High school students build timber frame swingsets for Cook County

For the past decade, Cook County High School students have had a unique opportunity to spend a week learning how to build timber frame structures at North House Folk School.

“This time we’re building two A-frame swing sets, one for Tofte and the other for the UCC church,” said instructor Martha Williams. “They’re an exceptional group of kids. They all have experience and they’re super motivated. It’s my favorite week of the year.”

The program, which began around 2016, pairs hands-on learning with projects that benefit the North Shore community.

“Through North House there are ‘build with purpose’ frames,” Williams said. “It’s best when they’re frames that can be out in the community where people can see them. It is really unique. I don’t know of any other high school that is doing this.”

Students say the experience keeps them coming back.

“I hadn’t ever participated in a shop class before,” said senior Zöe Kacures. “I was really intimidated at first, but it was kind of like, anyone can do this. And it was really life changing last year. So I wanted to come back for my senior year.”

For others, the appeal is both the skill-building and the atmosphere.

“It’s an incredibly valuable skill to know how to raise the structure of a house,” said student Basil Ferry. “And of course, coming down onto the North House campus is always incredible, seeing what everyone’s making.”

“I’m learning a lot,” said Ennis Decoux. “I love chiseling and it’s just a really cool learning experience if I ever want to do something like this later on.”

Decoux said the class has already sparked ideas for future projects. “I would love to make a little forge,” he said. “I just love the look of timber-framed structures.”

Sophomore Rafe Williams said the process itself is deeply rewarding.

“It’s just such a great feeling to start with all these rough timbers and get a finished, beautiful building and then get to put it up,” he said.

Kacures said the experience has also helped her connect with family and think about the future.

“My dad is a woodcarver and currently a carpenter, but I wanted to take these kinds of classes to kind of connect with him,” she said. “In the future, I hope to renovate my house and just get some skills here that are kind of lifelong and applicable.”

Back in the workshop, Williams said the students’ enthusiasm is what stands out most.

“They come back sometimes late at night and they’re just so motivated,” she said. “Nobody’s late in the morning. Nobody sleeps in. They get here and they get to work and they’re so engaged.”

Chuck Olsen April 30, 2026