Girl Scout troop creates activity for inclusiveness

The Girl Scouts of Troop 168 in Westlake created an outdoor activity for youngsters after noticing a need in the community to bring them together.

A gaga pit was introduced to Westlake at Dover Elementary School, 2300 Dover Center Road, in early June after Troop 168 orchestrated their own plan of a pit.

A gaga pit is similar to a game of dodgeball, but played in an octagon pit and with foam balls, according to a news release from PartnerShip, a sponsor of the pit.

Tina Cirincione, 13, a member of Troop 168, said she first learned of gaga ball from camp and knew it would be perfect for their Silver Award Project.

The troop researched possible locations and reached out to members of the community to put their plan into action, the release said.

Troop leaders worked alongside organizations and local and school officials to make their idea a reality.

Leah Palnik, marketing manager of PartnerShip, said helping to sponsor the gaga pit project was an easy decision.

Supporting the Westlake community is important to Partnership and providing a place where kids of all abilities can come together is a great way to work with others, Palnik said.

This is the first gaga pit in Westlake — a huge accomplishment for the girls and their school, the release said.

The pit is open and the community has been invited, according to Dana Hoffman, secretary to the superintendent of the Westlake City School District.

“It’s a great success,” Hoffman said. “My favorite aspect is that it was all student driven ideas.”

Hoffman said it wasn’t only adults in the community who made a difference, but the young girls of the troop also made a difference.

Palnik said the location makes it easily accessible to children in the area, and it’s sure to attract a lot of activity.

It’s also an inclusive game, she said.

One doesn’t have to be the tallest, the strongest or the most athletic to join in the fun, Palnik said.