Eagle Scout question?

[Kimberle]

I got a "save the date" note for a Eagle Scout ceremony for a nephew. What exactly does this mean? Do we bring a gift? If so, how large? Is it just him or are there several boys? I know it's an honor, other than that I've never had any involvement with boy scouts.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hello, and contratulations to your nephew!

Becoming an Eagle Scout takes months and years of effort and involvement in Scouting. The final requirement is the individual scouts 'Eagle Project', which is usually a considerable community service project.

This is not just a scout function for any scouts at a certain level.
This is a real personal achievement for the boy.
It is not like a Scout Troop Commencement. But an event for the new Eagle Scout, planned by him and his family.

My son's Eagle Scout Ceremony involved catered food (not fancy, a nice barbeque) and a short slide-show of him (and some of his troop-mates) as they enjoyed scouting activities and achievements... Starting with a photo of my son as a kid in his first, brand new, cub scout uniform... And ending with his Eagle Scout portrait type photo. (this was set to music of 'The Climb', sung by British X-Factor winner Joe McElderry)

In my son's scout troop, the ScoutMaster likes to make sure that there is an impromptu 'roast', where those who know the Scout well, tell funny personal stories, like "That time at camp when he.... "

It was a very, very, special evening.

Do attend, if at all possible.
Gifts are not the focus.
But, a gift might be nice.
Seriously, with teens, some cash or a nice gift-card in a Congratulations Card would be great.

 

[Sadie22]

Right, definitely go if you can. This is a big milestone for this young man. If you want to give him a congratulatory card or letter, you may, and if you want to include a monetary gift, that's fine, but it's not required. How the events are conducted are a matter of troop custom and/or what the family wants. I would call the parents and ask the questions. Some troops handle all the arrangements and all the parents bring food. In others it's up to the family to provide the refreshments. We've done both.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I got a "save the date" note for a Eagle Scout ceremony for a nephew. What exactly does this mean? Do we bring a gift? If so, how large? Is it just him or are there several boys? I know it's an honor, other than that I've never had any involvement with boy scouts.

Congratulations to your nephew. As noted, this is a high achievement within the scouting program.

Generally a Eagle Court of Honor is for the one boy receiving it, although we have attended some in our troop that did combined ones.

Gifts are not required. Most of the people attending both our son's COH just gave a congrats card. Some gave a small item (usually eagle-themed) like a pen set or playing cards. Some gave money/gift cards (not many).

In our troop, the family (parents) are the primary party responsible for setting up the COH. But our troop has a dedicated scoutmaster who sends out requests (and pays for printing & mailing) to prominent people (sport figures/teams, business people, political people, etc.) for letters of congratulations to the Eagle Scout.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Agree with the above responses. I would give him a gift card to his favorite fast-food place.

 

[Jedana]

I haven't been to one yet, but I was told that Mike Rowe (from Dirty Jobs) does congrats letters to Eagle Scouts!

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/03/08/eagle-letters/

 

[aprilgail2]

I have been to a few and have always given cash (not a lot just like 25-30.00). My friend said almost everyone that went gave her son either cash or a gift card. We sat through a ceremony and a bunch of speeches, then they had a catered dinner, dessert and we went home.

 

[Geoff_M]

As an Eagle Scout, and father of one too, I can assure you that all that is required is your presence. If you want to give a small gift, that's welcome, but it's up to you. All that the Scout really cares about that day is getting the medal pinned to his chest in front of family and friends. He's not thinking about dollar signs.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I haven't been to one yet, but I was told that Mike Rowe (from Dirty Jobs) does congrats letters to Eagle Scouts!

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/03/08/eagle-letters/

That's because he's an Eagle Scout.

 

[Kimberle]

Thanks everybody.

 

[TEENEE]

Scoutstuff.org has some nice Eagle Scout gifts.

 

[christineann]

My nephew did his Eagle Scout project with the local animal shelter, and we made a contribution to the animal shelter in his honor in lieu of a gift. He was very happy with that.

Attaining Eagle Scout is an awesome accomplishment!

 

[marthachick]

DS is an Eagle Scout. He has several friends that are Eagle Scouts also. I like to give them a Silver Eagle Dollar minted the year they get their Eagle if I can. It's a great keepsake.

And Congrats to your nephew!

 

[lvloopingbag]

DS just had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor a few weeks ago. Most folks gave cash or gift cards. There were a few who didn't, but that is OK.

We had a basket out where folks could place their cards/gifts, and this is what several other scouts have done, from what we observed, when taking mental notes for the ceremony.

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

My son is an Eagle Scout. For his court of honor, he received cards with either money or gift cards. The most common amount for close family/friends was $50; for scout families it was $20-$30. I'd say maybe half of the scout families gave him a card. It certainly is not expected, but I do think it makes the event that much more special to receive at least a card of congratulations.

Our favorite card was from a fellow scout who comes from a family with minimal financial resources. Inside the card they had put several photos of my son at various scouting events. I really loved the fact that they gave him a very special gift even though they are enduring tough times. It was a very meaningful gift. I will remember that one the most.

When we attend a court of honor, our go-to amount is $25 (one time I had to give $30 because I didn't have any $5 bills! LOL). If you want to give him a cash gift, I'd say anything from $20-$50 would be within the normal. I'd say you'd want to give him at least a congrats card, seeing as he is a relative.

 

[belle7708]

I am attending the court of honor for my cousin in a few weeks and wanted to get him a flag case. For those familiar with Eagle Scouts, would you recommend any particular place to buy it? I checked out the scoutstuff.org site but the case was a little pricey ($115). Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I am attending the court of honor for my cousin in a few weeks and wanted to get him a flag case. For those familiar with Eagle Scouts, would you recommend any particular place to buy it? I checked out the scoutstuff.org site but the case was a little pricey ($115). Thanks!

It's not necessary to purchase gift through the scout stuff link. l believe you can find such items elsewhere. Try Amazon.