BSA Troop 766 is celebrating a major honor for one of its newest Eagle Scouts, Chet Kinzelberg. Chet was awarded the Best Eagle Scout Service Project of 2025 by the San Diego–Imperial Council for his “Encinitas Ocean Safety Awareness Booth,” according to a news release.

For the unique project, Chet led a team of 12 Scouts and friends to educate more than 600 visitors at Moonlight Beach on ocean safety. He designed an informational card, created an interactive learning program, and even offered a quiz with prizes to make the lessons stick. The Encinitas Lifesaving Association says the data collected through his project will help improve local beach safety efforts. Brian Ketterer, the association’s former director adds in the news release, “Chet’s project has presented a positive and sustainable opportunity for a community to connect, educate, and embrace.”

Chet Kinzelberg was awarded the Best Eagle Scout Service Project of 2025 by the San Diego–Imperial Council for his “Encinitas Ocean Safety Awareness Booth.”
(Kate Butler)

A junior at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, Chet is active both inside and outside the classroom. He founded the school’s Artificial Intelligence Club, represents the marketing department as a Ridge Rep, and worked with the school’s North County Poverty Group to support underserved communities.

Chet has long been committed to community service. In 2024, he received the Presidential Gold Medal for completing more than 100 hours of volunteer work in a single year. He currently serves as president of the Encinitas Community Resource Center’s Youth Ambassador Program and is a member of the Encinitas Youth Commission, where he has led multiple initiatives for local families and teens. In addition, Chet is an intern with the global organization Kids for Peace, the news release stated.

At Pacific Ridge, Chet also has competed on the varsity cross-country and track teams and has performed in school theater productions. He credits Scouting with giving him the foundation to take on these varied leadership roles. “I am so grateful to the Scouts BSA program. It has provided me the chance to stay active and explore the outdoors, develop my leadership and project management skills, and experience the satisfaction of a purposeful life,” Chet said in the news release.

BSA Troop 766 is a boy-led organization for boys 11-17 and has been in Rancho Santa Fe for 45 years. Youth interested in the troop may contact rsftroop766@gmail.com.