Eagle Scout Induction

[Disney Deb]

My daughter's boyfriend has made Eagle Scout and his family is making him a luncheon/ceremony in a few weeks. I am overjoyed that our family is invited because we adore him and are very proud of him!!

However, we have never been to a celebration of this kind and want to gift him something appropriate (either monetary or otherwise). Can anyone offer any help or suggestions? Thanks a ton!!

 

[KiminChicago]

The last couple we've gone to for young men in DS's troop, we've gotten Best Buy gift cards. We thought about getting a gift card to Cabela's. but figured if they made it all the way to Eagle, they probably have all the outdoor gear they could ever need. However, I don't think young men ever have enough video games or electronics.

 

[shirleyb]

My oldest is an Eagle Scout, my middle son as well, although we haven't had his ceremony yet. At my oldest's ceremony, he was given some gifts, some gift cards, and some cash.

 

[Quiksilvr]

Well, my Eagle Scout Court of Honor was a long time ago (15 years ago or so), but I guess I have some thoughts on this. My recollection is that there were roughly three groups: (1) didn't give me anything, (2) gave me cash (or cash equivalents), and (3) other.

At this point of my life, I can't really remember who was in (1) or (2).

What I do remember are the gifts that were designed to be commemorative of the occasion. A relative gave me a very tasteful woven blanket with an eagle design that I still use to this day. A friend gave me a framed picture of an eagle in flight that had a scriptoral quote embedded in it. This picture hangs on one of my walls today. Most importantly, my grandfather carved an eagle bust for me that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I guess the moral of my anecdote is that, while at the time I might have been happier with a few dollars I could blow on something, many years later the other gifts are the ones I cherish. They don't necessarily have to be handmade like my grandfather's gift, but I recommend something that the kid will be able to associate with his eagle award years down the road.

For ideas, the Boy Scouts of America has a website that has a subsection for Eagle gifts. The selection is much better now than it was 15 years ago.

 

[dennis99ss]

waterford eagle, or something like it.

something signed by lord Baden Powell

frame the invite/announcement

just thoughts

 

[pixiewings71]

My DBF is an Eagle Scout, he had the picture of an eagle, a throw and a few other knick knack things that were lost in our house fire. He also got a pocketknife and money but the money was spent years ago. LOL His cousin just got Eagle Scout a few weeks ago, we gave him a congrats card and a nice pocket knife.

 

[Geoff_M]

I like to give US Silver Eagle coins minted in the year they earned their Eagle. Any local coin shop should have them.

 

[dex08]

My nephew recently had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor and I had posted a similar thread on the Budget Board. You may find some of the ideas on that thread helpful. We ended up getting my nephew a Swiss Army chronograph watch.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2423280

 

[donac]

The US mint has a new coin to commemorate the 100th year of BOy Scouting. I have not seen it but I heard that it is pretty cool.

 

[kendall]

Since it is your daughter's boyfriend, I would give a gift.
Silver eagle coin minted the year of his eagle is nice idea - we actually gave DS two: one minted the year of his birth, the other the year of his Eagle (which also happened to be the year of his 18th birthday).
I agree, the gifts that commemorate the event are probably highly valued by the Eagle Scout - DS treasured those gifts because they represented and recognized the work and achievement associated with attaining the rank. His troop traditionally gives an embroidered scout baseball cap with the troop number, an Eagle, and "Eagle Scout"; he received some eagle-embroidered towels (which he took to college). The framed items are stored in his closet here at home at this point.

 

[mommytoe]

The US mint has a new coin to commemorate the 100th year of BOy Scouting. I have not seen it but I heard that it is pretty cool.

My ds got 1 of these from the senior group at our church. He loves it and keeps it on a shelf in his room. It was his favorite gift.

Of course, my ds is also a coin collector.

 

[shirleyb]

Well, my Eagle Scout Court of Honor was a long time ago (15 years ago or so), but I guess I have some thoughts on this. My recollection is that there were roughly three groups: (1) didn't give me anything, (2) gave me cash (or cash equivalents), and (3) other.

At this point of my life, I can't really remember who was in (1) or (2).

What I do remember are the gifts that were designed to be commemorative of the occasion. A relative gave me a very tasteful woven blanket with an eagle design that I still use to this day. A friend gave me a framed picture of an eagle in flight that had a scriptoral quote embedded in it. This picture hangs on one of my walls today. Most importantly, my grandfather carved an eagle bust for me that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I guess the moral of my anecdote is that, while at the time I might have been happier with a few dollars I could blow on something, many years later the other gifts are the ones I cherish. They don't necessarily have to be handmade like my grandfather's gift, but I recommend something that the kid will be able to associate with his eagle award years down the road.

For ideas, the Boy Scouts of America has a website that has a subsection for Eagle gifts. The selection is much better now than it was 15 years ago.

This is a good point, and you know it pertains to most gift giving occasions. When I think back to my wedding 20+ years ago, I couldn't tell you who gave me cash, but I still look at a crystal vase or a handmade item and remember the person who gave it to me.

 

[geffric]

My oldest is an Eagle. His most cherished gifts are the framed Eagle certificate and badge. He took that to college and his framed vigil certifcate... having said that, every gift is special.. in our case my son couldnt afford college on his own so every dollar he got was special as it made his dream come true.. he got between $25 and $50 from many people..

 

[Disney Deb]

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I love the coin idea (birth year and year of Court of Honor). We'll probably do a combination of a meaningful gift and $$$ since he's starting college this fall.

 

[RobDoc]

What a wonderful gesture for a deserving young man.

I'm approaching the 50th anniversary of my Eagle ceremony and I know he will appreciate anything you wish to do to congratulate him. I can't say I can remember any of the gifts I received at the time, but I do remember the well wishes of family and friends and the strong meaning of the award itself. He has worked extremely hard to earn that award and that itself will serve him well in his future endeavors.