Recently, Marlborough Girl Scout Abigail Gaer, of Troop 60174, completed the requirements for her Silver Award by creating an outdoor interactive game space at the Stepping Stones Early Learning Center in Milton. A Silver Award requires a minimum of 50 hours.

Abigail created four children’s games; four square, hopscotch, skully and an obstacle course. She began in September and finished in mid October.

“We do projects that benefit the community,” she said.

Abigail said she has always had an artistic bent and, “I really wanted to do something that could help kids gain a sense of physical activity and communication skills, especially at this time when everyone is distanced from themselves. I thought making game boards to keep them occupied would be very nice. I’m glad it turned out and it was really fun to do, too.”

Abigail received assistance from her sisters Julia and Chloe and scout Emerson Lazar as well as from a few parents. The paint came from Sherwin-Williams in Wappingers Falls.

“The colors shouldn’t weather away too easily but we supplied Stepping Stones with extra paint for them to do touch ups if it becomes necessary,” she said. “I am very proud of the project and the way it turned out. It came out the way I imagined it, exactly as I envisioned it in my head.”

Stepping Stones Director Mary-Erin Cabrera said the project, “is great and is another athletic thing the kids can all do.” She added that the center has children from 6 weeks up to 12 years old and about 20 children can play the games.

When Abigail approached the center, School Age Teacher Joann Florio encouraged her right from the start.

“What she did for the kids is over the top; she outdid herself,” Florio said. “I can’t express how grateful we really are and the kids are very happy with it.”

Florio said she would readily recommend Abigail for any other project.

“She’s amazing and the sweetest girl you could meet. She really did exactly what she said she was out to do,” Florio said. “She really put her mark on everyone here and all the kids were so thankful.”

Florio told the children that Abigail is a Girl Scout who volunteered to do the project.

“I explained to the kids that doing something for somebody else is very, very important and she felt good about herself and she gave something to everyone,” said Florio. “Life is not always about getting but it’s something more. To put a smile on somebody’s face is the most important thing you can give someone.”