Ceremony at Old South Church marks milestone that includes Reading’s first female Eagle Scout and highlights community service projects
Reading, MA — On February 28th, 2026, Reading Troop 702 celebrated seven new Eagle Scouts at Old South United Methodist Church, surrounded by family, friends, and distinguished guests, including members of Good Samaritan Lodge and our Reading Select Board.
Master of Ceremonies Zalen Puff, a Troop 702 Life Scout, and our Scoutmaster Andrew Ryan skillfully guided the group through the ceremony. At the same time, Old South’s pastor, Rev. JongWook Hong, honored us with an inspiring Invocation and Benediction. We’re proud to report that the group includes Reading’s first-ever female Eagle Scout, Abigail Nelson!
The new Eagle Scouts had to complete 325 requirements and at least 21 merit badges over the course of their Scouting careers since age 11, specializing in outdoor skills, leadership, and service projects, including a capstone Eagle Project.
These projects serve the community while providing scouts with an opportunity to manage a project from concept through fundraising, execution, and reporting.
Eagle Scout projects for the newest group include:
- Sawtelle Hospice Boardwalk — Caleb
- Masons Food Pantry Collection Storage Cart — Jack
- Reading Town Forest Planting Project — Thomas
- Reading Town Forest Trail Steps — Evan
- Middlesex Fells Historical Information Posts — Marcus
- Cedar Swamp Bat Boxes — Zackary
- CCP Playground Shade Sail — Abigail
Troop 702 has been honored to award this rank to Scouts who have earned it since its founding in 1915, over 111 years ago. To date, one hundred fifty-five Scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from the Troop. These Scouts also represent the first group to earn the rank since Troop 702 became newly sponsored by the Reading Rifle & Revolver Club in January 2025. The Troop also continues to affiliate with the Old South United Methodist Church, its original sponsor, maintaining a treasured relationship since the Troop’s founding over a century ago. We’re pleased to say that Scouting in Reading is strong and we are growing. We have a fantastic, welcoming local culture focused on teaching Reading youth outdoor skills and leadership fundamentals, and we couldn’t be prouder of our latest group of Eagle Scouts!
The Friends of Reading Scouting is a group of parent volunteers and trained Scout Leaders committed to providing high-quality Scouting for families and youth. You can find more information, find a Pack or Troop to join, or support local Scouting at our website, readingscouting.org.
