Saugus Teen Earns Eagle Scout Rank For Work at Local Boys & Girls Club

Saugus native Zachary Hoffman, 18, from Scouts BSA Troop 303 was recognized at an Eagle Scout court of honor on February 17 at the Sierra Vista High School branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.
An official from Los Angeles County, Troop 303 leaders and Scouts, family, friends, and Boys & Girls Club staff were among approximately 50 attendees.
Julina Hoffman, 16, shared the pride she had for her brother. “He put countless hours into his Eagle project,” she said. “I think it’s really amazing what he did for our community.”
When Hoffman approached the Boys & Girls Club about an Eagle Scout project, Janine Fairall, director of operations, knew exactly where he could help: the gym office and sports storage area at the Sierra Vista branch. Hoffman’s Eagle project transformed four under-utilized rooms. Ceremony guests toured the area with newly installed shelves and storage units along with brightly painted walls.
Matthew Nelson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, shared that a recent survey of Club parents revealed that sports and recreation was very important to them in an after-school setting. “When we identified this area (for Zach’s project), we really got excited,” he said. “When I saw the project near completion, I was blown away,” he said. “Now, it’s really incredible to see the pride that the kids and staff have in that space.”
Hoffman budgeted $1800 for the project, but ended up donating $400 back to the Club. His fundraising included GoFundMe, as well as donations from All Professional Painting, Home Depot, and Walmart.
The Hoffman family has a 20-year connection with the Boys & Girls Club that evolved into becoming part of the planning committee for the Club’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. Zachary and Julina grew up attending the event. Connecting Scouting and the Club was important to Hoffman.
“Overall Scouting has given me the blessing and opportunity to learn and develop my skills and character as I transitioned from a child to a leader,” Hoffman shared in his remarks. “I’m really grateful to have used many of those skills to lead the project at the Boys & Girls Club.”