Eagle Court Of Honor In Troop 30

This ceremony was adapted from Woods Wisdom and variations of it have been used in Troop 30 of Newark Valley, NY. One thing which should be noted is that this ceremony lists some of the actual achievements of the Eagle Scout. The list of achievements should be customized for the Scout who is being honored. The specific Scout for whom this ceremony was customized earned part of his ranks before the end of 1989 and the rest afterwards. The list of achievements reflects this because it speaks of skill awards for Tenderfoot and Second Class, but not for First Class.

CEREMONY:

SCOUTMASTER: [Welcome and introduction of minister doing the invocation] There is a guest book which we would like to have everyone present sign.

MINISTER: [Invocation]

MC: Would everyone please rise for the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

[Music is played on the organ.]

Color guard, post the colors.

[Pause while the color guard brings the flags forward and places them in the stands.]

Everyone please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Recitation of Pledge of Allegiance]

Scouts, please remain standing for the Scout Oath.

[Pause for audience to resume seats.]

[Recitation of Scout Oath]

SCOUTMASTER: [Introductions]

COORDINATOR: As scouting coordinator for Troop __, it is my pleasure to declare that this Eagle court of honor for [ Scout's name ] is now officially open.

MC: Would the honor guard please escort [ Scout's name ] forward.

[Pause for honor guard to escort scout to front.]

As we begin this Eagle Court of Honor and examine the "Trail to Eagle," it is fitting that we start with the fundamental principles of Scouting: the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We have just joined together in reciting the oath. Let us begin our ceremony by lighting candles symbolic of the three parts of the Scout Oath:

Duty to God and country [pause for a scout to light candle]
Duty to others [pause for a scout to light candle]
Duty to self [pause for a scout to light candle]

MC: In Scouting, as in most activities of life, there are rules. The rules of Scouting are found in the twelve points of the Scout Law. As a candle is lit for each point of the Scout Law, let us pay careful attention to the words and re-dedicate ourselves to the principles contained in those words.

MC: A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is a part of his code of conduct.

MC: A SCOUT IS LOYAL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and world community.

MC: A SCOUT IS HELPFUL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

MC: A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own.

MC: A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

MC: A SCOUT IS KIND.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason.

MC: A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

MC: A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

MC: A SCOUT IS THRIFTY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

MC: A SCOUT IS BRAVE.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

MC: A SCOUT IS CLEAN.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

MC: A SCOUT IS REVERENT.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

MC: The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.

Would the honor guard please escort [ Scout's name]'s parents forward.

[Pause for honor guard to escort parents to front.]

It is my pleasure to introduce __________ and __________.

Now we shall hear the story of [ Scout's name]'s "Trail to Eagle." Each part will be told by a scout holding the respective rank.

TENDERFOOT SCOUT: To earn the rank of Tenderfoot Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:

He was active in the troop and his patrol for at least two months.
He memorized the Scout Oath and Law.
He explained the meaning of each point of the Scout Law.
He practiced these ideals in his everyday life.
He earned the __________ skill award and the __________ skill award.
He had a personal growth conference and a board of review.

SECOND CLASS SCOUT: In earning the rank of Second Class Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:

He was active in the troop and his patrol for at least two months after earning Tenderfoot.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, and __________ skill awards.
He had a personal growth conference and a board of review.

FIRST CLASS SCOUT: To earn the rank of First Class Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:

He demonstrated basic orienteering skills.
He participated in ten troop or patrol activities.
He served as patrol cook on a campout.
He discussed the rights and obligations of a citizen.
He identified ten kinds of native plants.
He demonstrated ability with knots and lashings.
He demonstrated first aid skills
He swam 100 yards.
He showed Scout spirit.
He had a personal growth conference and a board of review.

STAR SCOUT: In earning the rank of Star Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:

He was active in the troop for at least four months after earning First Class.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________ and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________, __________, __________, and __________.
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least four months in a troop leadership position.
He had a personal growth conference and a board of review.

LIFE SCOUT: In order to earn the rank of Life Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:

He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Star.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________ and __________.
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least six months in a troop leadership position.
He had a personal growth conference and a board of review.

EAGLE SCOUT: To complete the rank of Eagle Scout, __________ did the following:

He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Life.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, __________, and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________, __________, __________, __________, __________, and __________.
He served at least six months in a troop leadership position.
He planned, developed, and gave leadership to others in a service project. His project was ____________________.

[Describe the project to some level of detail.]
He participated in a personal growth conference.
He was reviewed by a board of review which included representatives from __________ District as well as members of the committee of Troop __.

MC: Would all Eagle Scouts present please come forward and stand behind __________ as he re-dedicates himself to the principles of Scouting by repeating the Scout Oath.

CANDIDATE: [Recitation of Scout Oath]

MC: I would like to introduce __________, who will deliver the Eagle charge.

[Give as much introduction as is appropriate.]

SPEAKER: [Challenge and Charge to Eagle Scout]

SCOUTMASTER: The symbol of your success is the Eagle badge which I now present to your mother. Your mother will, in turn, pin the badge over your heart

[Presentation of Eagle badge]

Eagle Scout [ Scout's name ], in recognition of the wisdom and guidance given to you by your father, will you present to him this Eagle tie tack, which he will be proud to wear in your honor.

[Presentation of Eagle tie tack]

And now, also in recognition of the many hours of patient guidance given by her in your efforts, will you pin the Eagle mother's pin on your mother.

[Presentation of Eagle mother's pin]

MC: Committee Member __________ will present letters and certificates which have been sent by people who could not attend this afternoon's ceremony and will introduce others who will make presentations in person.

COMMITTEE MEMBER: [Presentation of letters and certificates sent by people not present and introduction of others who are present]

MC: At this point in the court of honor, the new Eagle Scout, [ Scout's name ], would like to make a few remarks.

NEW EAGLE SCOUT: [Remarks by new Eagle Scout]

COORDINATOR: As scouting coordinator for Troop __, I would like to offer my congratulations to [ Scout's name ]for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I now declare this Eagle court of honor closed.

MINISTER: [Benediction]

MC: We invite everyone present to come forward to congratulate the new Eagle Scout and his parents and to join us for refreshments. [ Scout's name ]'s project workbook and letters and certificates of congratulations will also be available for viewing at this time. I would also remind everyone to sign the guest book for this occasion. Thank you for joining us today.