It turns out that building forts, hideouts, and playhouses are part of the way that kids learn. David Sobel, a leading expert on children's play, describes fort-building as a universal drive that’s rooted in kids’ healthy development.
“The special place outside serves to symbolize the special place inside,” Sobel says. “It’s their own private chrysalis.”
Forts can be a calming, safe and welcoming space for children. A place to call their own. The fort can even become a child's home base, a special place where they eat lunch or a snack, do activities or get some quiet time.
A fort can be built anyplace where sticks are available, from forests to backyards are even the beach!
If forts are built by a large group of children such as at a camp or school, the process of building the fort —and enjoying it— can really bring the children together as a community.
Learn how to help build a stick fort with these resources:
This tutorial written by a master architect for Fatherly teaches the basics.
This resource on fort building from Gulf Islands Center is great for educators and parents alike.
Video, "How to make a stick fort!":
Check out these examples of cool stick forts for design inspiration!
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Exploring forts at the Fort #stickfort
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