Some Units may elect to present the Dare to Soar Gift Pack to the new Eagle Scout as part of an Eagle Ceremony. The following text can be used for such a presentation:
Call to Order:
Master of Ceremonies (MC) - Would guests please take their seats. (Brief self introduction) I will be serving as Master of Ceremonies today
Procession of Colors:
MC - All guests, please stand.
Will the Honor Guard please Present the Colors.
Scouts salute!
(Honor Guard proceeds to bring flags from rear of room or outside room - do not post colors yet) Two!
(When the flag reaches the alter.) To open our meeting I'd like to call
(Beneficiary) to deliver the Invocation for today's ceremony.
Beneficiary - Lord, you bring us together this afternoon to honor an Eagle Scout. We acknowledge your guidance in helping youth and adults work together to build strong character, physical fitness, ethical leadership, and an appreciation of the outdoors. Lord, continue to watch over these Scouts in attendence, and all Scouts, as they grow into adults, and give the adults the patience and wisdom to guide them. Amen.
MC - Thank you.
(Senior Patrol Leader), would you please lead us in The Pledge of Allegience.
(Honor Guard dips other flags besides the American Flag and the Senior Patrol Leader leads everyone in the Pledge of Allegience)
MC - Two. Thank you. Honor Guard, please post the colors.
Scouts please remain standing; all others may be seated. Honor Guard, would you please lead all Scouts in the Scout Oath and Law, and the Outdoor Code?
Honor Guard 1 -
Scout Oath
Honor Guard 2 -
Scout Law
Honor Guard 3 -
Outdoor Code
MC - Thank you. Honor Guard, retreat!
(To all) Please be seated. I would now like to ask
(Scoutmaster), current Scoutmaster of Troop
(Troop number), to come forward.
Convening of Court of Honor:
Scoutmaster - Good afternoon. Thank you
(MC). I'd like to welcome all Scouts in attendance, and all guests to this special meeting of Troop
(Troop number). It is a rare occasion when we are able to gather and celebrate as we do today. Achievement of the Eagle Rank is a notable accomplishment for any youth. Less than 4% of all Boy Scouts will reach this rank in their Scouting careers. The Scouting movement constitutes one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the world today. Many successful, well-known persons are Eagle Scouts -- a former President of the United States, a film director whose films have won world-wide acclaim, most of the original astronauts, and several outstanding sports personalities. The Eagle candidate whose efforts culminate this afternoon in the presentation of the Eagle badge, has labored long to enter this brotherhood. He will assume even greater responsibilities to the ideals of honor and service. When he pledges himself on his sacred honor, he will be sealing his loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence.
And so, by the authority vested in me as Scoutmaster of Troop
(Troop number), a representative of the Connecticut Yankee Council, and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I declare this Eagle Scout Court of Honor to be convened.
MC - Thank you
(Scoutmaster).
We are here today to confer the rank of Eagle Scout upon
(Eagle Scout recipient). Is there anyone present who will come forward to speak to
(Eagle Scout recipient)'s qualifications for this rank?
Person 1 - I will.
(MC acknowledges Person 1)
Presentation of Eagle Scout Candidate
Person 1 - Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I am
(Person 1). I would like to present Eagle Scout Candidate
(Eagle Scout recipient) for consideration for the Rank of Eagle Scout.
(Eagle Scout recipient) has earned the right of consideration for this rank by completing all requirements of the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life by serving in leadership positions within our Troop.
(Eagle Scout recipient) also earned
(insert number) Merit Badges during his Scouting career, including the 11 Merit Badges required for the Eagle Rank.
(Any other comments Person 1 wishes to add) As such, I hereby certify that
(Eagle Scout recipient) is a qualified candidate for awarding of the rank of Eagle Scout.
MC - Thank you
(Person 1). Honor Guard, will you please escort the Eagle Scout Candidate forward, where
(he/she) will be prepared to receive the Eagle Scout Award.
(Honor Gaurd assembles, goes to Eagle Scout recipient, and escorts him/her to the stage/alter)
MC - I would now like to call forward fellow Eagle Scout
(Person 2) to describe the meaning of the Eagle Badge.
Person 2 - Thank you
(MC). The Eagle is the highest recognition offered in Scouting. The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs. It is important that we all understand the meaning of the Eagle Badge.
The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by every great people from prehistoric times to the present day. To the Egyptians, the eagle was the messenger of the gods and the sun, a symbol of eternal life. To the Romans, the eagle was the carrier of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of power. To American Indians, the eagle stood as the incentive to valor and the pledge of victory. In 1782, The American Eagle was adopted by the United States of America as their national symbol. In 1969, The Apollo 11 crew chose Eagle as the name for the lunar module, which was to make history. And with the words of Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong -- "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." -- man was on the moon.
For us today, the eagle is the living symbol of all courageous and freedom-aspiring Americans. When the Eagle Scout badge was designed in 1912, it was decided that a small silver eagle would be suspended from a tricolor ribbon of red, white, and blue. So it remains today.
The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character.
(He/She) knows that "a Scout is trustworthy" is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to
(him/her), but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on
(his/her) home,
(his/her) troop, and
(his/her) community. May the white of the Eagle Badge remind you to always live with honor.
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one's own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle Badge always inspire your loyalty.
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality by which men and women measure themselves and others. To a scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right. Trusting in God, the faith in
(his/her) fellow man,
(he/she) looks forward to each day, seeing
(his/her) share of the world's work to do. Let the red of the Eagle Badge remind you always of courage.
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout Award, which has its ends turned up in a smile.
The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped
(him/her) in
(his/her) climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily good turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless.
(He/She) aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed.
(He/She) will always "be prepared" to put forth
(his/her) best.
You are deserving of much credit in having achieved Scouting's highest award. You have distinguished yourself through your continued performance of active service in Scouting. You are trained and practiced in your leadership abilities. You are marked by character, gained through an understanding of citizenship and religious beliefs. However, wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward.
Trail to Eagle:
MC - Thank you
(Person 2).
Candidate
(Eagle Scout recipeint), are you willing to take on the responsibilities described to you by this Eagle Scout?
Eagle Scout Recipient - I am.
MC (assisted by designated Scouts) - Very well. As you know, to earn this highest rank in Scouting, a Scout has to spend a great deal of time and effort. Therefore, this occasion that recognizes
(his/her) accomplishments should be something special. And so, this afternoon we shall follow your accomplishments as we Light the Eagle Trail.
Please dim the room lights.
(Lights are dimmed)
When a
(boy/girl) becomes a Scout, there is instilled within
(him/her) something that we call Scout Spirit.
(MC lights a candle to be used to light the badge of rank symbol.) The lighted candle before you respresents that spirit. Because the spirit of Scouting embodies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it is a shining beacon of inspiration. Alone, this light may seem feeble, but when multiplied by the more than three million boys and girls in Scouting, it becomes very powerful indeed. Here to help us learn more about your Eagle Trail are several of your fellow Scouts.
Far away, looms the hazy outline of a lofty Eagle Summit, flanked by lesser peaks that represent Star and Life. Yes, to the newcomer they are a long way ahead, but they come a lot closer as the light from the Spirit of Scouting spreads.
The first rank achieved in Scouting is that of "Scout".
Speaker 1 ("Scout") - When you first joined the Troop many years ago, the first badge of Rank you earned was the "Scout" badge. This showed that you had taken the time to learn abbout the Troop, and about what Scouting is. You memorized the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan, and what each meant. You learned what Scout Spirit is. You learned the Scout sign, the salute, and handshake. You learned about Merit Badges, and you joined a Patrol and learned basic knot-tying skills.
MC - There were many with you beginning the Trail, and you all progressed quickly. Soon, you were progressing toward your Tenderfoot Rank.
Speaker 2 ("Tenderfoot") - Here you began to practice the skills you have learned. You participated in your first Troop campout, learned how to apply the Outdoor Code, the knots you have learned, physical fitness, and some basic first aid. You cooked outdoors, went on hikes, earned your Totin Chit and Fireman's Chit, and found yourself greatly enjoying your Scouting experience, and eager to learn more. You moved quickly along the Tenderfoot Trail, for the travel was easy, and you had many companions.
(Lights Tenderfoot candle)
MC - You all earned your Tenderfoot Badge, and found yourself ready to step up the steeper path ahead, toward the rank of Second Class Scout.
Speaker 3 ("Second Class") - You found as you progressed toward Second Class Rank, that the tasks before your were more demanding, and required you to work harder to complete them. But even though the path narrowed a bit, and the climbing challenged you, you moved steadily on. The knowledge you gained was very interesting to you. You learned more about the world around you, spent a lot of time camping, and in nature, went swimming and hiking (probably got lost a time or two) and learned how to navigate back to camp - with and without a compass. You joined your Troop for your first week at Summer Camp. You learned more about Emergency First Aid, showed your physical fitness, and began to look towards working on Merit Badges.
(Lights Second Class Candle)
MC - You were happy here, and so were your fellow Scouts. Many chose to stay here, and linger by the swimming hole, or around the campfire. But you chose to continue on, and completed your Second Class Requirements, for the first peak, that of First Class Scout was beckoning from the distance.
Speaker 4 ("First Class") - Now the path is narrower, and steeper. The challenge in your way take more time, and you must learn many new things. For the time, you must earn some Merit Badges. And, for the first time, you are called on to lead the younger Scouts behind you, and help show them the way. You serve as Patrol Leader, and begin to teach and lead the younger boys onto their own Eagle Trail, offering support and guidance along the way. You find that as you teach, you learn more, and you are given more responsibility for helping to guide the Troop and plan activities. You plan your first campout, with the help of your Patrol members, and it is a success.
(Lights First Class candle)
MC - You continued to grow in your outdoor skills, your physical fitness, and your knowledge of Citizenship, First Aid, Navigation, Camping, and Cooking, and you use what you have learned to help teach your fellow scouts. Though the path was challenging, you finally reached the first peak, and attained the rank of First Class Scout.
Speaker 5 ("Star Scout") - From the peak of the First Class Rank, you could see the taller peaks of Star and Life ahead of you, and off in the distance still, the Eagle Summit. So you pressed on. You did not have nearly as many companions on this journey. Fewer boys and girls chose to persue the higher ranks, and so you found your responsibilities increasing.
(Include prior accomplishments of the Eagle Scout recipient)
(Lights Star Scout candle)
MC - Your journey to reach the Star peak was another challenging one, but you were enjoying the effort, and eagerly set off on the journey to Life Scout.
Speaker 6 ("Life Scout") - With the skills you learned as a Star Scout in hand, you progressed quickly to the Life Rank. You found your stride teaching and leading. You helped your fellow older Scouts on their Eagle Service Projects, and looked forward to the day when you could start planning your own.
(Lights Life Scout candle)
MC - Your progress slowed here. The path up to the Eagle Summit was barely visible, for not many had progressed this way - it had been months since the ground was disturbed by another Scout from your Troop. And there were many distractions along the way.
(High School/Regular Job/Friends/Driving Lessons/etc.) All these conspired to distract you and lead you off the path. But you persevered.
Another term as Senior Patrol Leader came. You were responsible, in your boy-run Troop, for mkaing sure planes were made, and followed through on. You rose to the challenge.
We have now come to the point in the path where you are about to reach the very summit of the mountain - the rank of Eagle. Before we proceed, I would like to call fourth
(Person 3)
Person 3 - Would all the Eagle Scouts in the audience please stand and form a line at the front of the room behind
(Eagle Scout Recipient)?
I have the honor to give you the Eagle Charge, on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting. The Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy of the highest rank in this great movement. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are now a marked
(man/woman). As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country, to your fellow Scouts and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourself and to your brother Scouts.
America has many good things to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past, and you can help make the future even greater.
I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the highest level of service to God and to your fellow man. Live and serve so that those who know you will be inspired to finer living.
We have too many who use their strength and brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends. I charge you, to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good. Help build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; so that you will leave behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud.
Congratulations! You are an Eagle Scout. You started down a lengthy trail a long time ago. You have carried a heavy pack. You have climbed a steep hill. You have run a long race and you have finished strong. You started this race with many by your side. Today, you stand among a select few.
Now it is time for you to start a new journey, a journey along life’s trail as an Eagle Scout. You have achieved a place of honor, but you now also have a new responsibility, a responsibility to strive for greatness. As an Eagle, you are challenged to become the best person that you can be. You are called to soar above the clouds. Dare to Soar.
Dare to Soar. This is the challenge to the new Eagle Scout. To begin a lifelong journey of accomplishment. To be part of bringing change to the world. To put the gifts God has given you to the greatest possible use. Daring to Soar means accepting the Eagle Scout Challenge, and embracing the 8 Eagle Scout Dares of Achieving Greatness:
1. Dare to Have a Positive Attitude
2. Dare to Do Your Best
3. Dare to Be a Genius
4. Dare to Be Physically Strong.
5. Dare to Have Courage
6. Dare to Be a Person of Great Character
7. Dare to Have Charisma
8. Dare to Give to Others
As an Eagle Scout you are challenged to accept these 8 Dares. To live life in accordance with the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan by making these traits — that are in essence the fulfillment of the oath and law — a part of you.
To each new Eagle Scout, I ask you, Will you Dare to Soar?
Answer: I will
