Eagle Scout Awards Ceremony invitation...I have questions!

[SeaSpray]

My DS14 was invited to attend the Eagle Scout Award Ceremony by a boy on his bowling team. He isn't "friends" with the boy outside of bowling together every Saturday morning, but this is the second year they've been on the same bowling team together, so they've gotten to know each other fairly well. This boy also invited the other 2 boys on their bowling team as well.

My questions are:

Should DS bring a "congratulations" card with money in it, as a gift for this boy? Is a gift even expected?? What exactly happens at this ceremony? It's being held at a church hall, is this at all a religious ceremony??

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

 

[lisajl]

Both of my nephews are Eagle Scouts.

Their ceremony was held in a church, with a little party afterward.

Yes, it is nice to bring a gift. Most of the gifts were Boy Scout related, but we gave them money.

Lisajl

 

[Pam]

My son just passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review two weeks ago and we are beginning to plan his ceremony.

Yes, the Eagle Scout Ceremony typically has a lot of religious tones to it. The ceremony is focused on the Scout and the determination and hard work he has displayed to achieve his goal - which takes many years to reach. There are different ceremonies - but all have a common thread. My DS is planning a ceremony incorporating Native American themes into it - because he is a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is Boy Scouts camping honor society. His ceremony will be held at the outdoor amphitheater at his Boy Scout camp.

Gifts are totally at the discretion of the attendee - but a cash gift or something with eagles or a Boy Scout gift would be most appreciated. I do know that some people do not bring gifts, some bring cards, some bring nothing.

Some parents go all out and have catered meals - we are sticking with just cake and ice cream.

 

[Liz]

We have given cards with eagles on them and some money to my nephews who became eagle scouts. But when my son goes to ceremonies for friends he doesn't bring gifts. His two very best friends have not made eagle yet so he probably would give something to them. Since this boy doesn't sound like a close friend of your son I wouldn't worry about a gift. I'm sure he'll be happy to have him just come!

 

[Geoff_M]

I'm an Eagle Scout, and a scout leader of 15+ years. A simple card is just fine. There should be no pressure to give a gift. If you want to give something, that's fine too. One small thing I like to give to special scouts is a Silver Eagle dollar coin with the current year on it to commemorate the event. They cost less than $10.

As for the religous nature of the ceremony, it will be minimal. Probably be nothing more than an opening and closing prayer. They are more than likely holding the ceremony in the sanctuary as a recognition of the special achievement.

 

[Mickey Nut 50]

My son just had his Eagle ceremony Jan. 12. I ditto Geoff and Pam. His was held in another Troop's home church to handle the crowd. Four boys received their Eagles that day - 3 from our Troop, and 1 from the Troop sponsored by the church where the ceremony was held.

We had an opening and closing prayer. You'll find that most sponsoring organizations are churches, which is why most Eagle ceremonies are held in a church.

 

[Pam]

Mickey Nut 50,
Do you mind if I ask what you did for the reception? Did you have a big dinner or stick with just cake and ice cream?

What about decorations?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[fklhou]

My son is an Eagle and has five palms. I am the troops COR and end up on all of the Eagle boards for our troop (other than my son's of course). A ECOH is fun but not that overly reiligious. Gifts are entirely up to your son's discretiion. There will be a nice reception afterwards. We just had two ECOH in the last three months for our troop and have another one at the end of the month.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the information, everyone!

I will have DS bring a "congratulations" card with some money in it. We really don't know the boy well enough to pick out a gift that would be meaningful, and I know cash is usually always appreciated

Geoff: The silver eagle coin also sounds like a good idea though. Would I get this through our local bank??

 

[hercamore]

SS,

You might check at the local Boy Scout Council Office for Eagle Scout gifts. There used to be Eagle Scout gifts in their catalog.

herc.

 

[Geoff_M]

The silver eagle coin also sounds like a good idea though. Would I get this through our local bank??

Any local coin shop should have them.