1 61 – Eagle Court of Honor Guide: Andy Kegel, Troop 573, Woodinville 15 October 2011

Eagle Court of Honor Goal This course reviews several different ceremony possibilities as well as giving helpful tips such as how to get press releases and dignitaries to send letters to your Eagle Scouts. 2

Agenda Context of the Eagle COH Early planning Detailed planning Event After the COH 3

Context of the Eagle COH What is the purpose of the COH? Who is it for? 4

Early planning Select a date –Venue – is the room available? –Attendees – are the key attendees available? Family, friends, travelers Beneficiary, teachers Dignitaries –Holidays, activities –Presenters Flag Large medal Letters Slide show 5

Early planning - Flag Congressmember will fly a flag over the US Capitol and return it to you –Contact your Senator or Representative –Complete the form – –Cost - $13-24 plus shipping and handling ($8) –Various sizes, up to 8’ x 12’ –Approximately TWO MONTHS in advance –Present at Court of Honor 6

Early Planning – COH 7 “This flag has flown twice: once today and once over our nation’s Capitol.”

Early planning – large medal Reserve from the Scout Shop Well in advance! 8

Early planning - Letters Letters of congratulations from significant people –Celebrities, politicians, sports figures –Local prominent people – Mayor, pastor and other clergy, beneficiary, principal, favorite teachers, TV and radio personalities –Think big! Collect in a binder to present at COH –Read selected letters of significance to the scout 9

Early planning – Letters (2) Examples: Presidents Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama US Naval Academy, West Point, Coast Guard Pope Benedict XVI, Dalai Lama REI, baseball commissioner, Bill Gates Elks, NASA (astronauts) Note – some require web contacts and others require SASE 10

Early planning – slide show Start collecting photos Consider the length Technical arrangements –Arrange for computer, projector, speakers, & screen Have a backup –Computers do not always compute 11

Detailed planning Invitations Program – plan of events Printed program –Photo Presenters Ushers Color guard Master of Ceremonies Script Decorations (if any) 12

Event Typical program Welcome (come to order) Color guard Invocation – National COH Benediction Guest introductions Significance of Eagle rank Slide show Recollections (audience participation) Eagle’s Nest & Obligation Eagle Presentation (regalia) Family Presentation (pins) Parents’ comments Eagle’s comments Presentation of letters Closing prayer Closing declaration Retire and present flag 13

After the COH Reception –Personal decorations Photos Mementos Awards Uniforms, sash, badges –Troop decorations “Traveling box” –Food Desserts Meal 14

Press Press release –Woodinville Weekly: –Redmond Reporter: web page –Bothell Reporter: web page –Kirkland Reporter: web page –Bellevue Reporter: web page –Issaquah Reporter: web page –Seattle Times: via a blog? Basically, you write the article –Who, what, when, where, why, how –Include a photo 15

Conclusion Involve the Eagle scout 16