MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - For many area students, these are the months of freedom they call summertime.

But here at Chippewa Middle School, several students are chipping away, taking on a project to make the schools greenhouse a bit greener.

"It makes a big difference when you see the kids putting back into the community and know that they're making a difference,” said Chippewa teacher Matt Prinz.

It all started last year when Okemos sophomore, Charlie Mahoney wanted to advance his rankings to an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

"I like the Boy Scouts and I like the challenge of the eagle project which every boy should at least fulfill,” Mahoney said.

So when, Prinz directed him toward the greenhouse, Mahoney accepted, brought in a little extra help and began working as soon as his summer started.

Though it was pretty easy to gather friends and family for physical labor, the financial support has been months in the working. Mahoney looked toward the Meridian Senior Center to help out.

"They asked us if we can do a can drive for them which we agreed to do. We've also had donations come in to go to the greenhouse project as well,” said Meridian Senior Center Coordinator Cherie Wisdom.

Once the greenhouse is complete, the Chippewa Middle School plans on using the greenhouse into the school curriculum for a more hands on experience.

And even the seniors will be able to get their hands a little dirty too.

"We have a lot of members as you can imagine who are avid gardeners and care about having fresh home grown food and they like passing their knowledge and experience on to the younger generation,” Wisdom said.

But underneath it all, the project will help Charlie get what he came for in the first place.

"This project definitely helps me understand what the Eagle Scout project really means to every Boy Scout,” Mahoney said.

The greenhouse is estimated to be completed and back up for use by mid-August.