It sometimes seems unusual that a “spiritual-tool” would be used for such purposes as the recreation center of a school yard, however that’s exactly what was done by the Junior Girl Scout Troop 519. Of course, those of you who have walked the labyrinth with me know how much I connect with its winding paths into a place that is calmer and more reflective.

But then, as leader of the troop who was seeking an original and appropriately fitting response to what the nine girls in the troop felt was the greatest need in their school which was “a place to calm down”, well, a labyrinth seemed to be the best fit. Also, I thought we could really do it. For a year, we’ve been actively planning the path, working on badges that pertained to “Stress Less” and “Puzzels”. We organized donations from Lowe’s, who gave us over one hundred pavers as well as long 2’x4’s which frame the labyrinth. Then we received donations of sand from the Mayor of Jamesburg. We appeared before the Board of Education asking permission and met with the Superintendent in order to approve of which space. I can’t forget to mention that Julius Fekete offered to pick up the pavers with me, which literally weighed his truck down to near collapse.

Naturally, the scheduled afternoon for The Big Dig happened to be one of the hottest in June! We began preparing the space [15′ x 15′] digging, laying sand, laying the pavers, and filling it all in. At 7:30 p.m. we were finally done. Each girl had written one word on a paver which reflected the process of reflection and relaxation that the pathway was to encourage. And finally, two weeks later, there was a small and humble dedication with the Student Government Representatives.

Allison Kramer-Mills, along with eight other girls, celebrated their accomplishments at a humble ceremony in our backyard on June 10th.