From: silk@mcl.ucsb.edu (ken $ mencher)
Newsgroups: rec.scouting
Subject: Re: Seeking advice on Eagle Court of Honor
Date: 3 Oct 92 15:49:41 GMT
Distribution: usa

In <1992Oct01.223720.19526@news.mentorg.com> peteg@std.mentorg.com (Peter Galambos SST-C2139) writes:

>(Sorry if this is a repeat.  It didn't seem to go out the first time.)

>My son has passed his Eagle Board and we're starting to think about
>the Court of Honor and have a lot of questions.  I'm hoping some
>of you who have been through this can offer some advice:


First of all, my sincerest Congratulations to your son.
>1) I've seen references to 'Woods Wisdom: Troop Program Features' in
>   regard to planning Courts of Honor.  Is this worth looking at?

Not heard of it.  I know at one point there was an actual book/pamphlet put
out by BSA or NESA on planning/holding Courts of Honor.

>2) Is it advisable to send out RSVP type invitations or are informal
>   invitations OK?

Informal invitations are fine.  Especially since you'r probably not having
any sort of meal afterwards.

>3) How long of a ceremony should be planned?  What seems to be the best
>   time (Saturday, Sunday, afternoon, evening)?

Depends on what kind of ceremony you want.  There are a few basic
ceremonies, such as the Challenge, the Presentation, and a few others.
They generally run 'bout a half-hour/forty-five minutes, maybe more.  I've
seen most Courts of Honor on Sun afternoon, but it's really a matter of
when you think most troop members/guests of honor can make it.

>4) What type of food/refreshments should be provided?

Usually a cake, and punch, coffee, and maybe some healthy stuff, like
vegetable trays with dip.  You don't really need to get fancy, or spend
lots of money on food.

>5) Any advice on advance publicity?

Give at least 4 weeks notice to the participants in the ceremony, and
almost as long for the guests.  That gives everyone plenty of time to clear
space, and not so long that they'll forget it.

>6) Any advice on format of the ceremony (what to include, what to
>   avoid, sequencing)?

Avoid long-winded speeches, even if they do praise the honoree.  You want
to keep the ceremony fairly simple, but impressive.  I've seen most
ceremonies with a single master-of-ceremonies, usually the Eagle's choice.
(a good place to put someone you want to honor/thank)  Something that I've
seen was impressive was a boy in my troop who was joining the Army soon
after graduation, and had gotten them to provide a color guard.  If you
can't get that, some of the boys from the troop is the best.

>7) Any other interesting experiences/comments/ideas?

I must say that I don't personally remember my Court of Honor.  I remember
adjusting my merit badge sash constantly, but that's about it.  I was lucky
enough to have a friend video tape it for me, and that's one of my more
treasured ones.  Most of all, get the Eagle's input on this.  Have him pick
who he wants in it, and how he wants it done.  It is most certainly *his*
day, and if it's done the way he wants it, it will be all that more
special.

>Pete Galambos  peteg@std.mentorg.com
>Committee Chairman, Troop 670  Columbia Pacific Council

ken mencher
Eagle Scout, '90  T627 Cypress, CA

p.s. sorry 'bout the length....