The Grade 6 and 7 students at Aspen Park Elementary in Comox spent their lunchtime Friday hosting a fundraiser, for their own cause.

The second annual St. Patrick’s Barbecue and School Spirit Day doubled as a Camp Homewood fundraiser.

Napkin gnome Hailey Sample was on-hand offering serviettes… for a price. Photo by Terry Farrell

“All the money raised from this event goes towards lowering the costs for every Grade 6 and 7 student in the school to attend Camp Homewood on Quadra Island,” explained Shannon Tran, a teacher at Aspen Park Elementary. “Along with parent and teacher chaperones, they attend camp for three to four days in June. The students are excited to leave their electronics and textbooks behind, to immerse themselves in wilderness skill development and team-building opportunities.”

In addition to the barbecue, Friday’s event featured a mixed-gender basketball game, as well as a scavenger hunt.

The community at large even got into the spirit, as Ryan Road 7-Eleven manager Helen Dosdos donated the hotdogs and Slurpees for the whole school, and was on-hand during the event, helping the leadership students serve lunch.

The project was all part of a leadership program based on the 7 Habits of Healthy Kids by Stephen Covey.

“It’s a school culture model that encourages students to take leadership roles whenever possible,” said Tran. “As a Leader in Me school, Aspen is working towards having our 11-to-13-year-olds take on all of the school’s weekly blue bin and bottle/can recycling, food waste composting, as well as organization of events like assemblies, and sports workshops for younger students.”

Tran said Friday’s event was a success, with approximately $1,100 raised.

“The best moment I had today was overhearing one of our Grade 6s say it was the most fun day she’s ever had at school – and she was busy sweeping the foyer floor at the time!”