Genoa Boy Scout earns Eagle Award by building community sled shed

New shed will help provide more accessible fun at Russell Woods Forest Preserve

Genoa Boy Scout Jacob Reiss poses next to a community sled shed he built as part of his Eagle Award project. The shed is at Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the sleds are available to all. (Photo provided by Jean Reiss)

December 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm CST

GENOA – A Genoa Boy Scout recently earned his Eagle Award, the scout’s top honor, by building a shed for the Russell Woods Forest Preserve.

Jacob Reiss, part of Boy Scout Troop 71, wanted to build the shed to store sleds near the local sledding hill so area children would have an easier time accessing sleds when it snows, according to a news release.

Genoa Boy Scout Jacob Reiss poses next to an in-progress community sled shed he built as part of his Eagle Award project. The completed shed is at Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the sleds are available to all. — Genoa Boy Scout Jacob Reiss poses next to an in-progress community sled shed he built as part of his Eagle Award project. The completed shed is at Russell Woods Forest Preserve, and the sleds are available to all. (Photo provided by Jean Reiss)

Sleds stored in the shed can be borrowed and used by those looking for some winter fun. Part of Reiss' project including soliciting donations from local organizations to help with the cost of building the sled shed.

Reiss also was aided by local builder Dave Wright.