Materials:
- Troop Flag with Flagpole
- U.S. Flag with Flagpole
- Matches for lighting candles
- Log candle holder with 12 white candles
- Second Class Scout poster
- 4 Second Class Scout Certificates
- Life Scout Certificate (with pin)
Personnel:
- Troop 316
- Ben Batdorff
- Troop Committee Chairman Dave Holderread
- Scoutmaster John McCarthy
- Mr. Don Batdorff
- Mrs. Rose Batdorff
Setting: A table in the middle of the front of the room with the log candle holder on it with 12 white candles on it. The U.S. flag on the left of the table, from the audience's view. The post for the troop flag on the right of the table.
Welcome and Introduction:
Anaconda and Lightning Patrols come from the back of the room with the Troop flag. They place the Troop flag in the holder.
Scouts move to right of table.
As the scouts stop at the right hand side of the table, Senior Patrol Leader Ben Batdorff steps forward and says:
"I would like to welcome all of you who have come tonight to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Troop 316."
"Please join me in welcoming the members of our Court of Honor, Scoutmaster John McCarthy and Troop Committee Chairman Dave Holderread."
Ben steps to the right of the table, with the other Scouts.
Dave Holderread says:
"This Court of Honor is hereby convened to recognize the achievements of the Scouts of BSA Troop 316."
Second Class Ceremony:
John McCarthy calls 2nd class Scouts Michael Robbe, Jim Holderread, Ethan McCarthy, and Alex Hughes to the front of the table to stand with him.
John says:
"I would like to ask Scouts Jim Holderread, Alex Hughes, Ethan McCarthy, and Michael Robbe to please step forward."
Dan and Aaron hold the 2nd class poster up behind the table.
John says:
"Once before you stood before this court and became Tenderfoot Scouts. Time has passed since then. You have used that time well in pursuing Scout Activities and knowledge and have distinguished yourselves by qualifying for Second Class Rank."
"This rank of Second Class represents to you the opportunities for service to others. By living according to the Scout Oath and Law, you are adding your bit to the fires of good citizenship."
"I know that you will wear the Second Class badge with honor and distinction. To prove that you know the rules by which this award may be worn honorably, I ask you to lead the Troop in the Scout Law."
"Will the members of the troop please stand and give the Scout sign."
Dave holds up the lighter to signal the Scouts to begin./P>
Scouts:
"A Scout is Trustworthy"
After each point of the law that the Scouts recite, Dave lights one more candle and holds up his lighter to signal the scouts to recite the next point of the law, until all twelve candles are lit.
"A Scout is Loyal"
"A Scout is Helpful"
"A Scout is Friendly"
"A Scout is Courteous"
"A Scout is Kind"
"A Scout is Obedient"
"A Scout is Cheerful"
"A Scout is Thrifty"
"A Scout is Brave"
"A Scout is Clean"
"A Scout is Reverent"
John says:
"I present to each of you the Rank Advancement Card, documenting your achievement."
John says each of the Scouts names in turn and Dave and John congratulate each boy and shake his hand as they give him his certificate.
The Scouts return to stand with the rest of the troop.
Life Scout Rank Ceremony:
John says:
"Since the last Court of honor one Scout has advanced to Life Rank. I ask Ben Batdorff and his parents to come forward."
John says:
"Ben, in receiving your Life Rank you are approaching your last step toward Eagle."
"You have shown that you can lead your troop in service and share in the Scouting experiences you have received. Tonight, you are entering that select group who will work directly towards their Eagle rank. In doing so, you must not only give service. You must also lead others in performing a service project of your choosing. Your willingness to do so will be a pledge of service and a sign that you understand the ideals of scouting. When you are finished with the requirements, you will indeed be worthy to join those few who are Eagle Scouts. May your Life Scout badge be a constant reminder of service that will shine as a guide to lead you on the trail to manhood."
John picks up the mother's pin and says:
"This miniature badge is for your mother in recognition of her love, comradeship, and faith in you. Take it and pin it on her proudly."
Ben pins it on his mothers outfit.
John says:
"I present to you the Rank Advancement Card, documenting your achievement.""
John gives Ben the card and John and Dave congratulate Ben and shake his hand.
Ben faces the audience.
John faces Ben and says:
"Attention! Scout Salute! Two! Dismissed!"
Ben and his parents return to their original places.
Final Recognitions:
Dave says:
"I want to congratulate all you Scouts of Troop 316 for your accomplishments. We are proud of you as members of our troop."
John reviews the other recent accomplishments of the Scouts, e.g. Junior Leader Training, Merit badges, etc.:
John says:
"We also wish to recognize Ben Batdorff for completing the Environmental Science and Lifesaving Merit Badges since our last quarterly Court of Honor in August."
"In addition, we wish to recognize Ben Furney, Jim Holderread, Alex Hughes, Ethan McCarthy, and Michael Robbe for successfully completing the "Building the Team" portion of BSA Junior Leader Training. These Scouts are each being given a leadership assignment. After successfully completing this assignment, they will all be able to wear the BSA Trained Leader emblem on their uniforms."
Closing:
Dave says:
"This Court of Honor is now adjourned."
Last revised 11/27/01