Eagle Scout goes ‘gaga’ for SJNCS
“Mason raised funds, designed and led the construction of a Gaga Ball pit for SJNCS,” which was completed the weekend of Feb. 19-20, SJNCC director of communications Stephanie Greiner said. “Some of his troop members and school friends assisted in the construction.
“Mason has over 140 hours of time in this incredible project,” she added. “Thanks to his hard work, dedication and excellent planning and leadership skills, students at SJNCS will get to enjoy the fruits of his labor for years to come.”
Greiner added Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program.
“Only 4 percent of Scouts earn this rank,” she added.
The son of Steve and Mary Marlowe, Mason has been active in the scouting since he started as a Cub Scout.
“I became a Boy Scout during my fifth-grade year,” he said as a member of Troop 246, which meets at Hardin Valley Church of Christ.
“I have known for a long time this is what I wanted my Eagle Scout Project to be, but I could not start working on it until I achieved Life Rank with the Boy Scouts,” Mason said. “I earned that rank in early December and, soon after, began researching Gaga Ball pits and beginning the process of getting my proposal approved.
“It is a lot of paperwork,” he added. “You have to present your proposal, then plan your project and then complete your project report.
“I still have to complete my project report before the project is officially complete.”
His inspiration initially came from an earlier summer camp experience, but seeing the school’s field spurred the idea for the pit.
“Every day middle school students have morning break,” Mason said. “We have a large field to run around, and the school provides balls for us to use.
“My first summer at Boy Scout camp in 2019, I was introduced to Gaga Ball, and that was the highlight of my experience at camp,” he added. “Everyone had fun, and you got to interact with people you didn’t already know.
“That memory, along with the big, grassy field we get to use for our break, gave me the idea for this project. The pit will also be able to be used by our PE teacher, and all grade levels will get the chance to enjoy it, along with our school’s Before and After Care program and our church’s youth group.
Explaining the game, “If you have never played Gaga Ball, it is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit,” he said. “The more players the better.
“Dubbed a kinder, gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees,” Mason added.
“Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball.”
