Travel Club ready to make getaway to Europe in 2022

This summer, the Cadott High School Travel Club was supposed to be abroad, enriching themselves in the culture and history of Europe. However, COVID-19 changed what the club members had in mind.

The plans were to tour areas of Italy and Greece in the summer of 2021, but with things in Europe more shut down than in this area, the club decided to push off going until 2022. Although there was a little disappointment that the trip was postponed, club adviser Ali Neinfeldt said the 14-day trip will make up for that next year.

“Our itinerary is fabulous,” she said.

Included on the list of things to do, is visiting Florence, Italy, and in Rome, seeing the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum. Then, it’s off to Sorrento and a visit to Pompeii, before traveling to Delphi. They also get to take a four-day cruise on the Aegean Sea, and tours of the Parthenon, among other sites.

Before the kids board a plane, they’ve already immersed themselves in cultures beforehand and are excited to see another country. Neinfeldt insists that the kids do mini-presentations during club meetings, which creates an awareness when they are on the tour.

The students also have to go through Packing 101 for the trip, what etiquette is proper in other countries and manners when traveling.

“It’s not just a fun vacation,” said Neinfeldt, adding that the students have much more appreciation for the opportunity, because of the prep work. “Our kids are really good.”

Obviously, the students’ biggest part of preparing for the trip, is raising the money to go. With COVID shutting down so many avenues of collecting funds, it’s been hard to come up with the money to go on next year’s trip. The club did receive a $250 Thrivent grant to help with fundraising efforts, so Neinfeldt put together Totes for Travel.

She purchased tote bags, with a lot of businesses donating items to fill them, for raffling off throughout April. The totes include gifts cards to local business, including those in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, for meat lockers, sporting goods stores and more. There are also vouchers for ballroom dancing, overnight stays and photo sessions. In addition, the totes are also filled with t-shirts, s’mores supplies, movies, candy, candles, jewelry, snacks, books, a wooden barn quilt board, handmade soap, a wind chime and activities for the kids. By purchasing tickets from the club, people can choose which totes they want a chance to win – Americana, Badger Basket, Pineapple Paradise, Go Pack Go, Adventure Cooler, Cute Owl Overnight, Thirty-One Home and Away!, History and Adventure, Pretty and Pink, and Culture and Care.

“They’re all valued, money-wise, well over $100 a basket, just from the hotel night stays alone,” said Neinfeldt.

The drawing will take place virtually Friday, May 7, at 3:30 p.m., on the Cadott High School Travel Club Facebook page. Neinfeldt says the club may also be stationed at local businesses to sell tickets, and that people should follow the social media page for updates and to view the totes.

To purchase tickets, Neinfeldt can be reached at the school, at 715-289-3795 or neinfeldta@cadott.k12.wi.us.

Neinfeldt says she loves seeing what the travel does to even the shyest of students, as they gain a new appreciation for things, learn and become more sure of themselves.

“It’s a really great experience to share with kids.”