Notes for Future Scouts Planning an Eagle Court of Honor
Here are a few things that helped us while planning the Eagle Court of Honor. Use them as a checklist,
then scroll down to build your own flyer and ceremony script.
- Start planning as soon as the Eagle Board of Review is completed. Once the Scout has officially passed the Eagle interview / Board of Review, begin working on the ceremony details right away.
- Request recognition letters early. Reach out to people or organizations the Scout admires or who may be meaningful to them — the mayor, local officials, community leaders, teachers, mentors, family friends, or anyone the Scout looks up to.
- Invite special guests in advance. If inviting the mayor or another guest of honor, reach out early and ask if they would be willing to attend and say a few words during the ceremony.
- Confirm the program speakers. Make a list of who will be speaking, such as the Scoutmaster, mentor, parents, siblings, mayor / special guest, and the Eagle Scout.
- Assign Scout roles ahead of time. Decide who will help with the flag ceremony, color guard, escorting guests, handing out programs, setting up, cleaning up, and any other ceremony roles.
- Have a rehearsal. A short rehearsal helps everyone understand where to stand, when to speak, how the flag ceremony will go, and what each Scout’s role is.
- Prepare the ceremony script / program. Having a written script makes the event flow smoothly and helps speakers know when they are speaking.
- Order or gather all Eagle items early. This may include the Eagle medal, parent pins, mentor pin, certificates, letters, decorations, photos, table setup, cake, food, and any gifts.
- Create a display table. Include scouting memories, photos, merit badges, project photos, awards, and anything meaningful from the Scout’s journey.
- Keep the ceremony personal. Add small details about the Scout’s personality, scouting journey, Eagle project, leadership, and growth over the years.
- Ask for help. Don’t try to do everything alone. Friends, family, troop parents, and Scouts can help with setup, food, decorations, photos, cleanup, and ceremony roles.
- Take photos and videos. Assign someone ahead of time to capture the ceremony so the family can enjoy the moment without worrying about it.
- Thank everyone afterward. Send thank-you messages to the troop, Scoutmaster, mentor, Scouts who helped during the ceremony, Scouts who attended, and anyone who supported the Eagle Scout’s journey.
Most important advice: Start early, stay organized, ask for help, and make the ceremony
meaningful to the Scout. It does not have to be perfect — it just needs to celebrate the Scout’s
journey and the people who helped them get there.