June 8, 2010

Even with all the high-tech ways kids can be entertained these days, nothing is quite as magical and memorable as a simple tree house or backyard play house. That's why the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association is starting a competition for people who want to design and build their own tree house or play house.

It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. If you know your way around a hammer and saw, you could fulfill your child's fantasy and win a prize this summer. And if you don't win, you'll still have a nifty retreat for your kids, or for you.

Deep in the woods of Albemarle County is a simple wooden tree house. It's all any kid would need, a perch above it all, and away from it all. And building one can be a great group activity.

“It's a wonderful hands-on fantasy for everybody,” said Jay Willer of the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association.

The Home Builders Association is sponsoring a tree house and play house construction contest.

“You can build a play house, you can build a tree house, you can build something on the ground... it can be a funky as you want it to be. It doesn't have to be fancy,” said Willer.

Plans are free and discounts are available at local builder supply stores. Prizes go to the winners, but in a sense, every child wins.

“The kids certainly get involved in playing in [the tree house or play house], and get that sense of 'this is mine,'” said Willer.

The building deadline for the tree/play house is August 14. You can email treehouse@brhba.org for more information.