Troop 260 is thrilled to congratulate Jack Ryan on earning the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement that represents years of dedication, leadership and adventure. From the moment Jack first joined Scouting as a Cub Scout to his crossover into Troop 260 in February 2020, he has embraced every opportunity the program offers, always bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and a strong sense of service to everything he does.
Jack’s Scouting résumé reads like a highlight reel. Along the way, he earned the Arrow of Light, accumulated an impressive eleven palms, and received numerous distinguished honors, including the BSA World Conservation Award, Religious Knot Award, Triple Crown National High Adventure, Grand Slam of High Adventure, Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award, National Outdoor Award, Den Chief Service Award and International Spirit Award.
Leadership has also been central to Jack’s journey—he currently serves as Troop 260’s Assistant Patrol Leader, President and founding member of Venturing Crew 261, and Vice Chief of Program for the Tschitani Lodge, where he is also a Brotherhood member. For the past three summers, he has shared his knowledge and energy as a staff member at Camp Workcoeman. He has also completed National Youth Leadership Training and returned twice as staff, helping guide the next generation of youth leaders.
Adventure has been a defining part of Jack’s Scouting experience. He has sailed an 80-foot schooner through the Florida Keys at Sea Base, trekked for 21 days at Philmont Scout Ranch, built trails and paddled the Boundary Waters at Northern Tier and attended both the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea and the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. Add in multiple canoe expeditions on the Allagash Waterway and rivers throughout Connecticut, cave exploration trips, long-distance hikes, scenic bike rides, and even a recent troop expedition to Iceland, and it’s clear that Jack never passes up the chance for a new challenge.
Jack’s determination is perhaps best reflected in his merit badge record: he earned the 14 required Eagle badges plus an additional 64 electives—far exceeding the 21 badges needed for the rank. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Jack led a team in building a new trailhead center at the McLean Outdoor Educational Preserve on Sheldon Street, complete with a kiosk, picnic table and stone border. This project will serve visitors for years to come and stands as a lasting reminder of his commitment to community service.
Despite a calendar packed with Scouting activities, Jack still finds time to excel in other areas. He is an honor student at Suffield High School, an active member of the Drama Club and Concert Choir and a junior who plans to attend college while remaining involved with Scouting in the future.
Proof that Troops 260 and 262 are cooler in January weather at the Butternut Ski Resort.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program, achieved by only about four percent of Scouts. Jack Ryan’s journey to Eagle reflects perseverance, leadership, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Troop 260 is incredibly proud of Jack and excited to see where his talents, determination, and adventurous spirit will take him next.