Read this list and call other Eagle moms for tips on this big event

I     Before attaining Eagle Rank:

• Verify troop records and council records on merit badges, rank, awards   and positions.
• Do a dry run in completing the Eagle application form so you can see what still needs to be completed.
• Star collecting memorabilia, merit badge cards, rank cards, and pictures for the display table.

II    Once Eagle paperwork is submitted to Council,                      start  working on this list...it takes time!

• Optional - Purchase shadow box ($79) or make eagle shape from nice wood ( it is the Eagle Scout's choice), purchase duplicate merit badges/ranks/positions/awards.  For merit badges and rank positions, the Scout Shop requires you to have the badge cards or to know the dates these were earned.  You must fill out the paperwork at the shop or you cannot purchase the badges.
• Do you need an Eagle square knot or an arrow of light square knot? (These are the adult renditions of scout awards.)
• Determine place of ceremony.  You can gamble on eight weeks from the date the Eagle paperwork was submitted or wait until the paperwork comes back.  Your choice!!
• Mail request for congratulatory letters to important people on the attainment of Eagle Rank and the upcoming ceremony.  There is a list on the internet (http://usscouts.org) for these addresses as well as ceremonies and much more.
• Choose the ceremony for the event four weeks before the event date.  The Scout Shop has a book on Eagle ceremonies that is more than the ceremonies at the internet site.  The troop also has a notebook on ceremonies; ask the scoutmaster for it.
• Select adults and boys to be in the ceremony and ask them at least three weeks before the event.  Give them copies of the ceremony with their parts clearly marked.  Don't forget the color guard and the escorts for the Eagle and his parents.  Involve as many other scouts as you can.
• Engrave plate for addition to Eagle plaque.  Make sure you use the same font that was used on the other plates.
• Eagle Scout- write "Thank You" speech so nothing is left to memory.
• If you are interested in the National Eagle Scout Association lifetime membership for your Eagle Scout, mail the form and money immediately so you will have a certificate by the time of the ceremony.  The form will come with the Eagle certificate and patch.  If this is to be a surprise, ask them not to mail the certificate and wallet card to the scout but to you ( the parent).  Otherwise it won't be a surprise.
  

• the tradition is a dark green matte and gold frame but you can do whatever the scout wants
• dark blue frame at Michael's is nice

•  Invitations are at the Scout Shop, 50 per package  
•  Kinko's cannot print these invitations, the paper is a nonstandard size  and is too thick
•  Allow one week for printing
•  Mail invitations two weeks before the ceremony
•  Mail invitations to Troop leadership, Eagle Scouts, friends, family, etc.
•  Make a flyer to hand out at the Tuesday Troop meeting before the ceremony

• Ask the Eagle Scout what he wants in the program, don't do anything he doesn't want.
• Program covers are at the Scout Shop, 50 per package use examples from other ceremonies to design your program
• Have Troop Scoutmaster review program before it is finalized. Have 100 copies to work with.

• Tom Thumb has the best price on cakes, full sheet is $40 and 1/2 sheet is $20, leave an invitation with them to make the eagle on the cake.
• Don't order the cake until four days before the event; they may lose it.
• Best price for balloons, plates, cups, forks and napkins is Party City
• Make an ice ring out of punch/juice and refrigerate all ingredients so that you do not have to deal with crushed ice.
• Trudy White has Boy Scout molds for candy, buy the candy at Michael's and melt/pour into molds.
•  Other moms in the troop can help with cookies and serving.
•  Punch bowl, glass or silver trays and tablecloths are a nice touch.

• Have extra film and batteries.
• Have someone take pictures with their own camera so they are already familiar with how to focus.
• Take shots before the ceremony of the refreshment table and display table.
• Get your group shots before the ceremony if possible.
• A video would be a great touch.  Interview some of the boys and adults after the ceremony is over.

•  Patch collection
•  Photo Album
•  Photos in frames
•  Shirts, hats, pinewood derby cars
•  Eagle Project workbook

•  Book or paper for quest to sign their name.
•  Have an adult at this table who will make sure all guest sign.

•  Need to start settig up at least  two and one half hours before the event.
•  Start ceremony practice one hour before the event time.
•  Check the sound system.

•  Troop and U.S. flags
•  Candles and rank signs
•  Matches
•  Tablecloth

•  Flowers and balloons on the refreshment and display tables make the occasion more festive.
•  It is also nice to have flowers near the ceremony table.
•  Music before and after the ceremony is also a nice touch.

XIII  After the event

• Eagle Scout should write thank you notes within two weeks of the ceremony.

        Congratulations..... Your Eagle has landed!

Prepared by Trudy White and converted to html by Gary Warrick            Revised 7/26/99