PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — At Sabin Elementary School, students are stepping into the new school year with something extra special on the playground: a brand-new Gaga Ball pit. The addition is thanks to the persistence, teamwork, and vision of Girl Scout Troop 20,000, who worked for more than a year to make the project a reality.
A Simple Game With a Big Impact
Gaga Ball, often described as a gentler version of dodgeball, has just one rule that matters most: avoid being hit below the knees. Players try to eliminate one another with the ball until the last person remains standing.
For the girls of Troop 20,000, the game wasn’t just fun—it represented a way to bring the school together.
“We just thought it would make a big difference in our school,” said Clover, one of the troop members.
Although they loved playing Gaga Ball together, the troop didn’t have a space at school to enjoy it. That’s when the idea of building a pit came to life.
Turning an Idea Into Action
The project began with measuring out the space and deciding where on the playground the pit should go. From there, the girls approached the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for approval.
“And then we talked to the PTA about it, and they were like yeah, so we were like, yeah, you know. And then everybody said yeah. Yeah!” recalled Lillian, laughing.
But the principal reminded them that playground updates often require time and paperwork. Even Scout leader Kate Cronkhite wondered if the project would succeed.
“Honestly, I even came to them and said, ‘I don’t know if this is gonna happen guys. Do we want to think about pivoting to a different project?’” Cronkhite said. “And all of them were emphatically, like, no, we want to keep going, we want to do it, we’ve already worked so hard.”
Their persistence paid off.
Fundraising, Teamwork, and Leadership
To raise money, the troop relied on the Girl Scouts’ tried-and-true method: cookies.
“Of course we had cookies, which we sold 3,000, not to brag or anything,” Josie said proudly.
“Most of that was Josie,” Lillian added with a grin.
With the funds in hand, the troop even found a contractor—through a friend of their Scout leader’s dad—to help build the pit. The girls stayed patient, learning the value of leadership and teamwork through the process.
Senior Scouts Coco Smith and Harper Williams watched with pride as the younger girls took charge.
“They’re such natural leaders already. Their personalities were really able to shine through the whole project,” Smith said.
“They knew what they wanted to do and they fully took charge of it. I’m so proud of them,” added Williams.
Lessons Beyond the Playground
For the troop, the Gaga Ball pit became more than just a game space—it was proof that determination and community support can make a dream possible.
“Just because it might not happen doesn’t mean you should just give up,” Clover reflected.
“Know that you have people behind you who will help you make that happen,” Olive added.
By the time the pit was completed in late summer, excitement was building for the new school year.
“We had worked so hard and it was just so cool to see how everybody had loved it and it really felt like we were part of something,” said Lillian.
Everyday Heroes
The Gaga Ball pit now stands as a permanent reminder of what dedication and teamwork can achieve. For their creativity, perseverance, and leadership, the Girl Scouts of Troop 20,000 have earned recognition as this week’s Everyday Heroes—and given their classmates at Sabin Elementary a space where everyone can play, belong, and be included.
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