Court of Honor Script

Modified from Troop 224

Presenters Needed

• Master of Ceremonies

• Flag Ceremony (Patrol Leader)

• Invocation (Chaplain’s Aide)

• Scout Oath Ceremony (SPL)

• Scout Law Ceremony (ASPL)

• Scout Rank Presentation

• Tenderfoot Rank Presentation

• Second Class Rank Presentation

• First Class Rank Presentation

• Star Rank Presentation

• Life Rank Presentation

• Eagle Scout Rank Recognition

• Adult Leader Recognition

• Awards Recognition

• Scoutmaster’s Minute

• Closing Flag Ceremony

Court of Honor Opening

[The CoH Master of Ceremony comes to the Podium to begin the Ceremony.]

MC_____________________________________

This Court of Honor is now called to order.  Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.

My name is _____________________________________and it is my honor to welcome you on behalf of Troop 280.  

Flag Ceremony

At this time, I would like to ask_____________________________________patrol to come forward for the presentation of the colors.

[The Master of Ceremony sits down and the Flag Ceremony Leader comes forward] 

Invocation

[The Master of Ceremony comes forward to introduce the Chaplain’s Aide, who will give the Invocation]

MC_____________________________________

We are here /tonight to recognize the achievements of members of our Troop.  But first, we must recall the fact that a Scout is Reverent.  Will the Chaplain's Aide come forward to lead us in the Invocation.

Scout Oath and Law Ceremony

[The Master of Ceremony comes forward to introduce the Senior Patrol Leader Assistant Senior Patrol Leader who will lead the Scout Oath Ceremony]

MC_____________________________________

Will the Senior Patrol Leader come forward to lead us in the Scout Oath and Law.  He will be assisted by David.

 [The Master of Ceremony sits down and the Senior Patrol Leader who will lead the Scout Oath and Law Ceremony comes forward.  The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader will assist the presenter by lighting candles as directed.]

SPL_____________________________________

When a boy becomes a Boy Scout, there is within him something that we call the Spirit of Scouting.  This single candle before you represents that spirit.  Because the Spirit of Scouting embodies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it becomes a shining beacon of inspiration.  Alone, this light may seem feeble, but when multiplied by millions of boys in Scouting around the world, it is extremely powerful.  After a boy enters Scouting, he goes by a new set of guidelines, the Scout Oath and Law.  One by one, using the flame from the spirit of Scouting, we shall light the symbols for each part of the Scout Oath and Law.

[Three large candles are lit by a Scout as the Scout Oath is read.]

SPL_____________________________________

“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country; to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep my self physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

In the Scout Oath, the young Scout promises upon his honor to do his best to do his duty, first to God and his country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times; and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.     You see how the Spirit of Scouting is now beginning to grow and become a little brighter.

[Twelve candles are lit by a Scout as the Scout Law is recited.]

SPL_____________________________________

The Scout Law is made up of twelve separate traits; each is an important foundation in the building of strong character, which is one of the three aims of Scouting.

• A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful.

• Friendly, Courteous, Kind.

• Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty.

• Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

You now can see how the Spirit of Scouting is glowing bright around us, illuminating the darkness and shedding light among even those who may not know much about Scouting.     I’d now like to turn the podium back over to our Master of Ceremonies.

Scout Rank through Life Scout Rank Ceremony

[The MC comes forward to introduce the Rank Recognition Ceremony]

MC_____________________________________

Advancement is one of the Eight Methods used by the Boys Scouts of America to achieve the Three Aims of Scouting, Character, Citizenship, and Fitness.  To earn the highest rank in Scouting, that of Eagle Scout, each scout must spend a great deal of time and effort learning and demonstrating a set of skills that should serve him well in the outdoors and more importantly, throughout his lifetime.  Therefore, the occasion that recognizes these achievements should be memorable.  Tonight we will follow and Light the Eagle Trail as we recognize the accomplishments of our fellow scouts.

Will (insert SCOUT RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(MC _____________________________________ sits down and SCOUT RANK  presenter_____________________________________  steps forward)

Scout Rank Ceremony

SCOUT RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

Throughout the year we have the pleasure of welcoming new Scouts to our Troop.    To become a Boy Scout and earn the Scout Rank, a boy must learn the Boy Scout Oath, Promise and Law as well as the Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake.  We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have joined our Troop and earned the Scout Rank since the last Court of Honor.   

(insert names of new scout rank scouts here)

Please come forward with your parents as your name is called and you may place the rank pin on one of your parents.    As we welcome our new Scouts to our troop, we want you to understand that they are special in that they are willing to strive for higher goals and achievements. Good Luck on your trail to become an Eagle Scout. Please accept the Scout badge as you take your first steps toward your goals.

Will (insert TENDERFOOT RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(SCOUT RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and TENDERFOOT RANK presenter_____________________________________  steps forward).

Tenderfoot Rank Ceremony

TENDERFOOT RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

The Chinese have a saying: “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” There’s a lesson for us all in that saying. In Scouting as in life, the rewards do not come to those who sit back and wait but to those who continually take steps both large and small towards their ultimate goals.  We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have taken the first major step toward the Eagle Scout summit by earning their Tenderfoot Rank.    Please come forward with your parents as your name is called.

(insert names of new tenderfoot rank scouts here)

Congratulations, you have taken your first step on the Boy Scout journey by earning your Tenderfoot rank. As you look over your Boy Scout Handbook during the coming weeks, you will probably find lots of interesting things that you want to investigate.  By doing this, you are taking small steps towards your next big step in the journey, Second Class. 

Will (insert SECOND CLASS RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(TENDERFOOT RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and SECOND CLASS RANK presenter_____________________________________  steps forward).

Second Class Rank Ceremony

SECOND CLASS RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

This Second Class represents the second major step in your Scouting experience. You have earned the rank of Second Class by gaining a better idea of the skills you need for Scouting and your life beyond Scouting. The experience of Scouting can lead you in many different directions. Only you can decide on the direction you are to take. Just like a compass and map are useful for finding your way through the woods, you can use the Scout Oath and the Scout Law to chart your trip up the Eagle Trail.  As you receive your Second Class, you have started charting your course through Scouting and you need to continue to follow this path.    We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have earned the Second Class Rank.    Please come forward with your parents as your name is called.

(insert names of new second class rank scouts here)

Congratulations, you have earned the rank of Second Class. Take a close look at your Second Class Badge.  The ends of the scroll are turned up as a reminder of the willing smile of the Scout. On the scroll is the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” and a knot is tied there to remind you of the slogan of the Boy Scouts, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” You have remembered these things and deserve to be acknowledged for that. Continue to follow these guidelines and you will be an inspiration for those who are to follow you. Please accept the congratulations of all who have joined us today, and be sure to help those who come after you see their way.

Will (insert FIRST CLASS RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(SECOND CLASS RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and FIRST CLASS presenter_____________________________________  steps forward).

First Class Rank Ceremony

FIRST CLASS RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

The First Class rank represents a significant step on the Eagle Trail. First Class Scouts have learned to abide by the code to which a true and mature Scout is forever bound, his personal honor and the Scout Oath and Law.  Scouts earning this rank have mastered the outdoor skills of Scouting and can be counted on to take care of themselves and others in just about every outdoor setting.  First Class Scouts have advanced from a novice to enjoy living in the outdoors for longer periods of time. As we present you with your First Class badge and rank advancement card, we charge you to continue your development as a Scout, so that you may better serve others.  We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have earned the First Class Rank.  Please come forward with your parents as your name is called.

(insert names of new first class rank scouts here)

In your next steps in Scouting you will start learning the skills that will help you guide others along the path of Scouting. You will earn the next ranks in scouting by learning from the members of your community. Merit badges will teach you various areas of knowledge that the community has. Community service will help in developing your pride and confidence in what you do. Junior leadership in your patrol and the troop will help you with taking on responsibility as you grow. The guide posts for your next steps in Scouting are the Scout Oath and Law. You will be asking the community for help in your advancement and you need to provide the community with your help as well.  We trust that you are willing and able to accept the responsibilities as well as the privileges that accompany the First Class Scout rank.

Will (insert STAR RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(FIRST CLASS RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and STAR presenter_____________________________________  steps forward).

Star Rank Ceremony

STAR RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

Scouts being recognized for earning the Star rank tonight are taking a long step toward Eagle. They have advanced in a way that obligates them to give younger Scouts the service and experiences that they have received. Star Scouts leave the part of the troop which receives Scouting and are now admitted to a smaller group who now provides Scouting to our less experienced Scouts.  These young men have the privilege and duty to give Scouting - to give leadership, guidance, and inspiration to younger Scouts who will follow their lead. Their willingness to do so is a pledge of service and a sign that their understanding of the ideals of Scouting is growing. The Star Scout badge that they wear is a constant reminder of the star of service that guides them on the trail to manhood.    We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have earned the Star Rank.    Please come forward with your parents as your name is called.

(insert names of new star rank scouts here)

You are no longer just a First Class Scout; you are the Star. Even though you have the support of your parents, you now can stand alone. You have earned the right to improve on your own. To you goes the honor of choosing your field. Before you lays the horizon of endless opportunity. The Star on your new badge will guide you like the stars in the sky and lead you to your next step, that of Life Scout. The Star you have earned should also guide those that come after you as they shall be looking to you for leadership and encouragement.  The Scout participation, spirit, and service you completed to earn this award will guide you and others like a star to further advancement. As you complete merit badges for the next step— Life Scout— you’ll be a constant source of help to your fellow Scouts. They’ll be counting on you for leadership and guidance to show them the way!

Will (insert LIFE RANK presenter name_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(STAR RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and LIFE presenter_____________________________________  steps forward).

Life Class Rank Ceremony

LIFE RANK PRESENTER_____________________________________

The rank of Life Scout is one that few scouts in the troop achieve. Scouts earning this rank have done so by showing that their heart has the spirit of scouting. They have mastered the outdoor skills required to obtain the rank of First Class and then started learning more about Scout Spirit and service to others on the path to becoming a Star Scout. By continuing to learn about service to others, and gaining a deeper understanding of Scout Spirit, they then earn the rank of Life Scout. The path traveled, the path towards Eagle, requires an even deeper understanding of Scout Spirit and Service to others. What they learn as they continue along the path towards Eagle Scout is that badges have no substance without the spirit and service offered willingly towards others.  We would like to recognize the following Scouts who have earned the Life Rank.

Please come forward with your parents as your name is called.

(insert names of new life rank scouts here)

Scouts, in receiving your Life rank tonight, you are approaching your last step toward Eagle. You have shown that you can lead your troop in service and share in the Scouting experiences you have received. Tonight, you are entering that select group who will directly work towards their Eagle rank.. In doing so, you must not only give service, you must also lead others in performing a service project of your choosing. Your willingness to do so will be a pledge of service and a sign that your understanding of the ideals of Scouting. When you are finished with the requirements we will give you, you will, indeed, be worthy to join those very few who are Eagle Scouts. 

May the Life Scout badge that you now wear be a constant reminder of the life of service that will shine as a guide to lead you on the trail to manhood. The heart shape of the badge is symbolic of life and courage. For you, now, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law will mean more than ever before. You will ever strive to make them the keynotes of your conduct. The shape of your new badge symbolizes life and growth. You must continue to grow in Scouting, but at the same time share your knowledge and skills with others.

Will our Scoutmaster come forward.

(Life RANK presenter _____________________________________ sits down and the Scoutmaster steps forward).

Eagle Presentations

(SCOUTMASTER MAKES EAGLE PRESENTATIONS HERE)

Will (insert the MC_____________________________________ )  come forward.

(scoutmaster sits down MC_____________________________________  steps forward).

Awards and Merit Badges

MC_____________________________________

It is now time to recognize the merit badges and awards that we have received. Will each scout come up to receive your badges and awards as your name is called

Merit Badges

(list scouts with merit badges here)

Awards

(list scouts with awards here)

Adult Leaders

Will the scout master and committee chair come forward to recognize adults here.

(MC_________________________sits down scoutmaster & committee chair steps forward).

(SCOUTMASTER AND/OR COMMITTEE CHAIR MAKES ADULT PRESENTATIONS HERE)

Scoutmaster Minute

(SCOUTMASTER DOES SCOUTMASTER MINUTE)

MC_____________________________________

That concludes our Winter court of honor. Festivities will continue with a White Elephant gift exchange and feel free to leave at any time.

Will (insert closing patrol here______________________________) close us out with flags. 

[Closing]