OT: What kind of gift for Eagle Scout ceremony?

[dex08]

This is way OT but I'm clueless about these things.

We just received an invitation to my nephew's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. This is where they pin him or whatever it is they do because he has passed everything to become an Eagle Scout. It's a huge big dot deal.

He's also graduating from high school this May, but my sister said that this Eagle Scout ceremony means more to him than his HS graduation. He'd rather us come to his Eagle Scout ceremony than his graduation but DH's couldn't take off on vacation for this but we will make it to graduation.

So what kind of gift does one give for this honor? I was figuring we'd give him a large cash gift for graduation so he could use for college expenses but not sure on this.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[a1tinkfans]

WOW! It really is a HUGE accomplishment and a lot of dedicated work hours to get that honor, a true HONOR it is!!
CONGRATULATIONS to this young man!!!!!



As far as a gift goes, I really think Cash is always appreciated ...I mean, if you knew his likes : ie is he a camper? Outdoorsy type?, you could get him a "specific type" gift card

 

[dawson5]

go to the scout store and see what they suggest. We've seen things from cash, to really nice ($$$) pocket knives, to a handcarved walking stick with information on it. I think it had the dates where the boy achieved certain milestones in the process (1st class, 2nd class, etc.) but this was from the parent.

 

[Sadie22]

Definitely ask your sister and brother-in-law (but they may be clueless as well).

It's too bad you cannot be present for this special event, for your own sake as well as the young man's since you said he really wanted you there. It is more important than high school graduation to many young men who make it all the way on the Eagle trail. I know how hard it is to schedule these events, however.

Cash in a card or letter of congratulations with a suggestion he put it toward a lifetime membership in the National Eagle Scout Association or anything he would treasure would probably be best. Yes, the council Scout store will have paperweights and other items that can even be engraved, but many of those items become dust catchers and sometimes mean more to mom than to the recipient.

My sons had specific needs at that time in their lives and didn't want to be tied to shopping at particular stores so a check rather than gift cards may be the way to go.

 

[dex08]

Definitely ask your sister and brother-in-law (but they may be clueless as well).

Here's the sad part too.... my brother-in-law passed away in January 2007. It's going to be so sad because his father was so supportive in his quest for Eagle.

Thanks to all for your suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

 

[Mickey527]

My son never made it to Eagle, he dropped scouts about 2 months before he finished the requirements because the kids in his HS made such fun of him being a scout. That is a HUGE accomplishment to make Eagle.
I would recommend going to the scout store also. they will steer you into the right gift. Or try a place like Time to Remember or maybe Hallmark store. My son wanted the Military figurines they sell at Time to Remember. They are about 12" tall and are of military men and women in full uniform. I told him he would get them when he made Eagle so I never bought them.
He is in the Marines now so I might just have to get him one. But if he had made Eagle he would have gone in one rank above the other boys and it helps on college applications too.

 

[cart-mom]

Have a son that is Life so I've been to a few of these ceremonies before. Here's what I've done and seen - I have made a few Fleece blankets (no sew project and they LOVED the blankets so much), I gave a necklace to one that was sort of a knot that I thought signified strength and endurance, and for one I gave a visa gift card because it came up quickly and I couldn't think of what to get this kid that I did'nt know very well (my son is his brother's friend). Other gifts I've seen are a watch, a homemade blanket made from the boys old tee shirts and yes, just cards with money. There are loads of special gifts specifically for Eagle Scout online or at a scout store if you have one near you. This is a big thing for him and since this is your nephew and his father has passed already, I would personally suggest a more personal gift than cash for this event. This will be with him for the rest of his life - he can put it on his resume and people will be impressed by it. There are many products on the market with Eagles on them. Perhaps a statue, a plaque or a book on eagles or something. Maybe a special flag flown over the capital in his honor on a special date.

Go for the cash for graduation and something special for this event even if you won't be able to attend. Hope this helps.

I'll keep thinking and ask around - if I come up with more ideas I will post them.

 

[Sadie22]

Here's the sad part too.... my brother-in-law passed away in January 2007. It's going to be so sad because his father was so supportive in his quest for Eagle.

Thanks to all for your suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

Dex08, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law. One of my son's buddies lost his dad during his high school years as well. The man was loved by all the boys. The scoutmasters became even more important in that boy's life when his father became ill and after he died -- they tried to give him some extra attention. There was of course a special dedication to dad during the Eagle Court of Honor.

Is the distance so great that neither you nor your husband can attend? This is so much more personal than a high school graduation, the two cannot be compared. We had some relatives choose not to attend oldest's Court of Honor. He was so hurt. If you really can't possibly make it please make sure your nephew understands why.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Yes, this really is a HUGE event! Congratulations to your nephew!!

Only around 4-5% of all scouts achieve Eagle. He will be able to list this honor on college and job applications. This can be listed on his resume and will give him an edge. He will ALWAYS be an Eagle Scout until the day he dies (very long time from now, I pray) and it can be mentioned in any type of life achievement announcement. There have been years of work and dedication that it took for him to earn this rank.

My son just earned his First Class rank (ranks from lowest to highest: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle). I hope he has the internal strength to get to Eagle.

But, to answer your question, 2010 is the 100th year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. What a year for him to earn his Eagle! Maybe something commemorating the anniversary would be extra special to him? Check out the BSA's online shop at ScoutStuff.org or the National Eagle Association's shop at www.nesa.org/scoutstuff2.html. There is something in all price ranges.

ETA: I just read your post about the loss of his dad. I'm so very sorry. I'm sure it will be a bittersweet ceremony.

 

[dex08]

My son never made it to Eagle, he dropped scouts about 2 months before he finished the requirements because the kids in his HS made such fun of him being a scout. That is a HUGE accomplishment to make Eagle.
I would recommend going to the scout store also. they will steer you into the right gift. Or try a place like Time to Remember or maybe Hallmark store. My son wanted the Military figurines they sell at Time to Remember. They are about 12" tall and are of military men and women in full uniform. I told him he would get them when he made Eagle so I never bought them.
He is in the Marines now so I might just have to get him one. But if he had made Eagle he would have gone in one rank above the other boys and it helps on college applications too.

My nephew is made fun of also but he shakes it off. Now that your son is in the Marine Corp you should get the figurines for him! He's serving our country and that' such an awesome thing!! And if he's made it through Marine Boot Camp -- that's an accomplishment!

My nephew has already received many scholarships and is 99% set on Auburn University!

 

[dex08]

Have a son that is Life so I've been to a few of these ceremonies before. Here's what I've done and seen - I have made a few Fleece blankets (no sew project and they LOVED the blankets so much), I gave a necklace to one that was sort of a knot that I thought signified strength and endurance, and for one I gave a visa gift card because it came up quickly and I couldn't think of what to get this kid that I did'nt know very well (my son is his brother's friend). Other gifts I've seen are a watch, a homemade blanket made from the boys old tee shirts and yes, just cards with money. There are loads of special gifts specifically for Eagle Scout online or at a scout store if you have one near you.

Congrats to your son that made it to Eagle and thx for the great ideas!

This is a big thing for him and since this is your nephew and his father has passed already, I would personally suggest a more personal gift than cash for this event. This will be with him for the rest of his life - he can put it on his resume and people will be impressed by it. There are many products on the market with Eagles on them. Perhaps a statue, a plaque or a book on eagles or something. Maybe a special flag flown over the capital in his honor on a special date.

Go for the cash for graduation and something special for this event even if you won't be able to attend. Hope this helps.

I'll keep thinking and ask around - if I come up with more ideas I will post them.

That's what I'm thinking too -- cash is not as personal and it's a huge deal for him!

Thanks!

 

[dex08]

Dex08, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law. One of my son's buddies lost his dad during his high school years as well. The man was loved by all the boys. The scoutmasters became even more important in that boy's life when his father became ill and after he died -- they tried to give him some extra attention. There was of course a special dedication to dad during the Eagle Court of Honor.

Is the distance so great that neither you nor your husband can attend? This is so much more personal than a high school graduation, the two cannot be compared. We had some relatives choose not to attend oldest's Court of Honor. He was so hurt. If you really can't possibly make it please make sure your nephew understands why.

Thank you, Sadie22. It's been really difficult for my sister. They started dating when she was in her teens and is the only man she ever dated. He was loved by so many! I've never been to funeral attended by so many people!

They are about a 15 hour drive, so no way for us to attend. Flights are not in the budget and we'd already planned to attend his graduation in May. DH can't get off work for the Eagle Court of Honor.

My nephew is a great kid and he does understand. In fact, he has reminded me that I made the choice to move to NJ from TN and that is why I miss out on family things. Such a wise child for his young age.

 

[dex08]

Yes, this really is a HUGE event! Congratulations to your nephew!!

Only around 4-5% of all scouts achieve Eagle. He will be able to list this honor on college and job applications. This can be listed on his resume and will give him an edge. He will ALWAYS be an Eagle Scout until the day he dies (very long time from now, I pray) and it can be mentioned in any type of life achievement announcement. There have been years of work and dedication that it took for him to earn this rank.

My son just earned his First Class rank (ranks from lowest to highest: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle). I hope he has the internal strength to get to Eagle.

Good luck to your son!!!!

But, to answer your question, 2010 is the 100th year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. What a year for him to earn his Eagle! Maybe something commemorating the anniversary would be extra special to him? Check out the BSA's online shop at ScoutStuff.org or the National Eagle Association's shop at www.nesa.org/scoutstuff2.html. There is something in all price ranges.

Was not aware of this!! So cool! I'll check out those websites.. thanks!

ETA: I just read your post about the loss of his dad. I'm so very sorry. I'm sure it will be a bittersweet ceremony.

Thank you.

 

[tinatark]

Maybe a contribution in his honor and his dad's memory to their church? Or, something connected to his Eagle Scout project?

 

[Buckeye Princess]

I knew my husband was an Eagle Scout when I met him, but I didn't fully appreciate what I big deal it was. Then we were camping one time and there were a lot of current and former scouts around the area. I'd be talking to one and I'd say, "oh my husband here was a scout". They'd say "oh, that is nice/cool/neat" something like that. Then it would somehow come up that he was an Eagle Scout and it was "WOW/ AMAZING/Etc" and their whole demeanor and amount of respect changed. So yes, congratulations to your nephew because it is a huge deal.

My husband is not a terribly sentimental person. If you ask him about something he has that was a gift, he knows he received it as a gift, but doesn't remember why or from who usually. But all of his eagle scout gifts he remembers exactly why and who and he definitely has attached sentimental value. Some things he received: a nice leather briefcase, a watch with the underside engraved with the date of the honor, and vintage compass that was his grandfather's (also an eagle scout.) I'd try to pick things that are lasting like this. He also got some "scouty" things like camping gear. But as technology increases, a lot of that stuff becomes obsolete. We now backpack so we don't use any of it as we have replaced it all with new super lightweight equipment.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Congratulations to your nephew! My son is inches away from being a Life scout (rank below Eagle). I'm he makes it through to Eagle! If he does, my plan is to make him a quilt. (Joann's has boy scout fabric.) I'll also get him a desk clock with the Eagle symbol on it. I definately agree with alot of the scout shop niknacks becoming just dust collectors, but he asked for the foolish clock when he was a Tiger (6 years old.) He'd look for it every time we went in the scout shop and I promised I'd buy it when he made Eagle. (Of course now it's discontinued and I'm scouring ebay for one. )

My best idea is a heartfelt note saying how proud you are of him, how much work and dedication he put into making Eagle, how proud his dad would be of him.... I'm thinking that would be something he would save and pull out maybe on a rough day.

As said, a scout shop would have commorative items. (scoutstuff.org) I think something he could use anyway- such as a pocket knife or wallet {could tuck in a gift card, too}- with the Eagle emblem would be nice. I know ranks earned this year all have reference to 100th anniversary, I'm not sure if there are extra 100th anniversary Eagle things, but that would be nice since he did it in a "good" year, too!

If his mom has pictures on up through his scouting years, and you happen to scrapbook, there is an Eagle scrapbook and scrapbook "things". Scout shop has them, but I think I've seen them at Michaels too.

 

[XYSRUS]

Just went to my nephew's Eagle Scout ceremony last week. I gave him money. Then took him to his cousin's 30th Vegas night bday party! Cash is king at that age!

 

[dex08]

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

After what Buckeye Princess said about her DH not being sentimental but remembering every Eagle gift he received and then the mention of a watch with his date on the back, I'm leaning toward a Swiss Army Victorinox chronograph watch with engraving on the back. Not Budget Board friendly but I know he will cherish forever.

My nephew is such a great kid and he really does deserve something nice for this honor. Cash to him is really not a great gift --- he's such a good saver that he has quite the stash of cash and it won't mean as much to him. I know his father would have gotten him something really super nice and I don't think my sister will think to get him such an extravagant gift.

 

[Sadie22]

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

After what Buckeye Princess said about her DH not being sentimental but remembering every Eagle gift he received and then the mention of a watch with his date on the back, I'm leaning toward a Swiss Army Victorinox chronograph watch with engraving on the back. Not Budget Board friendly but I know he will cherish forever.

My nephew is such a great kid and he really does deserve something nice for this honor. Cash to him is really not a great gift --- he's such a good saver that he has quite the stash of cash and it won't mean as much to him. I know his father would have gotten him something really super nice and I don't think my sister will think to get him such an extravagant gift.

That's a great idea!

 

[MinnieForMe]

We went to one last weekend and decided with the number of people attending that he would get a ton of "scouting related" items. We decided $100 to buy things he needed for college might be appreciated!