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The Eagle Court of Honor
The recognition of the new Eagle Scout is not done in the common Court of Honor, but an individual formal event is planned to highlight the great achievement. The troop committee and the family may schedule and organize the special Eagle Court of Honor. Generally it is for a single boy, but in some cases, such as for brothers or cousins, a joint ceremony may be held. The event should be dignified and enjoyable so it will inspire the other boys to complete their Eagle rank.
The Eagle Court of Honor (or any presentation of the Eagle rank) should not be done until the local council receives the Eagle Scout credentials. You may need to order the official Eagle Presentation Kit from the council service center as soon as the application has its final approval.
It is often a good idea to have someone other than the scout's mother do refreshments and decorations (so she can enjoy in the recognition too). Planning may be assisted by the PLC and the Troop Ladies Auxiliary. The scouts, parents, and leaders should be involved in planning.
The badges and pins should be removed from the presentation box before the ceremony. You may want to bring a guest sign-in book. Other items and tasks to consider in preparation include: PA (public address system), order mother's pin and father's tie tack, decorations, refreshments, photos, notebook, slideshow, displays and props (for presentation during the event or for viewing before and after), write notes/bio for the presenter, agenda, guest invitations, printed program, and selecting a master of ceremonies and a presenter. The presenter is commonly someone of significance to the boy, such as his Scoutmaster, who may discuss (at the event) the importance of the Eagle rank and about the boy's qualifications or character traits.
The event may optionally include a personalized cake, napkins, and program covers with Eagle emblems or red, white, and blue decorations. You may want to ask the council and local scouting store if they have decorations.
The boy should invite special attendees, and counselors and other leaders who helped him through the years. Letters may be sent to dignitaries (such as U.S. president, local congressmen, governor, and mayor) a few weeks in advance to tell them about the accomplishment and to invite them to the ceremony. In many cases, their offices may send letters of recognition and congratulations which may be displayed or read at the event. Also publicity may be done by sending a letter or press release to a local newspaper and for the chartering organization's newsletter.
The event itself generally follows these steps:
- Orderly opening.
- Introduction of candidate by respected leader. (Maybe a quick bio about the boy.)
- Explanation of the Eagle requirements and project.
- Maybe a quick slide show about the boy's scouting participation and/or the Eagle project.
- Parents escorted to front of room to be with the candidate.
- Invite previous Eagle Scouts (including adults) to sit in the Eagle Court (assigned seating section for honoring Eagle Scouts).
- Boy recites the Scout Oath or participates with the Eagle Charge.
- Eagle badge pinned onto the boy's uniform by parent, presenter, Scoutmaster, or troop committee member.
- Parents receive recognition from the boy (a pin and tie tack for example).
- Reading excerpts of congratulatory letters.
- Eagle scout talks if desired.
- Orderly closing.
- Refreshments (such as cake and punch).
The costs depend on how much is done. Sometimes, the troop pays for the Eagle Presentation Kit. The family may receive sales pitches for Eagle memorabilia and gifts; this is optional and not needed for the ceremony or recognition.
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