Eagle Court of Honor (Scout Ceremony)

Setup

The Eagle Court of Honor is a formal ceremony. Arrange seating for guests with a clear front area for the ceremony participants. The troop attends in full uniform. Prepare all props in advance and brief every participant on their role and cues.

Participants

• Master of Ceremonies (MC) - Scoutmaster, senior Eagle Scout, or honored guest
• Eagle Candidate - the Scout being honored
• Parent(s) / Guardian(s) - called forward for recognition and pinning
• Scoutmaster - delivers the Eagle Charge
• Senior Scout - presents the Eagle neckerchief and slide
• Mentor(s) - receive the mentor pin from the Eagle

Call to Order

MC: 'Please come to order. We are gathered tonight to recognize [EAGLE NAME] on the occasion of their Eagle Board of Review. This is the highest rank in Scouting, earned by fewer than four percent of all who begin the journey. Troop [TROOP NUMBER], please come to attention.'

(Troop comes to attention.)

MC: 'Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.'

(All recite the Pledge of Allegiance.)

MC: 'Troop [TROOP NUMBER], please recite the Scout Oath.'

(Troop recites the Scout Oath together.)

MC: 'And the Scout Law.'

(Troop recites the Scout Law together.)

MC: 'At ease. Please be seated.'

Introduction of the Eagle Candidate

MC: '[EAGLE NAME] joined Scouting as a [rank/age]. In the years since, they have earned [NUMBER] merit badges - including all [NUMBER] required - and completed an Eagle Scout service project that [brief project description]. Tonight we recognize that journey.'

([EAGLE NAME] comes forward and stands at the front.)

Recognition of Parents

MC: 'An Eagle Scout does not arrive here alone. We ask the parents and guardians of [EAGLE NAME] to please come forward.'

(Parents or guardians come forward.)

MC: 'The years that brought [EAGLE NAME] to this moment were shared. Every campout, every merit badge session, every project workday had people behind it who made it possible. [EAGLE NAME], please present your roses.'

(Eagle candidate presents a rose to each parent or guardian with a personal word of thanks. Parents return to their seats.)

The Eagle Charge

MC: 'The Eagle Charge will now be delivered by [SCOUTMASTER NAME], Scoutmaster of Troop [TROOP NUMBER].'

(Scoutmaster steps forward and addresses the Eagle candidate directly. See Eagle - The Charge for suggested wording, or deliver the charge in your own words.)

The Eagle Scout Oath

MC: '[EAGLE NAME], please recite the Eagle Scout Oath.'

([EAGLE NAME] recites the Eagle Scout Oath. See Eagle Scout Oath for the full text.)

The Pinning Ceremony

MC: 'We will now present the Eagle Scout badge. [EAGLE NAME], please come forward. I ask the parents of [EAGLE NAME] to join us.'

(Parents come forward. The Eagle badge is presented.)

MC: 'This badge is pinned by the hands that helped most in earning it.'

(Parent(s) pin the Eagle badge. If two parents, each pins one side.)

MC: 'The badge is set. [EAGLE NAME] is an Eagle Scout.'

(Troop applauds.)

The Eagle Neckerchief

(Senior Scout steps forward with the Eagle neckerchief and slide.)

Senior Scout: '[EAGLE NAME], the Eagle neckerchief is worn by every Eagle Scout. It is yours now - wear it with the rank it represents.'

(Senior Scout removes the current neckerchief and slide and replaces it with the Eagle neckerchief and slide.)

The Mentor Pin

MC: 'The mentor pin is a tradition unique to Eagle Scouts. It is the Eagle's gift - presented to the people whose guidance made the difference. [EAGLE NAME], please present your mentor pins.'

([EAGLE NAME] presents a mentor pin to each honoree with a personal word of thanks.)

The Eagle's Words

MC: '[EAGLE NAME], the court is yours.'

([EAGLE NAME] addresses the court. This is optional but encouraged - it is one of the few moments in Scouting that belongs entirely to the Scout.)

Closing

Scoutmaster: 'This court is adjourned. Troop [TROOP NUMBER] - attention.'

(Troop comes to attention.)

Scoutmaster: 'Dismissed.'