Building Program Is Their Forte

They know the miniature forts they have worked so hard to build will be dismantled soon, but that has not dampened the enthusiasm of youngsters in the city’s Build-A-Fort program in El Conejo Park.

In fact, a bit of mischief served as an inspiration for one group of fort builders. When some of the extras such as carpeting were stripped from the Ft. Apache team’s fortress overnight, they simply rebuilt it the next day, adding a trapdoor that could be padlocked against intruders.

“These kids are bright and really great to work with,” said Art Huerta, recreation leader for the program. “I’d have never thought of a solution like that.”

The incident also showed that the program was achieving its goal of teaching participants to solve problems through imagination and teamwork, he said.

About 40 youngsters ages 8 to 13 are enrolled in the program, which began Aug. 5 and continues through Friday. Working in teams, they learned to use basic tools safely and then designed and built their forts.

“I thought it wasn’t going to be much fun,” said Billy Shoop, 11. , as he sat on the roof of Fort Viking. “I thought we were going to watch them do it.”

Instead, “we were able to do all the work on our own,” said fellow Ft. Viking member Jordan Johnson, 13. “It was really good because we didn’t have to do it the same way as the others.”

Using materials either donated or purchased with the program’s $75 registration fee, the youngsters have become masters of innovation, making windows of clear plastic or wire screening, and decorating exterior walls.

Build-A-Fort, new to Laguna Hills this summer, was modeled after a similar program in Yorba Linda. Parents will be invited to see the creations Friday and share a barbecue with the young builders and their instructors.

“This was only our first year,” Huerta said. “I told the kids that the program will be even better next year.”