Camp Habitat
As part of the sixth-grade Classroom Without Walls project on February 22–23, students worked with Habitat for Humanity to build and decorate playhouses for local Head Start programs. This was the first time that San Diego Habitat for Humanity facilitated Camp Habitat with students in this age group, and the students showed how well they could collaborate to make eight colorful and lively playhouses.
Students spent the morning in the classroom learning from representatives from Habitat for Humanity, Head Start and State Farm. They moved through six stations with different curriculum: Habitat for Humanity, Head Start, sustainability, community partnerships, protecting the home and advocacy, and they learned about mortgages, nonprofits and being environmentally friendly. In studying about nonprofit organizations, students discovered that the cost of materials and supplies for the playhouses needed to be covered from outside sources. They are already deciding what fundraisers to host to help cover the costs.
In the afternoon, the sixth graders were divided into groups of 10 and paired with two Habitat for Humanity team leaders. Each team was given a theme for their playhouse and brainstormed decoration ideas. The themes were garden, butterflies, jungle and fire station. Then it was time to build outside! They worked under the supervision of team leaders to nail shingles on the roofs, screw together each side of the house, and paint. Stencils were available to add flowers or fire engines and many students drew free hand to create lions, birds and even “Welcome Home” signs on the front doors. Head Start representatives were blown away when they came to pick up the playhouses on Friday morning. Many local children will enjoy hours of playtime in their new playhouses.
If you are interested in donating to Habitat for Humanity, please click here.
