Architecture – Designing Shelters: A Day Under the Roof!

What makes a shelter strong, safe, and comfortable? At summer camp, our young architects discovered that one of the most important parts of any shelter is right above our heads—the roof!

During our Architecture – Designing Shelters class, campers spent the day exploring different types of roofs and learning how their shapes help protect the people and things inside a building. Through hands-on activities, experimentation, and plenty of creativity, campers became architects and builders for the day.

Campers learned about several fascinating roof types including domes, pyramids, flat roofs, and gable roofs. Each design has a different shape and purpose.

After learning about the different roof types, campers put their knowledge into action. They designed and built their own shelter structures, thinking carefully about which roof would work best. Would a dome make the shelter stronger? Would a gable roof be better for rain or snow? Could a flat roof provide extra space?

As they built, campers tested their ideas, solved problems, and learned that architecture is about much more than making something look interesting. By the end of the day, campers had gained a new appreciation for the buildings they see every day—and discovered that even something as familiar as a roof can involve lots of science, creativity, and thoughtful design.

Who knew there could be so much to learn under one roof?