BELLEFONTE — A local Girl Scout, Abby Weiser from Troop 40024, has achieved the Gold Award with a project that transformed St. John Catholic School’s parking lot in Bellefonte into an innovative playground she designed.
The Gold Award is the highest distinction in Girl Scouts and is typically pursued by Seniors or Ambassadors.
“For my project, I had a ton of ideas that I would have liked to put onto this playground. And it took some time to narrow down those ideas to present to the church and school,” Weiser said.
Weiser is a Saint John alum, so the project held a special significance for her. The parking lot, situated behind the church, serves as both the school’s daytime parking area and overflow parking for the church on weekends. This presented Weiser with the challenge of crafting a design that worked with both functions. Over the course of a year, she planned, secured funding and got approval from the school and church.
“Because the playground needed to stay flat due to the church’s use on the weekends, I had to get creative for the space. I brainstormed on how the space is used now and what could I do to make it more fun,” she said. “Imagination is what I started with. When researching imagination playgrounds, I learned that there were four components of playground play: sensory, physical, social and cognitive. I decided to try to create something for each component.”
The new playground includes sensory elements like Matchbox cars and plastic food, physical activities such as playground games, a social aspect with a mini village and theater, and cognitive challenges like an obstacle course, Twister and “mirror me.” The pavement features a water bottle holder and 11 painted games.
Weiser, along with a team of volunteers including her mother and troop leader, Rachelle Weiser, accomplished the transformation in a three-week period. Rachelle supported Abby’s ideas by assisting with tasks like taping, painting and ensuring straight lines.
“My part for this project as a mother was to complete any part that was tasked to me. Between my mother, Debbie King, and myself, we concentrated on making Abby’s vision come to life,” Rachelle said.
Rachelle’s role as a troop leader adapted to allow Abby to lead in all aspects. She said Diane Toyos, an experienced troop leader and friend, acted as Abby’s advisor, offering guidance and direction.
The major accomplishment came with some challenges for Abby. She said finding a company with specific non-slip pavement paint, dealing with “crazy” weather, keeping the playground flat and working with school scheduling were all obstacles she had to overcome.
“The most rewarding part for me is to see the excitement of the students and staff so far. As the project started, people would begin to come and see and make positive comments on my Facebook page that I had for my project. Extra donations also came in, which allowed me to purchase more items,” Abby said. “I think overall my favorite part is the mini village — it’s just so bright and colorful and cheery.”
According to Rachelle, over 1 million Girl Scouts have received their Gold Award since the organization started in 1912, but fewer than 6% of eligible Scouts receive the award annually. The award recognizes the development and execution of impactful solutions within local communities and beyond. Abby’s journey began in her sophomore year, with successful completion during her senior year, despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
While Juniors earn the Bronze Award by collaborating with fellow Girl Scouts to enact change in their communities, Cadettes achieve the Silver Award by engaging in community betterment through research and planning. Abby pursued the Gold Award as a fitting culmination of her Girl Scout journey after achieving those other two awards.
“I wanted to pursue my Gold because I thought it would be the best way to end my Girl Scout adventure. I hope to continue as an adult, but with going into college, I’m unsure of the future. But once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout,” Abby said.
The once plain blacktop of the school parking lot has been transformed into a vibrant space with games, murals and plenty of colors.
Saint John Catholic School students returned to the classroom on Aug. 28.
