How much to give a new eagle scout?

[Swalphin]

Hi,
A friend's son sent us an invite to his " Eagle Court of Honor" this weekend.
We are not close friends have know each other for many years, but not close.
Anyway, what do I give, how much?
I know I got an invite is this a really big deal or do they invite lots of friends and family. I am not trying to be rude it was just short notice and I have things planned. Thanks in advance I am not at all familar with the scouts.

 

[sparklynails23]

I would just give him a card. The ceremony is the real reward. I've been to many. Did you donate to his eagle scout project? They usually don't invite tons of people to these, only special people.

 

[Swalphin]

Thanks for the reply, I do not even know what his project was. Nor did I know that he had to do a project, I really know nothing about the scout system.

 

[perdidochas]

Hi,
A friend's son sent us an invite to his " Eagle Court of Honor" this weekend.
We are not close friends have know each other for many years, but not close.
Anyway, what do I give, how much?
I know I got an invite is this a really big deal or do they invite lots of friends and family. I am not trying to be rude it was just short notice and I have things planned. Thanks in advance I am not at all familar with the scouts.

Give him a card. You might want to give a gift card to an outdoor store if you feel like giving him a gift. Think of it as a little more than a birthday party but not quite a graduation. Some Courts of Honors are very important events--our scoutmaster's son had a barbecue with a roasted pig for his Eagle COH.

 

[shortbun]

sparklynails is right. Eagle Scout is not about gifts or money and the ceremonies are usually attended by family and very close friends. Send a note of congratulations.

 

[Swalphin]

Thanks for the gift card idea, we have a Dick's close by. The invite says reception to follow at the church hall. I am proud of him, his mom has 5 kids!!
She has done a great job as a mother

 

[Geoff_M]

A card is more than enough. You were invited because your friend wanted you to be at the ceremony, gifts are not expected. If the Scout were a family member or a kid that you are close to, then you may want to add a small gift, but that's above and beyond.

 

[Swalphin]

sparklynails is right. Eagle Scout is not about gifts or money and the ceremonies are usually attended by family and very close friends. Send a note of congratulations.

Ok, very close friends, we are friends but I never thought very close. That is what I am confused about. I don't want to be rude, I just honestly don't know. If I do not go will she be really insulted, I got the invite yesterday for this Sunday.

 

[Hannathy]

I would give a card an put $20 in it or a gift card or get something memorable for him to keep like a fancy pen with an eagle, or a engraved picture frame for him to put a picture from the ceremony. I think of it gift wise like a high school graduation of a friend but not nephew or super close friend.

 

[KiminChicago]

In the last report I read, only 4% of Scouts ever make it to the Eagle rank so it is definitely something to be proud of!

However, as the mom of a Star Scout, I'd suggest something other than a gift card to an outdoors store if you feel you must give a gift. My son already has a ton of camping, fishing, etc. equipment from all his years as a Scout. Since most of the young men attaining the Eagle rank are right around 18, we figure cash is always welcome.

 

[Swalphin]

Thanks for all of the insight on scouts. I decided to go to the ceremony, I feel bad that I even gave it a second thought. He is a very good boy as are all of his siblings. I am going to him some cash, his parents are not wealthy and I am sure he could use the cash.

 

[KiminChicago]

Please don't feel bad, you have no way of knowing what's involved unless you have a son who has been a Scout. These days it has become more popular to bash the Scouting program for what it isn't than to applaud it for what it is....

 

[Sadie22]

Thanks for all of the insight on scouts. I decided to go to the ceremony, I feel bad that I even gave it a second thought. He is a very good boy as are all of his siblings. I am going to him some cash, his parents are not wealthy and I am sure he could use the cash.

That is so great that you decided to attend the ceremony for this special young man. The Trail to Eagle is long and hard and this is a major achievement. Your presence will be a gift to the honoree and a little extra cash is always welcome at this point in a young person's life.

 

[Swalphin]

Thanks everyone, I honestly did not know anybody who was a scout. My brothers and nephews were not. I did not realize how hard it is to reach Eagle, I have done some googling about it and now realize what this young man did to reach his goal.
I also feel like maybe my friendship to his mom meant more to her than I realized, so 2 lessons learned.
I really appreciate all the help.

 

[Disney Doll]

Friend probably $25. I just sent my nephew $50 for his.

 

[Hannathy]

In the last report I read, only 4% of Scouts ever make it to the Eagle rank so it is definitely something to be proud of!

However, as the mom of a Star Scout, I'd suggest something other than a gift card to an outdoors store if you feel you must give a gift. My son already has a ton of camping, fishing, etc. equipment from all his years as a Scout. Since most of the young men attaining the Eagle rank are right around 18, we figure cash is always welcome.

I agree with this. they are getting ready to head of to School and their days of camping will be a lot less. and by the time they have made Eagle they have most of the stuff they need or else they have had some cold nights doing there winter camp needed for Eagle! LOL