It's mighty tiring getting from home on streets like Buckboard and Cabin Creek to schools like Oregon Trail and Fort Caspar these days.

Then after school, there might be a Scout meeting or time at day care or sports practice, if the weather ever cooperates.

Tuckered out little pioneers need a place of their own to relax and rest up before the next day's adventure.

Although she doesn't sell real estate, Pam Kozola has just the place.

"I want to win it," she said, "but I can't."

This year's playhouse to benefit Seton House in its annual Mother's Day raffle is a darling covered wagon, featuring wheels that turn, a picture window, a bunk bed complete with bed roll that becomes a homework or snack table by day and arrows, yes, arrows, piercing its exterior.

The covered wagon is on display through May 7 in the Center Court of Eastridge Mall, just next to the Easter Bunny's photo center.

The floor is easy-to-clean linoleum for those mud trackers. Historic bits about life on the trail decorate the walls and a supply list (books - 2 pounds) is also displayed.

Timothy Heward, 7, of Alcova designed the covered wagon and receives a $50 gift certificate to Eastridge Mall for having his design selected.

Nate Mogen, Tony Rider and Mark Smith of Kloefkorn-Ballard Construction volunteered their time to build the playhouse. Torrie Abbott, Joyce Asay, Cindy Chopping, Cindy Millay and Cheryl Pesicka did the decorative painting and interior design work.

Construction materials were provided by United Building Center and paint and painting was donated by Diamond Vogel Paint Center. Sheet Metal Specialties provided the roofing materials.

"Give Every Child a Chance," is the theme of this year's raffle, which raises nearly 15 percent of the annual operating budget for Seton House homeless shelter for single-parent families.

Every child in kindergarten through sixth grade in Natrona County is given one free raffle ticket for the playhouse, courtesy of sponsors Mike and Lexi Ballard, Eastridge Mall, First Interstate Bank, Trans-Equipment and Supply, United Building Center, O'Quinn Realty and VSA Arts of Wyoming.

Seton House serves between 170 and 200 families per year, according to Kozola, who is the executive director. Fourteen families are housed on site and receive supportive services, such as job skills and self-sufficiency training, in addition to warm, safe housing.

Although the playhouse is the grand prize in the raffle, a second prize $100 gift certificate at Eastridge Mall and a third prize $50 gift certificate at Target will also be awarded when the drawing is held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the playhouse in the mall.

Again this year, volunteers offer free transportation for the covered wagon anywhere in Wyoming.

But without license plates and registration, it will be delivered to the winning little pioneers on a trailer.

Covered Wagon tickets

Raffle tickets are $3 each or two for $5, available at:

*Eastridge Mall: Athlete's Foot, Prestige Real Estate, Sadler's Hallmark, The Galilean, Woody G's Gallery, Wyoming Shirt and Gift

*Hilltop Shopping Center: Country Charm, Ralph's Books

*Sunrise Shopping Center: Flower Gallery, Little Earthlings

*Casper: Diamond Vogel Paint Center, The Indians

Casper Inside editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0532 or sallyann.shurmur@casperstartribune.net.