Students at Angevine Middle School take action to promote outdoor play at their school. Written by CAP Instructor Erin Angel.

Everyone who plays Gaga Ball loves Gaga Ball! After spending hours playing the game during our fall campout at Cheley Outpost Camp, the Angevine Middle School CAP Outdoor Class decided to share this fun game with their whole school by building a Gaga Ball pit on the playground.

The class researched the value of outdoor play and nature deficit disorder in order to make a well-crafted pitch to the school administration. Luckily, the administration was on board with the plan and even ordered the hardware for the pit. Students then researched design plans and assembled a materials list. They wrote a donation request letter to Lafayette Lumber, who generously donated the majority of the lumber for the project. Students also made videos for the school’s video announcements explaining the history of Gaga Ball, how to play the game, and the rules and regulations.

Students signed up to begin the construction of the Gaga Ball pit during their lunch times. They cut and beveled a majority of the lumber, so the pit will be ready to assemble after winter break! The class would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project: Angevine Middle School, Lafayette Lumber, and Cottonwood Institute.