Outdoor Eagle Court of Honor

[leamm]

I am in need of some ideas for my son's Eagle Court of Honor. He wants "something different." He believes many of the Courts of Honor he has attended are "too formal" and the boys always look so "uptight" ("" are his words!). He would like something less formal and outdoors at our local park. Our Scoutmaster is trying to convince him to follow the usual scripted ceremonies. Has anyone experienced an outdoor Court of Honor? Have any ideas? Are the pledges and affirmations considered a "required" part of the ceremony?

 

Secondly, if we don't hold the court of honor before he staffs National Youth Leadershhip Training camp in June, may he still wear his Eagle Badge on his uniform during camp? He is officially an Eagle as of April 8

 

Thanks so much

 

Loanna (CC T-122, Swartz Creek MI)

[scoutldr]

There are no rules. THe Eagle court should be whatever the Eagle and his parents want, within reason. I would encourage him to maintain the dignity and respect that the momentous occasion is deserving of.

 

We are beginning to plan an outdoor ceremony at our local camp with a campfire background.

[CalicoPenn]

The Eagle Courts of Honor that have stuck in my memory have been outdoor COH's. The usual scripted ceremonies can be adapted to the outdoors in many ways. Instead of lighting candles, light torches. Is your son active (and I mean attends chapter meetings, help with ceremonies and elections active) in the Order of the Arrow? One young man I know arranged to have some friends from his chapter ceremonies team wear the typical guide outfits for our area (shirt, breechclout, leggings, roach, mocassins and minimal face paint, and carrying lit torches) and act as escorts for the speakers, parents and the Eagle himself. I was at one COH, held at the location of the project, where the new Eagle Scout, whose project was to clear and replant a section of a hurricane damaged wood lot belonging to an organization that helped battered women, handed a sapling to each person attending and directed them to a pre-dug hole where the person was to plant the sapling (which really demonstrated his committment to continuing a life of service - the last time I spoke with him, he was joining the Peace Corps - it's been a long time since I've heard from him). Campfires are just about a must at an outdoor COH. One COH Ceremony was timed to end just about when the cobblers were ready to come off the fire. Be creative, and go ahead and have an outdoor COH. BTW - the pledges and affirmations are not required for anything, though many people like them. If you don't like one (or any) of them, you don't have to have one. At my ceremony, we didn't do an opening or closing prayer or benediction. Heck, you don't even have to have a ceremony at all if you don't want one (though its nice to do).

 

And yes, your son can start wearing his Eagle Badge the moment the sign off is completed at National. He doesn't have to wait until a COH to receive the badge. National should approve it long before June and he can wear it on his uniform (if Staff is allowed to wear rank badges) at the camp.

 

One last thing - Congratulations to your son, and to you!

 

Calico

[John-in-KC]

Congratulations to your son for his Eagle!!

 

Is he staffing NYLT at your Council Camp, or is he staffing NYLT staff training at Philmont? Either is wonderful!!

 

I think an afternoon at the park with friends, with a few minutes for someone he admires to give him the Eagle Charge and make him recite the Eagle Oath, is a fantastic way to do an ECOH. He should tell his SM, thanks... but we're doing it outside

 

 

 

[leamm]

Your ideas are great. He is in OA and that would work well for an outdoor ceremony.

 

I will encourage him to keep some of the formallity, but it sounds as if moving outdoors will work just fine. I like the torch idea!

 

He is staffing NYLT in Michigan.

Thanks again!

 

Loanna

[Trevorum]

On top of Mount Phillips, my oldest son remarked, "This would be a great place for an Eagle Court of Honor!" He knew the logistics would be ridiculous, but when it came time to plan his own ECoH, he decided he definitely wanted it outdoors, under the open sky. "After all, that's where Scouting happens," he said. He chose the top of the highest peak in our own county. Not quite as high as Mount Phillips, but it was still a hike up to the top for the guests. It was an impressive view and a great ceremony.

 

(Here's a peek.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mount-Bonnell.jpg

 

 

(This message has been edited by Trevorum)

[msnowman]

Gratz on your newly minted Eagle. You must be so proud.

While I have never been to an outdoor ECoH, I would think they would have far more majesty than a stiff and formal indoor one. Good planning and best future travels for your Eagle.

 

YiS

Michelle

[fgoodwin]

Your son can wear his Eagle Rank badge as soon as National approves the application forwarded by your Council.

 

The approval will be effective with the date of his EBOR; the date of his ECOH has nothing to do with it. In fact, an ECOH is optional and not every Eagle Scout wants an ECOH.

 

Finally, I hope your son will be wearing his Eagle rank patch to NYLT, and not his Eagle medal!

[SSScout]

My congrats to your Scout and your family. I'm sure your Scout realizes how much support he owes to his family for his accomplishment.

 

My own ECOH was at a gussied up Troop COH. Candles, readings, handshakes, pride, a slightly embarrassed father and a mother who was close to tears the whole time, as I remember.

 

Much later, a Scout in my son's Troop had his ECOH at a campout in his grandfather's back acres. Most of the Troop attended. The older folk came and brought their folding chairs. Campfire, hotdogs and halfsmokes and all the trimmings. Nice fall evening, the weather cooperated. Candles, readings, handshakes, pride. The older folks went home late, the Scouts went to bed late. Much whooping it up around the campfire late. I don't remember ever seeing so many full uniforms at a campout before.

 

Have fun, enjoy the occasion.

[mtm25653]

My oldest son's ECOH was held at the outdoor worship space/fire circle he built as his Eagle project. To me, having it there added an extra dimension so it was even more meaningful.

 

 

[leamm]

An update on our planning. His Court of Honor is scheduled for the end of May at a local city park. The city manager is crafting a resolution for the city council that will allow an open fire for the ceremony. We will use torches to set off the "stage" and place the campfire to the side.

 

He has written up a draft agenda for the evening and seems pretty excited now that he knows it will definitely be outdoors! Hope the weather cooperates.

 

Thank you again.

Loanna