Osprey nests land Eagle Scout in Washington, D.C.

Written by Staff Reports Tuesday, January 08, 2013 05:57 am

Holden Gentilini and Congressman Frank LoBiondo take a break on the steps of the Capitol.

UPPER TOWNSHIP – Eagle Scout Holden Gentilini met with Rep. Frank LoBiondo at his office in Washington, D.C. and took a tour of the Capitol after completing a project to build osprey nests in Great Egg Harbor Bay.

Gentilini built the osprey nests with the help of Ben Wurst, habitat program manager for the state Conserve Wildlife Foundation, and Boy Scout Troop 79. The project was one of the requirements for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Gentilini planned and organized the construction of the osprey nests. They consisted of a 16-foot long wooden box situated on a 14-foot pole.

Shortly after the project was completed, Gentilini received a congratulatory letter from LoBiondo which also included an invitation to go to Washington, D.C. Gentilini readily accepted.

"I guess Congressman LoBiondo liked my project,” he said. “I know he sends out letters to other scouts who earn their Eagle Scout award, but not everyone gets an invitation to Washington.

"It was a fun day. We met Congressman LoBiondo at security and then he walked us to his office where we talked for a while. We had lunch with the congressman, then he took us on a tour of the Capitol building. We were able to see lots of places that the public usually can't go. It was a really great day."

Gentilini was a member of Boy Scout Troop 79, which meets at Seaville United Methodist Church.

Troop 79 has over 60 active scouts from both Upper Township and Ocean City. They meet each Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church.

For more information about the troop or to join, contact Scoutmaster Andy O'Connor at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or stop by during a meeting.