Planning an Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Are you the proud parent of an Eagle Scout? Well, congratulations! It's a long haul both for the Boy Scout and his family, and finally getting Boy Scouting's highest award is a major accomplishment indeed.

Your Scout has earned all the merit badges, fulfilled all the service requirements and done his Eagle project. He's been to his Board of Review and been pronounced an Eagle Scout. But it's not quite over yet.

Most new Eagle Scouts and their families choose to celebrate this very special achievement by hosting an Eagle Court of Honor and reception. This can be as simple or as elaborate as the family sees fit.

I recently planned an Eagle Court of Honor for my son, who attained his rank on Oct. 16, 2007. It took a bit of work and coordination, plus vital help from friends and family members.

At the Court of Honor, a ceremony is conducted before family, friends and community members, in which the Eagle Scout is officially introduced in his new status, and he is able to thank and honor the people who helped him achieve his goal.

My son's troop, Troop 504 in Aromas, Calif., has traditionally made a big deal out of the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony. I understand in some troops that the ceremony is not that long or involved, and sometimes several Eagle Scouts are inducted at the same time.

In our troop, typically each Eagle Scout has had his own Court of Honor, with the ceremony lasting about an hour and the reception afterward lasting between one and two hours.

I can't speak for how other troops organize their Eagle Courts, but I can tell you how Troop 504 does theirs. It's usually a very nice afternoon for all concerned.

Often families will take between two and three months to plan the Court of Honor. This allows time for a venue to be booked, invitations to be sent, and a program to be organized. You may want to order "The Eagle Court of Honor Book," which is advertised as the complete guide to planning Scouting ceremonies. (It's available at www.eaglebook.com.)

I have to confess, I didn't use this book, so I can't recommend it one way or the other. You can also search for information online or get advice from local Scouters.