It's a daunting task: Raising $20,000 by March so six students and two adult chaperones can travel to the East Coast for an educational tour. But a group of Lacomb School 8th-graders and their parents are leaving no fundraising stone unturned.

Lebanon area students are offered the opportunity every year to take the trip to New York City, Washington D.C. and Jamestown, Va., sponsored by the educational travel company WorldStrides. If they are successful in raising the money, this year will the first time Lacomb students have gone in several years.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said parent Colette Smith. "They'll learn things they won't in textbooks."

After her daughter, Mindy, 14, told her about the trip but said she didn't think the family could afford it, raising the money "became a calling" for Janice Hinterland.

"When I was young we couldn't' afford to go on trips like this. I want her to have that opportunity," Janice Hinterland said.

Since October, the small group has been to craft shows, established a website with an online jewelry store and held a garage sale - their most successful venture to date. It netted about $400. They've also sold See's Candy and done in-school fundraising events.

Pioneer School teacher Debbie Price, who is coordinating fundraising for Lacomb, Hamilton Creek and Pioneer schools, said joint efforts at raising money with events like a spaghetti feed are in the works. Seven Oak 8th-graders are also raising money for the trip, Price said.

Becky Bond, 13, is writing a picture book that can be ordered online about the travels and adventures of Dilbert, a rubber duck and the group's unofficial mascot.

"We're going to take him on the trip if we can get him through security," Bond said.

The group's next major fundraising effort will be at the Lacomb School Bazaar on Dec. 6, where they'll be selling deserts and jewelry. Janice Hinterland said they would like to sell Christmas trees if they can find someone willing to donate them.

Cindee Larrison thinks the fundraising is as big a learning experience for the students as the trip will be.

"It gives them ownership and teaches leadership skills by working toward a goal," Larrison said. "They're learning a little bit about business too."

More information about the group's fundraising efforts and donation opportunities may be found at www.2009dctrip.com or by calling Bond's Indian Supplies at 258-5167.