CCP SCOUTING BANQUET
Boy Scout Court of Honor
Trinity United Methodist Church
Thursday, May 17, 2001, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Materials:
  • Troop Flag with Flagpole
  • U.S. Flag with Flagpole
  • Matches for lighting candles
  • Small log candle holder with 3 candles
  • Large green Troop 316 pillar candle
  • Star Scout Badge (with pin)
Personnel:
  • Scoutmaster John
  • Troop Committee Chairman Dave
  • Troop 316
  • Dan's parents, Gail and Mike
Setting: A table is set at the front of the room with a small log candle holder with 3 candles (red, white, and blue), the large green Troop 316 pillar candle, and matches. Two flagpoles are placed on either side of the table holding the U.S. flag and the troop flag. The troop flag is posted on the flagpole to the right end of the table (from the point of view of the audience). The U.S. flag is posted on the flagpole to the left end of the table (from the point of view of the audience).
John and Dave are seated behind the table.
Troop 316 is assembled, facing the audience, on the right end of the table.
Patriotic Opening
The Scouts of the Anaconda Patrol assemble in front of the table, before the small log candle holder with 3 candles.
Aaron lights the red candle, then says:
"The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our country."
Ben lights the white candle, then says:
"The white of my flag is for purity, cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed."
Dan lights the blue candle, then says:
"The blue of my flag is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens."
Steven salutes the flag.
The other Scouts of the Anaconda Patrol follow him in saluting the flag.
Steven says:
"My flag - the flag of America, home of liberty, land of opportunity, where people of all races and creeds live in peace and friendship together."
Welcome and Introduction
Dave says:
"This Court of Honor is hereby convened to recognize the achievements of the Scouts of BSA Troop 316."
Star Scout Ceremony (adapted from Star Scout Ceremony #1 - Woods Wisdom, page 468)
John says:
"Anaconda Patrol Leader Dan has earned the rank of Star Scout. "
Dan steps in front of the table, before the lighted candles, facing the audience.
John moves to the front of the table, standing next to Dan.
John says:
"Would Dan's parents please join their son, Dan, in this Star ceremony?"
Dan's parents come forward and stand next to Dan.
John says:
"Dan, in receiving your Star rank tonight you are taking a long step toward Eagle, the goal of all true Scouts. You have advanced toward manhood in a way that obligates you to give younger Scouts the service and experiences you have received. Tonight you are leaving that group which receives Scouting. You are now to be admitted to a smaller group whose privilege and duty it is to give to Scouting - to give leadership, guidance, and inspiration to younger Scouts who will follow your lead. Your willingness to do so will be a pledge of service and a sign that your understanding of the ideals of Scouting grow with your increasing stature. The fun and fellowship of the past will be accompanied in the future by a deep satisfaction with your service to others and your leadership of younger Scouts. Do you accept this pledge of service to younger Scouts as a personal obligation?"
Dan says:
"I do."
John says:
"I declare that you are qualified to receive the rank of Star Scout. I charge you to keep on the merit badge trail of Scouting spirit and participation and Scoutcraft until you reach the Eagle rank. Somewhere along this trail you will find manhood in its finest form. Keep the spirit of service alive in your daily life, for your sake and the sake of the Scouts who follow where you lead."
John says:
"This miniature badge is for your mother - in recognition of her love, comradeship, encouragement, and her faith in you. Take it and pin it on her proudly!"
Dan pins the badge on his mother's dress.
Dan faces the audience.
John says:
"May the Star Scout badge be a constant reminder of the star of service that will shine as a guide to lead you on the trail to manhood."
John says:
"Congratulations, Dan."
John gives Dan the Scouting handshake.
John says to Dan's parents:
"And congratulations to you."
The audience applauds.
Dan returns to stand with his fellow Scouts.
Dan's parents return to their seats in the audience.
John returns to stand behind the table.
Closing Ceremony
Dave says:
"I want to congratulate all you Scouts of Troop 316 for your accomplishments. We are proud to have you as members of our troop."
John reviews other accomplishments of the Scouts of Troop 316 since the last quarterly Court of Honor:
  • Ben - Music Merit Badge
  • Steven - Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
  • Dan - First Aid Merit Badge, Fingerprinting Merit Badge, Computers Merit Badge
Dave says:
"This Court of Honor is now adjourned. "
The members of the Court of Honor and the Scouts of Troop 316 take their seats in the audience.
Last revised 11/1/2004
John D. McCarthy