Youth Volunteers Build Playhouses with Habitat for Humanity

Girl Scouts and the John Will Anderson Boys and Girls Club in Gary collaborated with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana to build playhouses for charity. The project involved assembling and painting these playhouses, providing a hands-on experience for the young participants.

On Thursday, volunteers painted the playhouses blue with white trim. Earlier, they had assembled precut plywood sections. Habitat volunteers Darrel Grubbs and Greg Whelan assisted with nailing trim around the windows, working alongside groups on November 5, 2026.

Jayden, 13, remarked on the ease of the project, having previously painted a real house. Lilly, 12, expressed pride, knowing her efforts would benefit the community. Habitat’s Development Director Jennifer Parham explained that playhouses would be donated to several organizations, including local churches and the Boys and Girls Club.

A unique auction organized by the Homebuilders Association of Northwest Indiana will sell one playhouse, starting with a bid of $500, with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Each playhouse cost around $800 to construct.

The experience aims to expose youths to building trades and highlight the importance of community service. Parham highlighted the sweat equity program, requiring Habitat families to contribute 200 service hours to build their homes or others’.

The project involved safe practices; the wood was precut to avoid using saws, though drills and nail guns were utilized. Adults managed more complex tasks like applying the roof using a blowtorch.

Core volunteer Darrel Grubbs emphasized Habitat’s commitment to affordable housing solutions. He noted the unique challenge of constructing playhouses without foundations, electrical, or plumbing involved in regular homes.

The project fostered skills development. Nick Burmester, involved in Habitat projects and father to a Girl Scout, taught the kids painting techniques, likening it to building with Legos.

Habitat Executive Director James Drader praised the youth involvement, forecasting these volunteers as future contributors. Another round of playhouse projects is planned for next year, accompanying new house builds in Lake Station and throughout Lake County.

Drader encouraged interested families to explore opportunities on the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana website. By participating, families can potentially select their preferred community for new homes.

For further details, visit the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana website.