Former Challenger Student Builds Gaga Ball Pit for Our Comets

A huge congratulations to Milind Nangalia, for his work toward the rank of Eagle Scout — and for making a lasting impact in the process! For his Eagle project, Milind built a brand-new gaga ball pit at his former school, Challenger Elementary, giving students a fun and active way to enjoy recess for years to come!

Gaga ball is a game that is sometimes described as a “friendlier version of dodgeball,” and is played in an octagonal pit. The objective is to be the last person remaining, having avoided being hit with the ball by other players.

Milind planned, funded and built the new feature at Challenger with some help from Boy Scout Troop 636 and his family. “He worked with district personnel to get the project approved. He raised funds for the materials, drew up plans, and built the structure over Spring Break,” Principal Jen Kessler said. “Hundreds of students played gaga ball and had a great time! To say they enjoyed it would be an understatement.”

Now a student at Skyline High School, Milind said he chose this project because of the time he spent at Challenger, and after seeing a gaga ball pit at Camp Parsons. “(Challenger is) where I gained many of my core values and learned what my interests were. I also enjoyed my time there very much, as it always had such a welcoming community,” he said. “I hope the students will enjoy the gaga ball pit for years to come.”

Milind noted his great appreciation to everyone who donated and who volunteered to help build the project. “None of this would have been possible without them,” he added.

“The most challenging thing about the project was cutting the boards to the right length and angles, as a single imperfection could throw the entire octagon geometry off, making us have to re-cut each board,” Milind said. “Also, the physical labor involved with digging out such a large area and shoveling piles of sand from one area to another was immense, which is why the volunteers from my Boy Scout Troop 636 and the community were such a big help.”

This project and a few other badges were the last items on Milind’s list before earning the rank of Eagle.

It’s inspiring to see young leaders giving back to the places that helped shape them. Thank you, Milind, for your hard work, dedication and heart for service!

Photos courtesy of Milind Nangalia