Eagle Scout is the most prestigious rank for Boy Scouts.
And two teens from Ventura County are set to make history next week when they are set to become two of the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts.
Simi Valley teens Dana Miller & Laura Allen are being inaugurated as Eagle Scouts on Monday.
For years, there have been some co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America, but it was only two years ago when the actual Scouts BSA – formerly known as the Boy Scouts – opened up for girls too.
"I never thought I'd be able to become an Eagle Scout. I grew up in a scouting family and my dad has been a Scout Master and a Cub Scout Master for a number of years, so I'd come to his meetings but I couldn't join at that point," Laura told KCLU.
Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve.
To earn it, an individual must take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business, and the environment; and they must research, organize, and complete a large community service project.
It’s even more of an achievement when you consider they achieved the rank during a pandemic.
Laura says they've managed to have meetings over Zoom, but Dana says that they cannot wait to all be back together in person.
Congratulations to Dana and Laura!