Some projects reach a little further—creating not just something to use, but something to experience.
For the Spring/Summer 2026 Sturgeon County FCSS child and youth Habitat Heroes programs, the Men’s Shed was commissioned to create 60 birdhouse kits for participants aged 6–14. The goal was simple: give young people the chance to build something with their own hands, and take pride in the result.
Habitat Heroes is a joint venture by FCSS and Agricultural Services Departments. They will have rotating group of participants flow through activity stations, varying from birds of prey to Alberta Junior Forest Rangers and making their own bird houses. With Habitat Heroes, they hope to introduce children to something new while educating them on how to be good environmental stewards, outdoor conservationists, and the benefits of being outside.
From the start, this project was about preparation and care.
Shed members designed the kits, milled the materials, and assembled each set so they would be ready for the program. To support the build process, members also created five custom jigs—one for each stage of assembly—helping ensure that every participant has a smooth experience and a well-finished birdhouse to take home.
When the programs begin, on July 23, 2026, approximately ten Men’s Shed members will be on hand to guide the youth through assembling and painting their birdhouses. A local artist will also be involved, bringing creativity and decoration into the process and helping each piece take on its own character.
Funding for the materials was provided by the municipality, while the Men’s Shed is supplying the tools, paint, brushes, and hands-on support needed to bring each birdhouse to life.
Projects like this extend beyond the workshop. They pass along skills, encourage creativity, and create space for connection across generations—something that sits at the heart of what the Shed offers.
If you’d like to support the Men’s Shed and the work we do in the community, many of our handcrafted items are available for purchase through current inventory or custom order.