Even though a scout’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony is distinctly his own, certain planning activities are always the same. In order to assist you, we have compiled the following recommendations for scouts and their families.

Please remember that while the “Timeline” section below is consistent from one Court of Honor to the next, the “Reception”, “Display Table” and “Congratulation Letters” sections are open to individual family preferences. You may decide to have cake and punch at the Reception or you may decide to include sandwiches or cheese and fruit platters. If a scout has collected mementos during his scouting experiences, he may want to display those souvenirs, photographs and other items on a separate table. Some families request letters from public officials and celebrities to honor the new Eagle Scout. Those letters may be placed in a scrapbook or photo album and displayed on a table during the Reception. While the Scoutmaster plans the ceremony itself, the Reception is planned by the scout and his family and may be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

Timeline

1. The Scoutmaster schedules the Eagle Board of Review.
2. The Board of Review is conducted and the paperwork is filed for processing with the National Boy Scout Office. It may take three to five weeks before the paperwork is returned to the Troop.
3. Coordinate with the Scoutmaster the date, time and location of the Court of Honor. This should be scheduled no sooner than ten weeks from the Board of Review date.
4. If you want to have congratulatory letters from public officials and celebrities, mail your requests at least ten to twelve weeks before the Court of Honor to allow enough time to collect and assemble the letters.
5. Prepare your invitation list and buy invitations at the Scout Store. 
6. Have the invitations printed.
7. Buy Program Covers at the Scout Store.
8. Type the Program and have copies made. The Scoutmaster will notify you about the order of the ceremony and the names of the adult and scout participants.
9. Buy paper goods for the Reception.
10. Order cake and any other refreshments at least one week before the Court of Honor.
11. On the day of the Court of Honor, arrive 60-90 minutes early to set up the room, display table and refreshment area.

Reception

Here are some items you may want to bring for the reception:

Cake and the utensils to cut and serve it
Plates, napkins and forks
Punch
Punch bowl, ladle and cups
Ice chest, if needed to keep the punch cold
Table cloth
Small floral arrangement or table decoration, if desired
Clean-up supplies (paper towels, trash bags, water, etc.)

Remember to bring appropriate serving dishes and utensils if you decide to have additional refreshments.

Display Table

If desired, you may want to set up a display table with mementos from the Eagle Scout's past. Here are some suggestions:

Cub Scout Mementos:

Ceremonial Arrow from Cross-Over
Belt with belt loops
Shirt and Brag Vest
Pinewood Derby cars/trophies

Boy Scout Mementos:

Merit Badge Sash (to be worn during ceremony)
Pictures from Eagle Project
Congratulation Letters, if solicited
Photo Album of scouting activities
Jamboree, Philmont, other scouting activity displays/albums
U. S. and State Flags, if requested

Congratulation Letters

There are several lists available on the Internet where politician and celebrity addresses are available.

Odds and Ends

You’re going to need candid photos of the new Eagle Scout in his uniform to send to local newspapers and the Eagle Scout coordinator for the Ventura County Council.
Please keep the Scoutmaster informed of your plans for the Reception. He has performed dozens of ceremonies and is able to help you with recommendations.
To order U.S. flag that has been flown over the United States Capital, go to www.usflag.org.