Re: Eagle Ceremony Survey
MCCET (marcel@OMNICAST.NET)
Wed, 28 Apr 1999 11:47:07 -0700
Steve
Our district troops, for the most part, have adopted the following Eagle COH
gentlemans agreements.
Its up to the boy and his family.
They research and write the agenda. (with lots of help from knowledgable
scouters)
They invite and direct the level of troop and third party participation.
(maybe the school teacher or sports coach can say a few words)
They decide the location and the over all budget for support materials
(except the Eagle advancement awards,pins,badges etc)
They select and invite the guest speakers.
Usually the troop provides an honor guard and the scoutmaster leads the
troop in a scout spirit ceremony. (this is especially
important...reminds everybody of the presence of scouting in the community)
The family selects the chaplain for invocations and benedictions.
The scout (or parents) selects the presentaion party (maybe an eagle scout
uncle or an old scoutmaster) (diplomatic skills may be required here)
The Troop offers services like set up and tear down, cleanup. (Service to
others)
The district/council provides "National Court of Honor" status thru the
commissioner (sometimes professioanl ) staff.
With these general guides in place ,one never has to worry about the overall
budget or an unworthy eagle COH. They are all worthy (like weddings,right?)
These policies have been inplace for over 25 years or more. There are some
exceptions where some church groups or large highly organized troops prefer
troop(church) led ,group (2 or more advancements) at the same court.
As a commisisoner I like to see all elements of scouting and community
represented at Eagle COH, after all statistically when that eagle badge is
awarded and the charge given and accepted ,that eagle scout will fly away to
join his brother eagle scouts in the great pool of opportunity that awaits
him.
He deserves to plan his own last hurrah.....Hopefully he will use all his
resources including his troop, wisely.
Marcel Chevilet
Commissioner
