Meng Congratulates First Female Eagle Scout from Queens

July 12, 2022
Press Release

Congresswoman takes part in recent ceremony where Eagle Scout is celebrated for earning the prestigious achievement

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she recently congratulated Fresh Meadows student Kayla Chow for becoming the first female Eagle Scout in Queens.
Chow, 19, who was born, raised and still resides in Fresh Meadows, is a founding member of Scouts BSA's Female Troop 253 based in Flushing, a unit launched in 2019 when the Boy Scouts of America permitted girls throughout the country to join its flagship Boy Scouts program, and as a result, renamed it to Scouts BSA.
Meng praised Chow for her tremendous accomplishment during Chow's recent Court of Honor ceremony which is the celebration of an individual who has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Established in 1911, an Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in Scouts BSA.
"I am incredibly proud to congratulate my constituent Kayla Chow, and I commend her for this historic accomplishment," said Congresswoman Meng. "She is an exceptional individual who through hard work, community service and determination rose to reach this great milestone. I was honored to take part in her ceremony, and I know that she will serve as a wonderful role model and inspiration to other female scouts in our borough and across New York City. I wish her all the best for a bright and successful future."
"Being the first female Eagle Scout in Queens is a huge honor," said Kayla Chow. "I am extremely proud to have earned this accomplishment and I thank Congresswoman Meng for being part of it. I encourage younger scouts, or anyone who wants to join Scouts BSA, to go for the highest rank that they can possibly achieve, and of course, it would be great to strive to become an Eagle Scout. Always do your best, don't get discouraged and have fun along the way."
Chow officially became an Eagle Scout on April 28, 2021. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the formal ceremony was postponed until a few weeks ago in late May. The ceremony, which took place in Flushing, was also attended by family, friends and fellow scouts.
In order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, a scout must achieve the following:
  • Be active in their troop for at least six months as a life scout
  • Show dedication to scout oath and scout law
  • Provide references from family, work, and other entities and community groups
  • Earn 21 merit badges
  • Serve a minimum of six months in a leadership position
  • Propose, plan and carry out an Eagle Scout service project
  • Attend a scoutmaster conference
  • Pass a board of review
Chow has earned 26 merit badges which are awards scouts receive after finishing an area of study that increases their knowledge and abilities. These include areas such as first aid, communications, cooking, emergency preparedness or lifesaving, personal fitness, family life, personal management, camping, environmental science or sustainability, and swimming, hiking or cycling, among many other areas. She has also worked to encourage and recruit female scouts.
For her Eagle Scout project, which she began in July 2020, Chow created and donated 100 canvas care bags to senior citizens at a long-term care facility in Queens. Each care bag contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture care, comb/brush, crossword puzzles, and other items to assist and help occupy seniors. She completed the project in February 2021, and did so after overcoming logistical obstacles caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Eagle Scout projects aim to further strengthen leadership skills and are selected by the individual scout. They are designed to provide a service to their community.
Chow graduated last year from Benjamin Cardozo High School's Da Vinci Program in Bio Medical with honors, and will be entering her sophomore year at City College of New York, where she received a full scholarship. She hopes to major in Architecture.
Chow now serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Female Troop 253.