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The Innovation Treehouse, in partnership with Flying Fish Swim Academy and CPATH (Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope), delivered a custom-made Mario Kart-themed Halloween costume to a family in the greater Austin area. The costume, provided free of charge to the family, creates a powered-up Trick-ortreating experience for their son.
“The details make the costume come alive,” said Marguerite Erickson, one of the makers. “The large yellow banana peel is everyone’s favorite.” The wheelchair costume has glowing blue lights, sound effects, and fans inside the “thrusters” that make paper flutter like flames. A 3D-printed steering wheel, the giant ‘M’, and symbols for the four sound effect buttons round out details of the design.
Innovation Treehouse members were inspired by Walkin’ & Rollin’, a Kansas-based non-profit that builds wheelchair costumes. Jess, another leader of the project said, “While we were a little intimidated by the high quality of Walkin’ & Rollin’s costumes, we wanted to support a child in Central Texas. CPATH connected us to a family that loves Halloween as much as we do!”
The creators learned many new skills while working on the project at the Innovation Treehouse. Marguerite said, “If we had to do it over again we would have made the yellow hubcaps out of a sturdier material. But that is what the Innovation Treehouse is all about – problem-solving together and appreciating everyone’s individual talents and what they contribute to the team.”
The Innovation Treehouse wants to thank the donors and sponsors who made this project possible, especially Flying Fish Swim Academy. Marguerite says, “Seeing the joy made the long hours worth it.” Happy Halloween everyone!
The Innovation Treehouse is a nonprofit based in Dripping Springs, TX. The organization is a learning community providing skill improvements including technical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and understanding how to work as a team. The Innovation Treehouse uses experiential learning in STEM as a tool, believes in a growth mindset and creates intentional spaces where individuals of all ages can experiment, fail, learn, and repeat together. For more information about the organization, visit innovationtreehouse. org.
