Court of Honor

The court of honor is a formal recognition of the Scout’s achievements, with family and friends attending. It is designed to publicly recognize the hard work and achievement of those Scouts earning awards. In Troop 764 courts of honor are held the week following boards of review. The troop makes courts of honor special by holding them in a dignified manner with special ceremonies. Refreshments are served afterwards to provide a social setting for the troop to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

While the court of honor is a special event, it is important to Scouts are recognized immediately for their achievements. Thus, the troop follows BSA’s suggestion to award new badges to Scouts as soon as possible after the awards have been earned, usually in the next troop meeting. Awards earned are not held until the next court of honor.

·         Scouts receiving awards between courts of honor will:

o        Receive their badge and completed blue card at the next troop meeting.

o        Receive their white merit badge record card and be recognized at the next court of honor.

·         Scouts receiving awards resulting from boards of review will receive their award, blue card, and white record card at the next court of honor.

 

 

Questions

How often are courts of honor held in Troop 764?

About every other month. Please check the troop calendar for exact dates.

 

Where are courts of honor held?

They are held at the Scout Hut, in the main troop meeting room.

 

How long does a court of honor last?

Usually there is a troop meeting that is followed by the court of honor. The court lasts from 30-45 minutes. Eagle Scout courts of honor last 60-90 minutes, including refreshments.

 

Who runs the court of honor?

Many people are involved in putting on a successful court of honor:

·         That night –

o        The Scoutmaster hands out rank awards to all Scouts and merit badges earned by the senior patrol leader. He also awards troop awards (e.g., ribbons that are hung on the troop flag).

o        The senior patrol leader hands out merit badges earned by the patrol leaders and the assistant senior patrol leader.

o        Patrol leaders hand out merit badges earned by the members of their patrol.

o        The advancement court of honor coordinators arrange for refreshments (snacks and drinks).

 

·         Behind the scenes, leading up to that night –

o        The Scoutmaster conducts Scoutmaster conferences.

o        The boards of review coordinator sets up boards of review.

o        Various adults in the troop conduct boards of review.

o        The merit badge coordinator assigns merit badge counselors to Scouts requesting one.

o        Merit badge counselors advise Scouts for various merit badges.

o        The advancement chair collects completed merit badge blue cards, buys badges, completes the white record cards, gives these materials to the Scoutmaster for presentation, and tells the advancement records coordinator which Scouts have advanced.

o        The advancement records coordinator puts new advancement data into the computer.

 

Who can come to a court of honor?

The troop encourages a strong turnout from parents, other family members, and friends to show support for the Scouts earning awards. Even if your son isn’t recognized at a court of honor, your presence may encourage him and others to keep striving.

 

What’s an Eagle Scout court of honor like?

Because of the special nature of these ceremonies, Eagle Scout courts of honor are separate events. They are not held in conjunction with regular troop courts of honor. The Eagle Scout, his parents, and various troop members carefully plan a scripted, dignified event to recognize the Eagle Scout as earning Scouting’s highest award. Preparation of the ceremony may take many weeks, and is individually developed to reflect the style of ceremony the Scout and his parents would like. Outside speakers are often part of the program. The Eagle Scout’s family usually prints invitations and programs on special Eagle Scout stationery purchased at the Scout Shop. The court is usually followed by a buffet dinner or heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Fellowship Hall at St. Luke’s, with food prepared, brought, and served by many troop families. Everyone in the troop is invited to attend this special event.

 

 

So You Know Advancement?

Test Your Skills!

Court of Honor

 

True or false –

Always wait until the next court of honor to present award to a Scout.

False. Immediate gratification is important to boys. Awards should always be presented as soon as possible after the Scout earns them. Scouts should be recognized at the next court of honor, but awards should not be held until then.

 

No one should attend a court of honor except the Scouts receiving awards.

False. Everyone in the troop should attend to show support for the boys earning awards and for the troop program. Parents, other family, and friends are encouraged to come.

 

An Eagle Scout court of honor should be planned like any other court of honor.

False. Eagle courts of honor are separate events, requiring significant advance preparation.