Atlantic Christian Boy Scout Troop 389 is proud to announce that one of its Scouts, Cameron Taylor Riordan of Egg Harbor Township, has recently earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. Dignitaries, family members, friends, fellow Scouts, and Scout leaders gathered on November 23, 2024 for Cameron’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor, held in Egg Harbor Township at Atlantic Christian School, which is the Troop’s charter organization.
For his Eagle Scout project, Cameron chose to support the osprey restoration efforts of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey by building five osprey nesting platforms and five nest boxes. On October 23, Cameron had the exciting opportunity to work with a team from the Foundation to install one of the five nest platforms near 9th Street in Ocean City.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew was one of the featured dignitaries at the Court of Honor and upon his return to Washington, DC delivered remarks on December 12 for the Congressional Record congratulating Cameron on his achievement.
“I cannot express enough how proud I am of Cameron and all he has accomplished,” Van Drew said. “His journey to Eagle is a true testament to his dedication, his leadership, and his commitment to making a positive impact on the entire world around him.”
Other dignitaries who spoke and made special presentations at the Court of Honor included NJ Assemblyman Don Guardian, Atlantic County At-Large Commissioner John Risley, Jr., Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Frederick Spano, Scout Executive James Gillick, Jessica Weisman of the local FBI office, Charlie Morgan of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Greg DePiano, President of the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program.
Cameron, 18, will graduate from Egg Harbor Township High School in June 2025, and is the Boys’ Varsity Crew Coxswain. For many years, he has volunteered with the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program. He plans to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.
To carry out his Eagle Scout project, Cameron spent some 35 hours in planning and then led a team of 11 Scouts and 5 adult volunteers last fall in constructing the five 3’ x 3’ osprey nesting platforms and 5 nest boxes atop 16’ pressure-treated wood posts.
Several area businesses donated wood and other construction materials for the project – Home Depot and Lowe’s in Egg Harbor Township and Somers Point Lumber.
Over the course of his Scouting career that began in 2013, Cameron earned 27 Merit Badges and was awarded the Bronze Eagle Palm Pin for earning five additional merit badges beyond the 21 required for the Eagle Scout rank. He also received the Arrow of Light as a Cub Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 2021. Cameron held several leadership positions in the Troop including Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.
“Cameron was driven to excellence throughout his Scouting career and developed strong leadership skills that will serve him well throughout his life,” said Troop 389 Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson. “We’re very proud of his accomplishment as he becomes the 22nd Scout with Troop 389 that has earned the rank of Eagle Scout since the Troop was formed in 2005.”
