Selkirk College Playhouse Goes up For Auction on eBay
Go inside the playhouse that the Carpentry Students from Selkirk College recently built, and you will feel like you are entering a scene from Lewis Carol’s “Alice in Wonderland”. With a secret door, child-size furniture, 4' high ceilings, a complete wrap-around deck with copper balasters, a pomeranian roof, and “wasp-proof” windows, the 2-story, 12'x 8' half scale house hosts a play area where the imagination can run absolutely wild.
The “Selkirk Cottage” playhouse was used as a project to help first year students develop their carpentry skills. In the beginning of the school year, students were challenged to come up with a conceptual drawing of a 2-story playhouse. Of the drawings submitted, Dale Cedar won the design portion of the friendly competition, while Justin Penner was delegated to lead his classmates in terms of building the house. “I wanted to come up with a concept that was absolutely kid-friendly, fun and functional and I think we’ve achieved that,” says Dale. “Everything is ‘up to code’ and it has been a really great learning experience. If I was 4 years old, I’d certainly want to live in it!”
Of the current class of 16, 6 students were assigned to work on the playhouse while the other ten were delegated to run and work on other projects. These included the making of garden sheds and the building of a “Cat House” for the 2nd Chance Animal Shelter in Nelson.
The 2nd Chance Animal Shelter is grateful for the work done by Selkirk’s students. “Prior to the cat house being built, our cats were put into a much smaller area,” explains Judie Raymond, Shelter Director. “Now that the house has been completed, our cats are way more comfortable and have an exciting place to live while they are waiting to be adopted. I’m really pleased with the students and the passion and professionalism they have shown throughout the process.”
Guidelines for the projects that the Carpentry Program undertakes are strict. They can not compete with internal unions or local contractors and the projects they accept must be “charitable”. “These projects have been enormous fun and extremely beneficial for the students,” explains Instructor of Carpentry, Barry Martin. “They have now had an opportunity to design structures and actually see them come to fruition. Because of the nature of the projects, many of our students have been exposed to 2nd and 3rd level curriculum.”
The playhouse is currently for sale on eBay until Feb 23rd (search under “Selkirk College Playhouse”). The starting bid, which covers the cost of materials to build the playhouse, is $3000. Proceeds made above and beyond $3000 will go towards new equipment and student awards for the Carpentry Program. Selkirk College will provide the shipping of the playhouse within a 40 km radius of Nelson. For additional information contact the Development Office at 1.866.301.6601 ext 324.
First published on February 13, 2009
