Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony
Scouting's highest honor deserves a proper ceremony
Opening Words
SCOUTMASTER: There is a guest book which we would like to have everyone present sign.
SCOUTMASTER: [Welcome of special guests and introduction of the minister doing the invocation ]
Invocation and Benediction for an Eagle Court of Honor (optional)
MINISTER: [ Invocation ]
MC: Cologuard, please come forward
Opening Colors
COLORGUARD: Would everyone please rise for 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 ]
Color guard, post the colors.
(optional) Scouts, please remain standing for the Scout Oath and Scout Law. [Recitation of Scout Oath, Scout Law ]
The audience may be seated [Pause for audience to resume seats.]
MC: Thank you for celebrating [Scout Name]'s Eagle Court.
MC: We have ___ and ___ for our opening Twelve Point Ceremony
The Twelve Point Ceremony:
A Scout is: [LIGHT CANDLE FOR EACH POINT ]
TRUSTWORTHY:
“A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.”
LOYAL:
“A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.”
HELPFUL:
“A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.”
FRIENDLY:
“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 other than his own.”
COURTEOUS:
“A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.”
KIND:
“A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.”
OBEDIENT:
“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.”
CHEERFUL:
“A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.”
THRIFTY:
“A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.”
BRAVE:
“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 or threaten him.”
CLEAN:
“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.”
REVERENT:
“A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.”
On my honor,
I will do my best
To do my duty
to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake
and morally straight.
Introductions
MC: [Introductions] Welcome to Scouting's highest award, highest rank- Eagle Scout for [Scout Name].
MC: [Scout Name] Please come forward and let me introduce (Dad) ___ and (Mom) ___, [Scout Name]'s parents/guardians. Thank you for being a guiding beacon for your son. We celebrate his accomplishment and yours today.
Optional- MC: ___ will present The Legend of Eagle Mountain
Optional- MC: ___ will present One Hundred Scouts
Optional- MC: ___ and ___ from the Order of the Arrow
The road to Eagle is full of learning, challenge, growth, leadership. It's an achievement that only 4% of all boys who start scouting will ever achieve. It's a standout effort and for those who can complete, we award them with the rank of Eagle Scout.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail- turning great boys into great men. . From Cub Scout to today. Let's hear about (Scout Name)'s path to Eagle.
Trail to Eagle
LIFE TO EAGLE COACH: Now we shall hear the story of [Scout Name]'s "Trail to Eagle." Each part will be told by a scout holding the respective rank.
***The scout will move from stand to stand lighting each candle at the ranks are described*****
CUB SCOUT: While [Scout Name] was a Cub Scout, he accomplished the following: List the year, ranks, and achievements and crossed over in 20##. His first rank earned was for…
SCOUT RANK:
He memorized the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, Scout slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
Request and participate in a Scoutmaster conference
TENDERFOOT SCOUT: To earn the rank of Tenderfoot Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
Demonstrate use and care a knife, assemble a personal first-aid kit
He earned the __________ merit badge and the __________ merit badge.
He completed his first board of review.
SECOND CLASS SCOUT: In earning the rank of Second Class Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
Participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping, including planning and cooking a breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Explain the principles of Leave No Trace
Earned the BSA Beginner Swimmer qualification
He earned __________, __________, and __________ merit badges.
He completed his second board of review on…
FIRST CLASS SCOUT: To earn the rank of First Class Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
Participate in five additional troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least one additional overnight camping, including cooking a meal
He demonstrated basic orienteering skills.
He participated in ten troop or patrol activities. He served as patrol cook on a camp out.
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 and learned how to rescue someone in the water
He showed Scout spirit and participated in three hours of service
He completed his board of review on…
STAR SCOUT: In earning the rank of Star Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least four months after earning First Class.
HE demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
He earned __________ and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned (4) __________, __________, __________ , and __________ .
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least four months in a troop leadership position.
He completed his board of review
LIFE SCOUT: In order to earn the rank of Life Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Star Rank.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned (3) __________, ________, _________ and __________ .
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least six months in a troop leadership position.
He completed his board of review on…
EAGLE SCOUT: To complete the rank of Eagle Scout, [Scout Name] did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Life.
He demonstrate Scout spirit by living, sharing, and understanding how the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout plays a part in everyday life
He earned __________ and ____________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned (7) _________ , ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, and _________ .
He served at least six months in a troop leadership position.
He planned, developed, and gave leadership to others in his Eagle service project. His project was __________________.
****[Describe the project to some level of detail.]****
He was reviewed by a board of review which included representatives from the Salish Sea District and the Mount Baker Council
MC: Would all Eagle Scouts present please stand up behind [Scout Name] as he rededicates himself to the principles of Scouting by repeating the Scout Oath.
CANDIDATE: [Recitation of Scout Oath]
Eagle Scout Charge
MC [or Representative with rank of Eagle Scout]: I would ask all Eagle Scouts in the audience to be reminded of when they became Eagle Scouts and the vows and oath they took at that time.
Please stand.
I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting.
The Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world’s history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy of the highest rank in this great movement.
All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a marked man. As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country, to your fellow Scouts, and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourself and to your brother Scouts.
America has many good things to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past and you can help make the future even greater.
I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So, live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good.
Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; and whatever others may do you will leave behind a record which every other Scout may be justly proud.
Eagle Scout Pledge
[Scout Name]. Your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have dedicated yourself to the principles of Scouting, but one more thing is important: Your future.
As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts of lower rank. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you. To falter in your responsibility could not only reflect upon you but on your fellow Eagle Scouts and all of Scouting. The torch you carry is not only yours, but is ours also.
[Scout Name], I challenge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood, holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members, you will become an Eagle Scout. Though the words you use are similar to those by which you joined Scouting, they will mean more now than they could have meant at any time in the past. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout, with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence.
[Scout's name], with the Scout sign. Repeat after me:
“I reaffirm my allegiance
--- to the three promises of the Scout Oath
--- I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself
--- the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout
-- On my honor
--- I will do my best
--- to make my training an example of my rank
-- and my influence count strongly for better Scouting
--- and for better citizenship
--- in my home
--- in my troop
--- in my community
--- and in my contacts with other people
--- to this I pledge my sacred honor.”
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America,
it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout.
May the oath you have taken remain graven on your heart forever.
SCOUTMASTER: The symbol of your success is the Eagle Neckerchief, slide, and badge which I now present to your parents. They will first place the new neckerchief on and then remove the old. This signifies that they are first and always a scout. Then they will pin the eagle badge over [Scout Name]'s heart. [Presentation of Eagle badge]
Eagle Scout [Scout 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]
Optional- MC: VFW Post 1040 will now present Eagle Scout [Scout Name] with a belt buckle Eagle Scout Certificate.
Optional- 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.
Optional- COMMITTEE MEMBER: [Presentation of letters and certificates sent by people not present and introduction of others who are present]
I Present Troop 60's newest Eagle Scout, [Scout Name]
MC: At this point in the court of honor, the new Eagle Scout, [Scout Name], would like to make a few remarks.
New Eagle Scout Remarks
NEW EAGLE SCOUT: [Remarks by new Eagle Scout]
NEW EAGLE SCOUT: [Presentation of Mentor Pin(s)]
Audience Remarks
MC: We invite everyone present to come forward to congratulate the new Eagle Scout and his parents and to join us for refreshments. [Scout 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.
COORDINATOR/ COMMITTEE CHAIR: As scouting coordinator/ committee chair for Troop __, I would like to offer my congratulations to [Scout Name] for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I now declare this Eagle court of honor closed.
MINISTER: [Benediction]