For Cadette troop 14177, having fun is more than simply playing games and spending time outdoors—it’s also about ensuring others around them have access to it. Gaga Ball-a fast paced, high energy sport played in an octagonal pit-is a popular game the girls and their friends enjoy playing at summer camp and service unit encampments; however, for these girls, there was no access to Gaga Ball pits outside of those settings. And so, they decided to do something to change that.
The girls worked as a team to put together a plan to install a Gaga Ball pit and selected a site for it near the local middle school and a popular park trail in St. Louis Park. They made a digital petition to make it a reality, asking friends, family, and neighbors to sign it. They presented their petition to the St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation Department. Several of the girls met with city council and school district officials, as well as the St. Louis Park Parks Advisory Board to present their project. After considering the benefits that the Gaga Ball pit could bring to the community as a free, low-maintenance, and fun option for healthy entertainment, their project was put into motion. Talk about go-get-’em ideas, change-makin’ actions!
This past August, when the city finished installing it, the troop hosted a “Gaga Grand Opening Party” and invited the community to play! Their project has been a huge success—it is being used by children in the community and is another Physical Education class activity option for students at the school.
“The girls learned that an idea can be turned into a reality with a little persistence and the adults learned that the girls have great ideas,” said their troop leader.
At Girl Scouts River Valleys, we emphasize the importance of being civically engaged and taking action in your community. We’re all about encouraging girls of all ages and backgrounds to be the difference they want to see in their community—all while having fun!