Scout builds portable GaGa Pit for SJRCC

Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy group game played in an octagonal pit, a Gaga Pit. Described as a kinder, gentler form of Dodge Ball, Gaga is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping. Opponents try to hit each other with the ball below the knees—get hit and get taken out. The last player standing is the winner, but the title doesn’t last long as everyone clambers back into the Gaga Pit for a new game! Games typically last less than five minutes. They’re fast, sweaty, inclusive and addictive! 

Ethan Young, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 202 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel, created the portable Gaga Pit for St. Joseph’s between July 10 and August 2, 2024. Created with treated lumber, the Pit features eight, eight-foot panels that are 32 inches high. 
 
“Creating the Gaga ball pit for St Joseph's Conference & Retreat Center was a blast filled with experimenting, trial and error, collaboration with fellow scouts and neighbors, and an overall fantastic experience,” said Ethan. “I chose the project since I attended a retreat at this place earlier in the year, and saw that it needed a fun, outdoor game for kids to play with.” 
Ethan is a senior at Guerin Catholic High School. Guerin hosts their Christian Awakening or Junior Retreat at SJRCC several times each school year. 

“Collectively, the Retreat Center and I came up with a Portable Gaga Ball Pit that could be easily moved in and out of the storage areas,” added Ethan. “I had an amazing experience working with everyone involved with the project and I can't thank everyone at St Joseph's enough!”