Eagle Scout 3 Ceremony

This Ceremony is meant for Eagle scouts.

Scoutmaster, Minister, Scout as Master of Ceremonies, 2 or more scouts as color/honor guard, 1 or 3 scouts to light candles for Scout Oath, 1, 3, 4, 6, or 12 scouts to recite parts of the Scout Law (depends on how many scouts you want involved), committee member to present letters.

SM: I would like to welcome you all to this special meeting of Troop _____ as we recognize the accomplishments of __________[scout name]. Before you leave today, please sign the guest book which is in the back of the room.
I would now like to introduce ________________[Minister name] who will provide us with the invocation of the day.

Minister: [Invocation]

MC: Color guard, please advance the colors.
[color guard performs their ceremony with one scout coming forward to issue commands]

[Recitation of Pledge of Allegiance]

MC: Everyone please remain standing for the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
[Music is played on organ or piano]

MC: Thank you, please be seated.

SM: As Scoutmaster for Troop ____, it is my pleasure to declare this Eagle court of honor for [ Scout's name ] now officially open.

MC: Troop _____, please stand and give the Scout Sign.

Scouts, join me in the Scout Oath.
[Recite oath]

Scouts, be seated.

MC: Honor guard, please escort [ Eagle candidate name ] forward.
[Pause for honor guard to escort scout to front.]

As we begin this Eagle Court of Honor and examine the "Trail to Eagle," it is fitting that we start with the fundamental principles of Scouting: the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We have just joined together in reciting the oath. Let us begin our ceremony by lighting candles symbolic of the three parts of the Scout Oath:

Duty to God and country
[pause for a scout to light candle]
Duty to others
[pause for a scout to light candle]
Duty to self
[pause for a scout to light candle]

MC: 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.

MC: A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY

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

MC: A SCOUT IS LOYAL

Scout: A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and world community.

MC: A SCOUT IS HELPFUL

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

MC: 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.

MC: 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.

MC: 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.

MC: A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT

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.

MC: 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.

MC: 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.

MC: 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.

MC: 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.

MC: A SCOUT IS REVERENT

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


MC: 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.

Now we shall hear the story of [ Scout's name]'s "Trail to Eagle." Each part will be told by a scout holding the respective rank.

Tenderfoot: To earn the rank of Tenderfoot Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:
He memorized the Scout Oath and Law.
He explained the meaning of each point of the Scout Law.
He practiced these ideals in his everyday life.
He camped with his patrol in a tent which he helped pitch.
He showed improvement in physical tests.
He demonstrated basic first aid skills.
He completed a scoutmaster conference and a board of review.


2nd Class: In earning the rank of Second Class Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:
He used a map and compass to navigate.
He participated in at least 5 troop and patrol activities.
He safely used knife, axe, saw, fire, and rope to demonstrate his scouting skills.
He demonstrated his swimming abilities, first aid skills, and knowledge of nature.
He showed Scout Spirit by participating in service projects.
He completed a scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

1st Class: To earn the rank of First Class Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:
He demonstrated basic orienteering skills and found his way without a compass.
He participated in ten troop or patrol activities.
He served as head cook for his patrol.
He discussed the rights and obligations of a citizen.
He expanded his understanding of nature, his first aid skills, and his safety knowledge.
He built structures using knots and lashings.
He passed the Scout swim test.
He showed Scout Spirit.
He completed a scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

Star: In earning the rank of Star Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least four months after earning First Class.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________ and __________ elective merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________, __________, __________, and __________.
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least four months in troop leadership positions.
He completed a scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

Life: In order to earn the rank of Life Scout, [ Scout's name] did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Star.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, and __________ elective merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________ and __________.
He did at least six hours of service projects.
He served at least six months in troop leadership positions.
He completed a scoutmaster conference and a board of review.

Eagle: To complete the rank of Eagle Scout, __________ did the following:
He was active in the troop for at least six months after earning Life.
He showed Scout spirit.
He earned __________, __________, __________, and __________ merit badges.
From the list of required merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________, __________, __________, __________, __________, and __________.
He served at least six months in troop leadership positions.
He completed a scoutmaster conference.
He was reviewed by a board which included representatives from __________ District as well as members of the committee of Troop _____.
He planned, developed, and gave leadership to others in a service project. His project was ________________________________.
[Describe the project to some level of detail.]

MC: Would all Eagle Scouts present please stand and introduce yourself, including the troop and date when you received your Eagle.
[wait while the Eagles speak]

Please remain standing to witness ___________'s dedication of himself to the principles of Scouting by repeating the Scout Oath.

Eagle Candidate: [Recitation of Scout Oath]

MC: Thank you. Eagles, please be seated.
I would like to introduce ______________, who will deliver the Eagle charge.
[Give as much introduction as is appropriate.]

Speaker: [Challenge and Charge to Eagle Scout]

MC: Honor guard, please escort [ Scout's name]'s parents forward.
[Pause for honor guard to escort parents to front.]

It is my pleasure to introduce __________ and __________.

SM: The symbol of your success is the Eagle badge which I now present to your mother. Your mother will, in turn, pin the badge over your heart
[Presentation of Eagle badge]

Eagle Scout [ Scout's name ], in recognition of the wisdom and guidance given to you by your father, will you present to him this Eagle tie tack, which he will be proud to wear in your honor.
[Presentation of Eagle tie tack]

And now, also in recognition of the many hours of patient guidance given by her in your efforts, will you pin the Eagle mother's pin on your mother.
[Presentation of Eagle mother's pin]

[Parents can return to their seats or have special seats available onstage for them so they don't need to stand so long.]

MC: Committee Member __________ will present letters and certificates which have been sent by people who could not attend this afternoon's ceremony and will introduce others who will make presentations in person.

Committee Member: [Presentation of letters and certificates sent by people not present and introduction of others who are present]

MC: At this point in the court of honor, the new Eagle Scout, [ Scout's name ], would like to make a few remarks.

[Remarks by new Eagle Scout]

SM: As Scoutmaster of Troop _____, I would like to offer my congratulations to [Scout's name ] for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I now declare this Eagle court of honor closed. ________ [ Minister name] will close with a benediction.

Minister: [Benediction]

MC: We invite everyone present to congratulate the new Eagle Scout and his parents and to join us for refreshments. [ Scout's name ]'s project workbook and letters and certificates of congratulations will also be available for viewing at this time. I would also remind everyone to sign the guest book for this occasion. Thank you for joining us today.