I’m Sam Daniels from Bristol. I am a 12th-grader at Mount Abraham Union High School. Continuing from last year, I’m working in Personalized Learning (PL), designing my own curriculum around Mount Abraham’s Competencies to meet my graduation requirements.
My current topic is the construction of a log cabin, using historical building techniques. Several other students and I, along with our teachers, have taken an interest in the replica cabin that was built by Jim Ross’s class 22 years ago. Time has taken its toll, with dry rot, infestation and weather, so the cabin had to be torn down.
Our plan is to rebuild the cabin in the same manner as settlers of the 17th-18th century by using traditional tools. For example, we are currently making cedar shakes (shingles) by using a froe and a homemade wooden mallet. Since the PL project has gained momentum, we expanded it in order to incorporate an outdoor learning space for all students and teachers to have access.
We have already cleared land for the cabin and connected with community members who might have logs. We are writing letters to foundations to procure grants that will fund the cabin, and of course this includes raising necessary funds for materials. Our goal is to include members of the community in this exciting PL project.
People can contribute in a variety of ways. Our current effort is to invite interested community members to sponsor a log; together we could resurrect this historic cabin, log by log. Each log will cost $15 and donors will be recognized on a plaque by the cabin’s door. You are welcome to sponsor more than one log if you like.
This project has really taken off since the initial thought came to mind, and community support would help us achieve our goal of restoring this historic structure. Please contact Sam Daniels if you have any ideas for funding, need more information or, if you would like to donate in some other way. If you could spread the word about our efforts to create a new outdoor learning environment, that would be great. Thank you.
Sam Daniels
Bristol