Eagle Ceremony 

[All scouts participating in the ceremony should sit on the right side, near the right aisle, to be available for each segment.   The escorts should remain in the rear to participate in the color guard and honor guard.   They can also serve to greet guests as they arrive and hand out programs]

Opening and Flag Ceremony

Master of Ceremonies: 
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  My name is [MC].  As the [position] for Troop 108 it is my privilege to welcome you on behalf of Troop 108 to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for [candidate].   At this time, I would like to ask [chaplain/chaplain's aide] to come forward to lead us in the Invocation.
	
Chaplain:
[Example invocation]:
Gracious God, we stand before you today, in awe of your magnificent glory.   We thank you for bringing us together as a family of Scouts, gathered to celebrate the accomplishment of Eagle Scout [candidate] in attaining the rank of Eagle.   We ask that you would bless this young man, his family, and the Scouts, Leaders, and Guests who are assembled here.   We ask for your continued guidance for all the Scouts of Troop 108.  Give our Leaders, we pray, the patience and wisdom to guide each Scout on life's pathway.  We thank you for hearing our prayer today,  Amen.  

[MC]:  
I would like to ask the Senior Patrol Leader, [SPL], to come forward to lead the posting of the colors.

[SPL leads posting of colors]

[SPL]:
Would everyone please rise for the posting of the colors.
Color Guard, advance.
[color guard advances]
Color Guard, post the colors.
[color guard posts colors] 
Everyone please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
[SPL leads Pledge of Allegiance]
Scouts, please remain standing for the Scout Oath.
[SPL leads Scout Oath] 
Color Guard, return to post.
[color guard returns to post – remains in back to serve as honor guard]
[SPL returns to his seat]

[MC]:  
Please be seated.  It is my pleasure to declare that this Eagle Scout court of honor for [candidate] is now officially open.  Would the honor guard please escort [candidate] forward.
[Escort Candidate to the front pew, then return by side aisle to seats]

[MC]:
Before we continue with our program, it is only fitting to pause for a moment to remind ourselves of what Scouting means in the lives of boys and the life of our community.  [speaker]  will now speak to this.

Adaptation of a speech by Joel Erickson:

What Makes a Scout?

Simply put, Scouting teaches young boys to be good citizens and trains them to become leaders. But how? Since the earliest recorded times, people have looked to the wisdom of lawgivers to guide them along their paths of duty and honor. From the Code of Hammurabi to the modern court system, most laws that people have written have begun with a “Do” or a “Don’t”, with a “You must” or a “You must not”. They either command or prohibit. But the Scout Law does neither. It’s simply a statement of fact, of what’s natural for a Scout,  and of what a Scout is. 

 A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.  Teaching Scouts to live by these words, in every part of their daily lives, is how Scouting makes good citizens and leaders. Lord Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting said, “Scouting is a game with a purpose.” You’ve all seen pictures of a Boy Scout helping an old lady across the street. A Scout is helpful. But there is so much more to it than that.  The Scouts you see here today have picked up bags of litter, planted trees, painted church walls, constructed a children's playground, cleaned, dug holes, cut wood, collected boxes and boxes of canned goods for food banks, painted stripes in a church parking lot … the list goes on and on. Yes, it was all considered work, but they worked together and made it fun. 

Scouting provides opportunities for boys that they would probably never get to try otherwise. On Scout outings they've learned to paddle a kayak down a rushing river (and perhaps unexpectedly gone swimming); learned rappelling and rock climbing;  explored a retired aircraft carrier;  and hiked up a mountain.   They've camped in the pouring rain, the freezing cold, and the sweltering heat.  They've looked through a telescope, launched a model rocket, paddled a canoe, and shot a rifle. Where else would you get to try all those things? 

Some say that playing sports makes a man by teaching boys good sportsmanship and making boys strong.   That may be true, but each time a Boy Scout says the Scout Oath he promises, in part, to keep  himself “… physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” So, unlike with many sports, Scouting is for everyone.  It’s not just the most capable of the group that goes on an outing while others wait on the bench hoping for a turn. Everyone goes; everyone works together. Older scouts teach while younger scouts learn, until they are the older scouts and then they become the teachers. Everyone has something to contribute.

Scouting also provides opportunities to explore areas of personal interest through Boy Scout merit badges.   As you can see by the sashes of some the Scouts that are present,  they've taken advantage of checking out a few.   Boy Scout merit badges are meant to prepare boys for adulthood.  In 2007 over 82,000 American Boy Scouts earned the First Aid merit badge.  I would definitely want one of them with me in an emergency.   Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World merit badges teach boys that what we do affects others and what is happening on the other side of the world affects us all.  When you earn the  Personal Management merit badge you  have to prepare a budget.  It teaches that a budget is NOT just writing down that I spent the entire contents of my wallet and it is NOT hoarding all my money in a box.  It’s planning what I am going to save and what I can afford to spend.  Swimming, Hiking, and Cycling merit badges encourage fitness for life. But beyond that there are badges to explore hobbies: Gardening, Theater, Model Building, Radio, and Coin Collecting.  There are badges to explore public service: Fire Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Crime Prevention. Other badges explore careers: Engineering, Architecture, Journalism, Auto Mechanics, Medicine, and Law. And of course what would Scouting be without outdoor skills? Wilderness Survival, Camping, Pioneering, and Hiking (ask some of the scouts here about the 18 mile Rich Mountain Hike). 

All along the way the work, the learning, and the fun are put together into two main awards that Scouts earn. The Arrow of Light is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the Eagle Scout  rank is the highest award in Boy Scouts.  Boys that have taken the time and had the perseverance to have the privilege of wearing these patches show everyone they are ready to become a useful part of society. Not only have  Eagle Scouts learned about the skills needed as adults, they have also served as leaders to others. They have performed an Eagle Project – a service project of their choice.  An Eagle project isn’t about that boy being helpful to others, it’s that boy serving as the crew boss while his friends and scouts perform the service. The Eagle candidate has to arrange the work schedule, make sure supplies will be ready, make sure workers will be there on time, and deal with any last-minute problems that always arise. And when it is all through he has to provide a report detailing the project and the work completed.  Sounds an awful lot like many of your careers, doesn’t it? 

But when they turn 18 years old, when these boys are ready to be good citizens, what will they do? How will they put their Scouting to use?  Here are some examples:

•	Of the 12 men to walk on the moon's surface, 11 were involved in Scouting. 
•	26 of the first 29 astronauts were scouts
•	64% of Air Force Academy graduates were scouts
•	68% of West Point graduates were scouts
•	70% of Annapolis graduates were scouts
•	72% of Rhodes Scholars were scouts
•	85% of F.B.I. agents were scouts

The Twelve Points

[MC]: 
[speaker] will now present and describe the twelve points of the Scout Law.   Will the scouts please come forward.

[Scouts line up on right side, in order:  ready to read statement and light the candle.  After reading the statement and lighting the candle, each scout should move to the back of the line.]

[speaker]:  In Scouting, as in most activities of life, there are rules.  The rules of Scouting are found in the twelve points of  the Scout Law.   As a candle is lit for each point of the Scout Law, let us pay careful attention to the words and re-dedicate ourselves to the principles contained in those words.

[As each point is read, the Scout will come forward, take a card from MC to read his statement, then exchange the card for the lighter and light the candle]

[speaker]:
A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY

Scout:  
A Scout tells the truth.   He keeps his promises.   Honesty is a part of his code of conduct. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS LOYAL

Scout:  
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, church, and world community. [light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS HELPFUL

Scout:  
A Scout is concerned about other people.   He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY

Scout:  
A Scout is a friend to all.   He is a brother to other Scouts.   He seeks to understand others.  He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS

Scout:  
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.   He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS KIND

Scout:  
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle.  He treats others as he wants to be treated.  He does not harm or kill anything without reason. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS OBEDIANT

Scout:  
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop.  He obeys the laws of his community and country.   If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL

Scout:  
A Scout looks for the bright side of life.  He cheerfully does tasks that come his way.  He tries to make others happy. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS THRIFTY

Scout:  
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others.   He saves for the future.   He protects and conserves natural resources.  He carefully uses time and property. 
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS BRAVE

Scout:  
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid.   He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.  
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS CLEAN

Scout:  
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean.  He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals.  He helps keep his home and community clean.  
[light candle]

[speaker]:  
A SCOUT IS REVERENT

Scout:  
A Scout is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.   He respects the beliefs of others.  
[light candle]

[MC]:
Thank you Scouts.   [speaker] will now present the significance of the Eagle Badge.   

Significance of the Eagle Badge

[Scouts line up on right side, ready to light each candle when indicated.  When each has finished reading his card and lighting the candle, he should return to the end of the line.]

[speaker]:
The presentation of the Eagle Scout Award is an important and serious matter.   For the Eagle candidate, this is the climax in his Scouting efforts.  The attainment of this award is made possible through the assistance of those with the candidate today:   his Scoutmasters, Troop Leaders, fellow Scouts, parents, family, and members of the community.   This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as time for serious reflection.

The Eagle is the highest recognition offered in Scouting.

It is earned through the advancement program.   The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs.   [candidate] has distinguished himself through his continued performance of active service in Scouting.   He is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities.   And, he is marked by the character gained through an understanding of his citizenship and religious beliefs.   It is important that each of us understands the meaning of the Eagle Badge.

The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by every great people from prehistoric times to the present day.   To the Egyptians, the eagle was the messenger of the gods and the sun, a symbol of eternal life.   To the Romans, he was the carrier of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of power.   To American Indians he stood as the incentive to valor and the pledge of victory.   For us today, the eagle is the living symbol of all courageous and freedom aspiring Americans.   When the Eagle Scout badge was designed in 1912, it was decided that a small silver eagle would be suspended from a tricoler ribbon of red, white, and blue.   So it remains today.

[scout]:
The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor.   To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character.   He knows that 'a Scout is trustworthy' is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason.   An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him, but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other scouts.   Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his community.   May the white of the Eagle Badge remind you to always live with honor.
[Scout lights white candle]

[scout]:
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty.   A Scout is true to his family, scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.   His loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load.   All of these help to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one's own ideals, and to God.   Let the blue of the Eagle Badge always inspire your loyalty.
[Scout lights the blue candle]

[scout]:
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous.  Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others.   To a scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right.  Trusting in God, with faith in his fellow man, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do.   Let the red of the Eagle Badge remind you always of courage.
[Scout lights the red candle]

[scout]:
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful.  To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile.

[scout]:
The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service.   The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped him in his climb to Eagle.  The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others.   The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless.  He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed.   He upholds the rights of others while defending his own.   He will always “Be Prepared” to put forth his best.

[speaker]:
[candidate], you deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting's highest award.   But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example.   May the Scout Oath and Scout Law be your guides for tomorrow and onward.

[MC]:  
Thank you Scouts.   [speaker] will now present the Path to Eagle.   

Path to Eagle

[scouts line up on right side, in order.  After the requirements for each rank are described, each scout will read the rank description from the back of the card, then place the card in the slot.   After placing the card, each Scout will return to the end of the line.]

[speaker:  
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout.   Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks.  Then, the mountain climbing begins.   The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals.   The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
  
[speaker]:
To become a Boy Scout, a boy must:
	Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
	Demonstrate tying a square knot
	Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code
	Describe the Scout Badge
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[new scout]: 
[reading card] 
I am a new Boy Scout.  My badge contains the trefoil, the symbol of Scouting around the world. The three parts of the trefoil represent the three parts of the Scout Oath, which I am beginning to learn and live.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:  
To earn the rank of Tenderfoot, a Scout must:
	Be active in the troop and his patrol for at least two months
	Memorize the Scout Oath and Scout Law
	Explain the meaning of each point of the Scout Law
	Practice these ideals in his everyday life
	Participate in a troop overnight campout
	Learn basic first aid skills
	Show improvement in physical fitness
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[Tenderfoot scout]:
[reading card] 
I am a Tenderfoot Scout. To the trefoil on my badge has been added an eagle and shield, representing my country, and two stars representing truth and knowledge.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:   
To earn the rank of Second Class, a Scout must:
	Be active in the troop and his patrol for at least two months
	Participate in at least five troop activities
	Learn orienteering skills
	Perform a service project
	Learn to identify wild animals
	Learn basic first aid skills
	Learn safe swim skills
	Learn of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse
	Demonstrate Scout Spirit
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[Second Class scout]: 
[reading card] 
I am a Second Class Scout.  My badge is a scroll inscribed with the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared".  Suspended from the scroll is a knot tied there to remind you of the slogan of the Boy Scouts of America, "Do a Good Turn Daily".
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:  
To earn the rank of First Class, a scout must:
	Demonstrate basic orienteering skills
	Participate in at least ten troop activities
	Serve as patrol cook on a campout
	Discuss the rights and obligations of a citizen
	Identify ten kinds of native plants
	Demonstrate an ability with knots and lashings
	Demonstrate first aid skills
	Swim 100 yards
	Show Scout spirit
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[First Class scout]:
[reading card] 
I am a First Class scout.  My badge shows the complete Scout emblem – the trefoil, eagle and shield, stars, and scroll -- indicating that I have completed my basic Scout training.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:   
To earn the rank of Star, a scout must:
	Be active in the troop and his patrol for at least four months
	Show Scout spirit
	Earn four Eagle required merit badges
	Earn two additional merit badges
	Participate in a service project 
	Serve four months in a position of leadership
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[Star scout]:
[reading card] 
I am a Star Scout. Now that I can stand alone, I have earned the right to improve on my own. To me goes the honor of choosing my field. My badge contains a star to indicate the horizon of endless opportunity available to me.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:  
To earn the rank of Life, a scout must:
	Be active in the troop for six months
	Show Scout spirit
	Earn three Eagle required merit badges
	Earn two additional merit badges
	Participate in a service project of at least six hours
	Have a personal growth conference and board of review

[Life scout]: 
[reading card] 
I am a Life Scout. I have mastered the knowledge of subjects that will benefit my country and my fellow man. The heart on my badge indicates to the world that I have taken Scouting's lessons to heart.  I am ready to earn my Eagle wings.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[speaker]:  
To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must:
	Be active in the troop and his patrol for at least six months
	Show Scout spirit
	Earn ten additional merit badges
	Plan, Develop, and complete an Eagle service leadership project
	Have a personal growth conference
	Complete an Eagle Scout board of review

[Eagle Scout]:  
[reading card] 
I am an Eagle Scout. It has been a long, hard, and wonderful road, but I have mastered my goal. With deep humility I now stand as a representative of the best that scouting can accomplish in the lives of boys.  The colors of my badge represent honor, loyalty, and courage.  May I now pass on to my younger brothers a portion of my knowledge.
[place the card, return to back of line]

[MC]:
Thank you Scouts, you may be seated.   Becoming an Eagle Scout is not the end of the journey, but is merely the beginning.   As an Eagle, you have far greater responsibilities than you had before.   I would like to call Eagle Scout [scout] to come forward to present  the Eagle Charge.

The Eagle Scout Charge

[Eagle Scout]:
I speak for the Eagle Scouts of this Council.  I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of the world constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in history, and you, [candidate], have been counted worthy of this highest rank in its membership.   All who know you rejoice in your achievement.

Your position, as you well know, is one of honor and responsibility.   You are a marked man.   As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to Country, to your fellow Scouts, and to mankind in general.   This is a great undertaking.   As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourself and to your brother Scouts.   If you fail, you bring down the good name of all true and worthy Scouts.

Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow Scouts – to your Country and to God.   America has many good things to give you and your children after you;  but these good things depend on the qualities she instills in her citizens.   You are prepared to help America in all that she needs most.   She has a great past, and you are here to make her future greater.

I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication.   Be a leader, but lead only toward the best.  Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and your fellow man .   We have too many who use their strength and their intellect to exploit others for selfish gains.   I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good.

Build America on the solid foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God.   Whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of which every Scout may be proud.

[MC]:
Thank you [Eagle Scout].   At this time, I would like to ask Scoutmaster Guy Nigh to administer the Eagle Scout Pledge.

The Eagle Scout Pledge

Guy Nigh:
Will [candidate]  please come forward to take the Eagle Scout Pledge.   As the candidate takes this pledge for the first time, will all Eagle Scouts who are present please rise and join us in reaffirming their pledge?

Will each of you please give the Scout Sign and repeat after me in unison?

On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God.   

On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to my country.   

I reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath.  

I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself 

the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout.

On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example, 

and make my rank and influence strongly count 

for better scouting and for better citizenship, 

in my troop, in my community, and in my contact with other people.   

To this, I pledge my sacred honor.

The Eagle Scouts in the audience may now be seated.

I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service.   By repeating the Eagle Scout pledge before your fellow members, you have become an Eagle Scout.   Though the words you used just now are similar to those by which you joined Scouting, today they mean more than they ever could have meant at that time, or at any time in the past.   When you pledged yourself on your sacred honor, using the same words which are found at the end of the Declaration of Independence, you sealed your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout.  By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout.   May the oath you have taken remain true in your heart.

The Presentation of the Eagle Scout Award

Guy Nigh:
Will the parents of the Eagle Candidate please come forward?

No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness from [candidate] mother which have helped lead us to this day.   As a symbol of what his mother made possible, the court now asks [candidate] to present his mother with a miniature Eagle pin.

[candidate], your father has stood by you over the years and has offered his encouragement and assistance.   As a symbol of what he has contributed to your attainment of this award, the court now asks you to present him with a miniature Eagle pin.

[candidate], by the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege to pronounce you an Eagle Scout, and it is with distinct honor and pleasure that I present you with the Eagle Scout Award, which I will ask your mother to pin over your heart.

I now present you with the Eagle Scout Certificate signed by the Chief Scout Executive and the President of the United States.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Scouts and Scouters, I present to you Eagle Scout [candidate].

Presentation of Mentor Pin
[Speech by Candidate and mentor pin presentation]

Presentation of Eagle Neckerchief, Slide
Guy:
On behalf of the Scouts, Adult Leaders, and Committee members of Troop 108, it is my pleasure to present to you the Eagle Scout neckerchief and slide.
[place neckerchief, slide]

[MC]:  Thank you.   I now declare this Eagle Court of Honor closed.   I would like to invite [chaplain/chaplain's aide] forward for the Benediction.

[Chaplain's Aide]:
[sample benediction]:
Always remember that the Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 
 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall.
But those who trust the Lord will find new strength.
They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on broad wings.
May God’s breath fill your wings and carry you to your destinies.
May you continue to grow in wisdom and in favor with God and man.
May you keep yourselves physically strong, mentally awake, morally straight.
May you lead by influence and not title alone. 
May you lead with humility, strength, example, and force.
May you build into the lives of other young men—future Eagles—for all of your days.
And may the great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.
Amen	

[MC]:   Thank you for attending.  We would like to invite everyone present to [location] for refreshments.