Southwestern Michigan College students will attempt to set a world record for the largest blanket fort between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Student Activity Center on the Dowagiac campus.

The current mark, 306.9 square meters, set June 27, 2015, in London, United Kingdom, was achieved by Challenge 12, Big Box Education, North London Collegiate School, Benchmark Scaffolding and Mace Group.

That attempt took place as part of the school’s annual summer fete.

“Theirs was a little over 3,300 square feet,” said Student Activity Center Assistant Manager Branden Pompey, who hatched the idea last November.

Approval came Aug. 22 for an application made in May.

“We would like to attempt this record as a means to engage our students in the team-building process,” SMC’s application states. “The attempt would take place during our welcome-week events … part of a robust schedule of activities all housing students will engage in.”

“They made a triangle frame. We’re going to use the basketball floor, which comes to about 4,700 square feet,” Pompey said.

The record attempt is open to the public, who are invited to donate blankets which will be given to homeless shelters after the fort’s removal.

Organizers estimate it taking 180 blankets to cover a folding-table framework snaking through the Charles O. Zollar Building gymnasium.

SMC’s Maintenance Department created PVC pipe extenders to heighten tables because the structure must allow people to sit comfortably inside the fort.

The fort will be measured by Stephenson Land Surveying in the presence of witnesses Cass County Chief Judge Susan Dobrich and SMC Chief of Staff Thomas Atkinson, who confirm rules are adhered to and state precise dimensions.

Photographic and video evidence are also required components of the process.

Blankets must cover the entire structure to form its roof and walls.

Gaps between blankets, which can be joined by staples, safety pins or zip ties, cannot be wider than one inch.

Southwestern Michigan College is a public, residential and commuter, community college, founded in 1964. The college averages in the top 10 percent nationally for student academic success based upon the National Community College Benchmark Project. Southwestern Michigan College strives to be the college of first choice, to provide the programs and services to meet the needs of students, and to serve our community. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.