Eagle Project - Ocean of Love Memorial Garden

Hi, my name is Danny Bacsik, and I’m currently a Boy Scout in Troop 61 in Manahawkin, NJ, working towards the rank of Eagle.

I began my scouting adventure in 2011 with the Cub Scouts and moved up to Boy Scouts in 2016. I am now a Life Scout, having completed 33 merit badges, held several positions of responsibilities, including Troop Guide, and have been active with our troop and its activities. I’m now at the point where I am working toward earning the highest and most honored rank in Scouting, that of Eagle Scout. To earn the Eagle rank, I must plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a service project helpful to the community. For my Eagle Scout Project, I have chosen to help Ocean of Love in Toms River, NJ.

Ocean of Love is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Ocean County children with cancer and their families. The reason why I chose Ocean of Love is because I am one of the children who they have helped in the past. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2008 when I was 3 years old. During my 3 ½ years of active treatment, Ocean of Love was always there for me and my family and we will always be grateful for their support during that difficult time. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to beat cancer as there are nearly 150 children who were part of the Ocean of Love “family” that did not.

It has always been my goal to involve Ocean of Love in my scouting journey, and this Eagle Project is a perfect way to help them and the Ocean of Love families. I will be constructing a Memorial Garden consisting of pavers engraved with the names of the children who were part of Ocean of Love and have passed away. In addition to installing the pavers, I will be planting new bushes and flowers and installing benches where families can sit and reflect. The remaining area will then be covered with new stone.

This project will require many hours of labor and approximately $6,000 in materials. For this reason, I am requesting donations to fund materials necessary for the construction of this project. Any financial assistance you can offer to help me complete this project will be greatly appreciated. No amount is too small, and any excess funds will be donated to Ocean of Love to help with the cost to maintain the site and to pay for additional memorial bricks in the future.

Thank you for your support.

Danny Bacsik

Troop 61

Manahawkin, NJ