Sasha Carr, sitting, with volunteers who helped her on her Eagle Scout Project, from left, Michelle Carr, Willow Chartrand (T2), Jerome Colletti, Chris Yeager (T2), Carl Iverson (T22), James Kuropatwinski, Luke Finstad (T22) and Micah Finstad (T22) . Courtesy photo

Los Alamos Girl Scout Sasha Carr with BSA Troop 2 Scoutmaster Holly Trellue . Courtesy photo 

The students at Los Alamos Middle School (LAMS) will have a brand new gaga ball pit when they return to school Aug. 10.

Incoming Los Alamos High School junior Sasha Carr, 17, from BSA Troop 2 in Los Alamos, decided to build one for her Eagle Scout Project.

“There were limited games for kids to play during recess. Gaga ball is fun and it’s something kids of all skill levels can do,” she said.

Carr said that she enjoyed playing on the gaga ball pit at Mountain Elementary School and various summer camps she has attended. 

The project required significant preparation. Before starting, Carr needed approval from the project beneficiary representative, many forms completed and signatures from a variety of scout leaders.

Determining the components of the play structure also entailed multiple discussions with then LAMS Principal Suzanne Lynne. They decided on composite boards to ensure longevity of the structure, an ADA door and mat to protect kids’ knuckles.

Because of rising prices in general and shipping charges in particular, the total project cost came to more than $6,000. Carr raised approximately $6,000 through online yard sales throughout the previous year and donations from family and friends. In addition, she received generous grants from Los Alamos Public School Foundation and LAMS PTO.

Twenty-four individuals participated in the construction of the gaga ball pit and laying the mat. Members of the LAMS PTO participated in a zoom meeting to hear Carr’s proposal and LAPS Foundation Executive Director Jenny McCumber fielded several emails about her grant proposal. In all, there were more than 130 man hours and many emails.

“I’m glad it’s done,” said Carr in summarizing the project.

Some may not know what gaga ball is. There are several variations but the most commonly used guidelines are: Kids line up inside a pit, which is like a giant playpen, and they throw a ball in the middle. After chanting “ga—ga—ball”, they hit the ball with their hand toward any other child. The goal is to hit an opponent between the knees and the toes. Once this happens, the opponent is “out” and climbs out of the gaga ball pit until the next game. The game is won with the last person remaining. The game is quick and fun.

Carr would like to thank in particular Ms. Lynne, Ms. Holly Trellue (her scoutmaster), her Uncle Chase Carr, her Aunt Tracy White, LAPS Foundation, especially Jenny McCumber, Jerome Colletti for his engineering skills and LAMS PTO.

Los Alamos BSA Troop 2 Girl Scout Sasha Carr with recently retired LAMS Prinicpal Suzanne Lynne during the planning of Carr’s Eagle Scout Project. Courtesy photo

Volunteers help Los Alamos BSA Troop 2 Scout Sasha Carr build her Eagle Scout Project. Courtesy photo

Volunteers who helped Sasha Carr on her Eagle Scout Project. Courtesy photo

Volunteers who helped Sasha Carr on her Eagle Scout Project, from left,  Dani Trellue (T2), Maddie Greene (T2), Manny Iglesias, Malcolm Carr, James Greene, Joe Greene and David Fuehne. Courtesy photo

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