A Palmerton Girl Scout has made a few more “buddies” after her recent contribution to her school’s playground.

Calianna Smale achieved the ultimate award through her Buddy Bench project, which is placed at the S.S. Palmer playground.

The Buddy Bench serves as a way for students to create connections and build friendships when they feel left out.

A student at S.S. Palmer Elementary School, Calianna earned her Silver Award, the highest award for a Cadette Girl Scout, after her project benefited the S.S. Palmer playground and students.

A member of Palmerton Service Unit 728, Calianna said the Buddy Bench is a way to get kids involved.

“This serves as a place for kids to sit at the playground if they are lonely and need a friend,” said Calianna, 14. “Other students will be able to see these kids and can invite them to join in a game or other activity.”

Calianna said that she wants all kids to feel accepted.

“It is hurtful to someone to feel left out, and this is a way to get everyone to work together,” she said. “This keeps kids involved in activities, and promotes kindness. It also allows kids who are feeling down to be encouraged.”

Calianna said the bench was created for students of S.S. Palmer Elementary School, which includes students in grades 2 to 6.

“The need for a Buddy Bench comes from the need for inclusion and to reduce isolated students,” she said. “This creates a visual sign, so that other students can offer friendship and kindness. It will build relationships with quiet students to become involved with others and build new friendships.”

Calianna said she and her team members acquired all the necessary materials and equipment, and added that they had to cut lumber, assemble lumber and build it into a bench.

She said they sanded, painted and stained the bench, which was then delivered and placed at the playground, and now serves as a way for lonely students to sit on the Buddy Bench and for others to become their “buddy” and include them in social activities.

Calianna said she received approval from S.S. Palmer Elementary Principal Ralph Andrews, who identified that there were students in the school who felt left out and that this was a great way for them to build friendships.

Calianna said she and her team delivered the bench and presented it to Josh Nenscel, dean of students. The students were presented with a short video clip about the bench so they know why it’s there and can use it.

“This bench will remain a permanent part of the playground,” Calianna said. “Students for years to come will be able to benefit from it. The bench will always be there to serve as a way for students to involve those who feel lonely and left out.”

Calianna said she had lots of support, including from Shabbick and Stehle Law Office, which gave a Lowe’s gift card. Her letter stencils were cut and donated by Bossard’s Board Works. The remaining product supplies were purchased and donated to her by Shirt Press Express, while all other items were things that she already owned and was able to use.

Calianna said she gained an understanding of time management as she worked to complete the project, and also learned how to delegate tasks to other people on her team and give directions to ensure the work was done correctly.

She also said she improved her communication skills when talking with businesses and the school about how she would complete her bench.

“I discovered that I could work well with others,” Calianna said. “I also learned that I didn’t know as much about woodworking and tools, and these were skills I had to focus on. I learned that I have to have good time management skills to complete necessary steps of a larger project.”