Murwillumbah-based school student and life long space enthusiast, Quinn Dowling, will soon be jetting off to Space Camp USA with other space enthusiasts thanks to One Giant Leap Australia, and a grant for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
Proud mum Sarra told The Echo he will be part of a group of young space explorers at the renowned Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, from 28 October to 9 November.
‘Quinn is quite famous for wearing his homemade spacesuits around the area over the years, even in 30 plus degree heat!’
‘Quinn has endured both major floods in his 14 years (we live in South Murwillumbah), and deals with the challenges of Tourettes Syndrome and Autism everyday, but his love of space has endured throughout and now his dreams of partaking in a NASA based training camp is coming true’.
One Giant Leap Founder and CEO, Jackie Carpenter says, ‘After participating in One Giant Leap Australia’s regional Aerospace Camp in Inverell in 2024, Quinn was inspired to take part in his next exciting adventure’.
‘Space Camp USA, which has been operational for over 42 years, and has more than one million alumni, is an internationally recognised program based on NASA astronaut training and focuses on teamwork and leadership skills.
‘One Giant Leap Australia has provided tours to Space Camp since 2015 and the space education organisation is excited to return.
‘The tour’s itinerary includes visits to Disneyland, California Science Centre, Serrano Intermediate School, and the Griffith Observatory. The schedule also features a day of STEM activities with One Giant Leap’s USA STEM expert, dinner with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists and engineers, and a visit to Space Camp USA.
‘If you or someone you know would like to take part in Space Tour USA, expressions of interest are now open and can be found on the One Giant Leap website.
Sarra added, ‘His trip is largely paid for, except for transfers to Sydney a back, and any extra funds to cover the exchange rate while there. As we are still recovering from the 2022 flood event, and are trying to relocate our home to higher land, this was the only viable financial option for us. It has taken a lot of saving and scraping from our already tight budget to provide Quinn with this opportunity to partake in the offer to attend Space Camp’.
‘To support Quinn’s trip, a GoFundMe is available for donations and any support is greatly appreciated. You can find his GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/c672576c.’
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