BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — While he still has a few more weeks in office, Burgum was joined by scouting leaders on Friday who wanted to present him with a special award. Supervisors with the Northern Lights Council say Burgum, who was active in scouting when he was growing up in North Dakota in the 1970s, has continued to embody many of the core values held by the Boy Scouts of America. So, they presented the governor with what's known as the Golden Eagle Award. The award is the first of its kind. Burgum says his troop in Arthur was disbanded and his father passed away before he could become an Eagle Scout, but says he'll cherish the award. Minot native receives a legendary homecoming "We wanted to give something to him to recognize the fact that he probably would have been an Eagle Scout if the opportunity would have presented itself," Northern Lights Council CEO Brad Olson said. "And so, we created a criteria for not only the governor, and gave him an award today, but also for future people in our council that maybe ran under the same circumstances." "We know now that the best way to educate young people is hands-on, team-based, real-world experience, and the whole certificate merit badge program has been around in America for 114 years with scouting is a fantastic, it's a fantastic program," Gov. Burgum said. Under scouting rules, someone who has aged out of the program cannot be awarded the Eagle Scout rank. Leaders say they hope to honor other people with the Golden Eagle award in the future. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW