Fw: Parents Guide to Eagle Courts of Honor, Compiled by John M. Papp

[Ron Meyers]

From John M. Papp Schenectady  District

Subject: Parents Guide to Eagle Courts of Honor, Compiled by John M. Papp

Hi Everyone,

Here is a little something to assist your future Eagle Courts of Honor.  This is something I compiled from two books noted below for Eagle Candidate Parents. 

Please Feel free to "cut, copy N Paste," and rewrite it according to your own Troops' Needs.

"In a World that's often too busy,
May we find in each of our days,
Little Ways to slow the pace and enjoy simple,
Quiet Moments of Thanksgiving."

"Happy Thanksgiving to all!"

John & Kim Papp
Glenville, NY 

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CONGRATULATIONS! 

Your son has now completed his Eagle Board of Review, and now you are ready to plan his Celebration, the Eagle Court of Honor.

Bottom Line, it is you and your Eagle Candidates Choice, Location, Time, Food(?), Atmosphere, Guest List, Dignitaries/Guest Speakers-Presenters, Invocation/Benediction, Eagle Letters, Program, Scripts, Eagle Scrapbook, Eagle Decorations, Paper Goods (Napkins, Cups, Table Center Pieces) etc. . .

The Troop is responsible for set up, Opening, Trail to Eagle Ceremony, Eagle Presentation (Unless otherwise chosen by the Eagle Candidate), Eagle Charge is routinely given the LAST Eagle in the Troop, Closing, Cleanup/Take down.

Finances, Troop routinely covers the Awards, Eagle Neckerchief, Programs, Scripts (xeroxing)and sometimes assists with dessert/drinks.  Rest is up to the budget of the Parents.   This can be a LOT, or a Little, depending upon ones tastes.

Resources, ONLINE at Eaglescout.org, usscouts.org (has Scouting brother Ken Speigel's phenomenal 1100 page guide on the Eagle Scout Process and Eagle Courts of Honor), there are also a couple of great books, "Go For the Eagle" by Nancy & Dean Hoch and "The Eagle Court of Honor Book" by Mark Ray. 

Here is a Combined Checklist from "Go For The Eagle" by Nancy & Dean Hoch and Mark Ray's "ECOH Book"

8-9 Weeks BEFORE Eagle Court of Honor (ECOH)

____ Schedule a Date and Reserve the Facility

____ Troop Picks up Certificate, Papers, Eagle Kit from Scout HQ

____ Purchase Invitations, Programs, Napkins, Cups, Center Pieces, available from Scout HQ

____ Order Plaques or Special Presentations several weeks before ECOH

____ Eagle has the Decision as to how many "Eagle Mentor Pins" he wishes to give out, one is provided in the Eagle Kit, more may need to be purchased.  (We've seen up to 4 given out)  Eagle mentor is one who has influenced this Eagle in a Special way over the years.  CAN be a Teacher, dignitary, Adult Leader, Parent, Former Scout, Other Eagle,  etc. . .

____ Solicit Congratulatory Letters from Public Officials and other VIP's. (Elks, VFW, etc)

____ Have Black & White, and Color Photos Taken of the Eagle in Uniform for the Papers

____ Send News Release(s) to local Newspapers

____ Set Guest List,

• Relatives,
• Friends,
• Neighbors,
• Godparents,
• Religious Leaders,
• Troop Members,
• Past Eagles,
• Past Adult Leaders,
• Chartered Organization Leaders,
• Dignitaries,
• Den Leaders,
• Cubmasters,
• Merit Badge Counselors,
• Summer Camp Staff Favorites,
• Favorite Teachers,
• those who helped on the Eagle Service Project,
• Eagle Board of Review Members (including District/Council Rep),
• District Executive,
• District Chairman,
• District Commissioner,  
• and the Scoutmaster/Committee "May" request some spaces for  Webelos "soon to cross over."  (This event is an EXCELLENT Recruiting Tool for the Troop)

This all Depends upon YOUR Budget.

____ Prepare and Send ECOH Invitations

____ Begin Promoting WITHIN the Troop.

____ Recruit Master of Ceremonies (traditionally the SM) and presenters.

____ Recruit Volunteers (Committee, other Adult Leaders) to coordinate support functions.    

            These May Include: Physical Arrangements Coordinator, Refreshments Coordinator, Printed Program Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, Awards Coordinator, Decorations Coordinator, Congratulatory Letter Coordinator

 ____ Draft Program/Script Ideas, notify SM/ Master of Ceremonies of his Responsibilities.

____ Distribute Scripts to presenters/Master of Ceremonies

____ Prepare Programs, Include Photos, Schedule, and list of the Current Scouts in the Troop and Adult Leadership.  This will become a time capsule of the event for many.

____ Prepare for Flowers/Balloons, or other decorations for the ECOH

____ Plan any Scouting Displays for the ECOH.  Eagles Table, Troop Table.

____ Prepare Flowers/Balloons, Tablecloths or other Decorations for the Serving Area

____ Plan & Order Refreshments, (Dessert or dinner?)

____ Make REMINDER CALLS to everyone in Troop, especially those who are participating in the Program.

____ INCORPORATE the Troop Adult/Youth Leadership & Committee in assisting you.

____ Rehearsal of Troop Opening, Trail to Eagle & Closing done by Scouts/SM

 

CHECKLIST for the DAY of the EAGLE COURT OF HONOR

____ Check the Facility and do the decorating.

____ Set up reserved seats for presenters, Eagle Candidate & Family Members

____ Set Heat/AC

____ Have all Refreshments and Supplies on hand.

____ Make any Last Minute Calls

____ Be SURE your Eagles Uniform is Clean, Neat, Complete.

____ Check Microphone & Sound System

____ Set up Multi Media if used, DVD/VCR's, Big Screen TV's, Projectors, Computers, Speakers, etc. . .

____ Set up Display of the Eagles Path to Eagle, Troop Displays, Awards Table, Scrapbook, Letters, etc. . .

____ Make any last minute checks regarding Program/Scripts.   Check with presenters, Master of Ceremonies, etc. . .

____ Position SCOUT Greeters at the Door to hand out Programs, assist the elderly, etc. . .

____ Go have a Good Time, It's WELL DESERVED!!

 

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Following the Eagle Court of Honor

____ Hug your Eagle, Go home and relax

____ Send Thank You Notes to all who attended.  Best if written by the Eagle.  Include Newspaper Article Copy if it has been published.

____ Send Write-Up with Photos to Papers, if you already have not done so.

____ Evaluate the Event with all involved, Make Notes for next time, and pass all your info on to the NEXT Eagle Candidates Parents.

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Hopefully, this all helps!

Yours in the True Spirit of Scouting,

John
John M. Papp
Schenectady District Training Committee
Schenectady District Advancement Committee
Eagle Class of 1977

 

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