EAGLE BASICS for TROOP 22


Every Scout deserves an Eagle Court of Honor and reception!  In that spirit, the Parent Committee of Troop 22 will furnish the following basic items for our Eagle Scouts:

* Name on the Troop Eagle Plaque
* Eagle Statuette for the Scout to keep
* Mailing labels of troop addresses for the invitations
* Prince of Peace Hall Rental fee ($100 in 2005)
* Cake (1/2 sheet)
* Punch
* Coffee and Tea Service

In addition, the Scoutmaster or the troop will provide the “Eagle Kit” with ribbon, badge, etc.   Also look for all of the Eagle Court of Honor Supplies that are kept in the storage barn.  These are yours to use and then replace for future use (there are several plastic bins that contain wall and table decorations, some table cloths, and perhaps some paper plates, napkins, and plastic ware).

The Eagle Courts of Honor and receptions that have been held in the past have been varied depending on the capabilities, needs and desires of the Eagle Scout family.  The scout and his family decide what the program should look like and the feel of the reception.   Here are some examples:

* Court of Honor held during the troop meeting with cake and punch served 
* Court of Honor held at the Church with a reception following in the new Hall with full catered dinner, a coffee bar, and cake and punch
* Court of Honor held at another location with reception following
* Court of Honor held at the Church with reception in the upper Hall with heavy snacks cooked by family and friends in the Church kitchen

As you can see the options are varied, and the decision is up to you.  The event can be as simple or as lavish as you wish.  This is like a wedding or mitzvah celebration, so the earlier you start planning the better.  

The troop offers tools to help you in this process including this Eagle Planning Book, some electronic files, and the Eagle supply boxes.  There are also many people who are available to guide and assist you including the Scoutmaster, the Parent Committee Chair, and past Eagle Scout families who are experienced.  All of these tools and individual knowledge are available for your use so you can design the Court of Honor to your wishes.  Also, remember that a trip to the scout store may be helpful.  There are Eagle items available for sale including program holders and invitations; there is also a book entitled the Eagle Court of Honor Book, by Mark Ray, which can be checked out from the council.  


Here is a list of some of the things you will need to do:
* Review the Parent’s Eagle Planning Book and electronic media 
* Determine who you want to speak at the court of honor and recruit
* Determine and recruit master of ceremonies and other support roles (e.g., flag ceremony, Eagle escort, etc.)
* Determine the location and set the date (working with the church or other location and being mindful of the troop calendar, holidays, Scoutmaster and speaker’s availability, whether grandparents can make the date, etc.) 
* Make sure the final date and location are communicated to the Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, and the committee member who maintains the troop calendar
* Get a letter out to Dignitaries as soon as possible so congratulatory notes can be sent in time for the court of honor
* Request a flag, if desired 
* Plan the menu, either cater or purchase/cook if you want more than cake
* Tailor the script for the event and ensure everyone knows their role (see more under tips)
* Design, print, and publish the Court of Honor program 
* Get or make a Guest Book 
* Gather your son’s scouting memorabilia for display and perhaps get your son’s scrapbook finally completed!
* Create invitations and mail out prior to the event
* Arrange for table center pieces, if desired (some people give these as gifts to key scout adults after the event)
* Enlist the help of scout families and friends to assist in set-up and tear-down the day of the event
* Arrange for photography or videography as desired
* Enjoy the event
* Send thank you notes 


Important Tips:
* Try to keep the actual Court of Honor to an hour in length!!!!  Those much longer get to be tedious and people at that time really just want to congratulate the scout and get to the celebration!
* Today there is a lot of information out there on the internet.  Check it out for new ideas!  One good site is www.eaglescout.org 
* Utilize the Scoutmaster’s expertise when it comes to refining the script.  The electronic version has been modified and added to over the years.  Not everything needs to stay in or be included, but on the other hand certain things such as the Eagle Charge are mandatory.  So . . .  first look at the script, discuss what your scout wants in the program and modify, have the scoutmaster do a review to make sure key parts are still included and to give suggestions. 


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DRAFT 




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Last revised 6/13/2006