Three Eagan Boys Scouts Earn Scouting's Highest Rank Together

Chance Brost, Tyler Green and James Gunderson have been to more than their fair share of Boy Scout camps—and it seems like they have a memorable story from each one.

Like the time they participated in a belly flop contest together at a summer camp, or when they went a week without showering during a remote camp-out on the Florida Keys.

On Jan. 14, the threesome added another tale to that list. At a joint ceremony at in Eagan, Brost, Green and Gunderson simultaneously received the rank of Eagle Scout—one of Scouting's highest honors.

It's an award that has been years in the making for the trio, who met in elementary school and have moved through the Cub Scout and Boy Scout ranks together. All three say they love the camping and outdoorsy aspect of Scouting, and were spurred on by their family and their own desire to achieve the rank of Eagle.

"It’s been a lifelong commitment, and it’s not something you’re going to pass up," Gunderson said. "It’s just a great feeling, when they tell you 'Congrats, you're the newest Eagle Scout,' and they shake your hand, and you think to youself, 'I did it.'"

In order to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Brost, Green and Gunderson had to earn a total of 21 merit badges, including certain required badges like First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, Camping and others. They were also required to complete an extensive service project and successfully complete a board of review. Only 5 percent of Boy Scouts advance to the rank of Eagle, according to the National Eagle Scout Association.

For his service projects, Brost cut down dead trees, cleared brush and installed bird feeders to create a bird santuary at Garlough Environmental Magnet School. Gunderson spent 245 hours clearing land, installing fences and equipment and organizing the construction of a playground at Peace Reformed Church. Green painted the offices and fellowship hall at River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville.

Green said that there was "a little sense of competition" as all three Scouts neared the rank of Eagle last year. The trio, all members of Boy Scout Troop 171, finished their boards of review—the penultimate step before Eagle—within two weeks of each other last year. Their shared friendship made the simultaneous Eagle ceremony on Jan. 14 more poignant, the Scouts said.

"I don’t know how to describe it, really," said Green. "We’ve had this bond for some many years, doing so much stuff together and going through so much stuff."

Troop 171 Committe Chair Carolyn Solheim honored the boys' achievements in a press release.

“All three boys have completed significant achievements in the areas of community service, citizenship, environment, fitness, communication, and leadership to name a few,” Solheim wrote. “These young men are now prepared for a bright future when they graduate from Henry Sibley High School in June.”