness for Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.  Children with cancer, kidney disease, lupus, brain tumors, and other serious illnesses attend the camp with their families for a week.  Camp activities help families rebuild relationships and bond with other families in similar situations.  Our goal is to raise $2000, which is enough money to send a family to camp for a week.  Click here to see a video about the camp.  For more information, see Camp Sunshine's Website.  

Why Camp Sunshine?

Sam, the physics teacher in charge of the club, and his sister Jill, who works as a nurse in Wisconsin, have a personal connection to the camp.  Sam and Jill have volunteered at Camp Sunshine many times and know what a special place it is.  They've experienced first-hand the life-changing effect "Camp" has on the children, families, and volunteers who attend.  They know that Camp Sunshine is a place where life-long friends are met and children are given hope in the face of challenging circumstances.  

Most of the weeks that Sam and Jill have attended have been for bereaved families who've lost a child to an illness.  One special activity during these weeks is the 'balloon launch.'  During the balloon launch, family members write messages on balloons to their lost loved ones and send their wishes into the sky.  The concept for this balloon launch project arose from these experiences and also from a love for science!  When Sam pitched the idea to his students, they were on board to help!

How you can help

By donating you'll get to be a part of exploring the edge of space and help a family attend Camp Sunshine for a week. In return for your kindness, we'll give you our ultimate gratitude and then some (see below).  We also plan to create a YouTube video of the launch to be shared with you and people around the world!

PLEDGE $10 OR MORE:

We'll fly YOUR NAME in space by inscribing it inside the launch capsule!  Also, receive a high five or hug the next time we see you.  You choose!

PLEDGE $20 OR MORE:

Have a tribute message to a loved one you know who has been affected by life-threatening illness inscribed next to your name and flown in space. You could also include an inspiring message to a kid at Camp Sunshine.  (+all of the above)

PLEDGE $50 OR MORE:

Receive a 4x6 photograph of the best shot our camera takes during the flight.  Hopefully we'll see Earth's curve!  You can hang it on your mantle and tell your friends about how you helped take the shot! (+all of the above)

PLEDGE $100 OR MORE:

To let others know about the difference you've made, we'll have your name featured as a sponsor in our YouTube video that documents the project, to be spread across the web. (+all of the above)

PLEDGE $200 OR MORE:

Be invited to the launch and travel along with us as we track down the balloon.  Launch date will be on a weekend between June-August, 2012 (as soon as the weather is permitting and the launch is ready for take-off!). (+all of the above)