In December, scouts in Mt. Lebanon Troop 22 traded badges for broomball. The tradition dates back to the 90s, with current scouts, leaders and alumni gathering once a year for a friendly game.
The appeal is simple: broomball is fun, inclusive and easy to jump into. No expensive gear, training, or parental involvement required.
Broomball is typically played in teams of six — five runners and one goalie — and follows similar rules to hockey. Instead of hockey sticks, pucks and skates, players use brooms (which look like a stick with a triangle shaped end), balls and rubber soled shoes on the ice rink.
But the broomball game is only half of the annual troop get-together.
Each year, the event begins with a service project. “A big part of scouting is service to community,” said Scoutmaster Rupesh Santoshi, Parkway Drive.
This year, the troop spent an hour assembling more than 60 care bags filled with essentials like socks, T-shirts and toiletries which were donated to the Salvation Army. The bags help people experiencing homelessness or in need of support.
Then comes broomball. Officially, it’s scheduled for an hour. Unofficially, it lasts until the rec center staff insists everyone leave, joked Santoshi.
The end-of-year reunion, timed carefully near winter break so those home from college can join in, whether for the service project, the game, or both, said Committee Chair Christopher Wildfire, McCully Street.
“It’s a very egalitarian activity,” Santoshi said. “You don’t need a lot of additional skill or training to have a good time.”