Oceanside Boy Scout completes Eagle project

Oceanside Sophomore and Boy Scout Troop 230 member Max Greenberg, recently completed his Eagle Scout project, leaving a lasting impact on the local Oceanside seniors. The project involved building three bookshelves for a group of local seniors, which meet in the cafeteria of St.Anthony’s Church.

The project occurred in the cafeteria of St. Anthony’s Church, the regular meeting place for Troop 230. The idea was born out of a conversation with Greenberg and Father Bret Stockdale of St. Anthony’s who is also one the troop’s scout leaders, who identified the need for new bookshelves for the seniors.

“I came to Father Bret and asked him if there was something specific that the church needed, and how can I help with my project,” Max explained. “Because the elder’s group’s current bookshelf was like on his last leg, he recommended that I do that.”

Max’s path to completing the project was fraught with challenges. Greenberg’s initial contact at the church passed away at the beginning of the project. When Greenberg began fundraising efforts for the project materials, which was supported by Bonbino’s Pizza in Oceanside, renovations at St. Anthony’s further delayed the progress. In total, the project spanned a year from inception to completion.

Greenberg led a team of volunteers including fellow scouts Dominick Saglembeni, Robert Green, Jeffrey Hess, Lucas Padin, Kilian McNichol, and Jeffrey Alton. He also received support from his dad, Mark Greenberg, and St.Anthony’s Father Bret Stockdale.

“A big part of the Eagle Scout project and its curriculum is that it’s very much leadership-oriented,” Greenberg noted. “You have to guide the scouts and warn them about safety and you’re having them be more hands-on and you’re leading them. “

Greenberg and his team gathered to complete the bookshelf project at St. Anthony’s on June 1. This experience, Greenberg said, taught him that effective leadership involves guiding team members and providing direction rather than doing all the work and expecting others to follow suit.

“I think it taught me about how to just make a whole group work more efficiently,” Greenberg said. “It really kind of showed me that as a leader. It’s not you doing everything and then telling people to replicate your resume. It’s more like pointing them in the direction of what they should be doing. And then having them come to you if they need any help.”

The bookshelves now stand in the cafeteria of St. Anthony’s Church, serving the elderly community. Greenberg’s journey in scouting began at the age of five in Cub Scouts. Now a sophomore in high school, he continues to value the experiences and friendships he has gained through scouting.

“Some of my closest friends are from Scouts,” he said. “We’ve done a lot together, from camping trips and whitewater rafting to various community service projects.”

As he awaits the official conferment of his Eagle Scout rank, expected by the fall or winter of next year, Greenberg remains focused on his goals and committed to making a positive difference. Looking ahead, Greenberg plans to stay active in scouting even after achieving the Eagle Scout rank.

“Our troop is known for producing a lot of Eagle Scouts,” he explained. “Many of them come back as junior assistant scoutmasters. I hope to do the same and continue contributing to the troop and the community.”