Canoe project keeps student busy

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This article was published 15/06/2021 (1658 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jackson Staerk can’t wait to get out on the water this summer.

The 16-year-old Island Lakes resident is spending this semester at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate as part of Louis Riel School Division’s Propel program, and he’s chosen to build a wooden canoe for his project.

The course, which is taught by Patrick Hansen and Matt Patrician at the Norwood-based school, focuses on project-based, interdisciplinary learning where students earn a number of credits while they pursue individual areas of interest.

When deciding what to do for his project, Staerk said he wanted to combine his different passions and also choose an endeavour that would test him.

“I love canoeing trips with my friends, and I also love woodworking,” Staerk told The Lance recently. “I did lots of research to ensure it was possible for me to do this. I enjoy challenges and problem-solving.”

All things considered, the teen has revelled in the challenge so far.

The hull of the 17-foot canoe is made of cedar, which is soft, Staerk said, and other components, such as the gunnel, yoke, deck, and seats, are made of ash, which is hard.  

Staerk began the project at school, but the garage of his family home has become his workshop in recent weeks due to the pandemic-related remote learning health orders. This change in location, as well as the subsequent subtle changes in climate and temperature, mean parts of the process have changed along the way.

“The curing process for fibre glass, for example, changes depending on the climate, and the way the apoxy resin works is very dependent on the temperature,” Staerk said, noting he doesn’t yet have a solid end for the completion of the canoe because of the changing variables.  

While he’s done much of the heavy lifting himself, Staerk is grateful for those that have lent a helping hand — whether that support is financial, material, strategic, or inspirational.

Staerk includes his parents, as well as Hansen and Patrician, on that list. Also, he’s grateful for the support of Paul Bosak at Star Building Materials, and his football coach Glen Scrivener, who transported the canoe from the school to Staerk’s home on his trailer.

“Once it’s finished, I’m really looking forward to bringing it out on the water, and enjoying it with my friends,” Staerk said, noting the canoe will have two seats, although a third person could fit in, too.

Currently in Grade 11, Staerk will return to Dakota Collegiate in September for his final year of high school.

Go online at www.propellrsd.com for more information about the Propel program.