I have been invited to an Eagle Court of Honor for one of my former students. This is a very special one!
Do folks typically give gifts, and if so…what is appropriate?
Gifts aren’t necessary, but something simple is nice. Gift cards are always appreciated by high school students. If you can think of something that would remind him of his time in your class that would be cool… but in general, a nice card and an amazon gift card would probably be appreciated.
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This is actually a college age student…and I’m so proud of his accomplishment. I’m thinking he might like a pizza gift card…would that and a nice card be OK.
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I think so… it’s pretty cool that you were invited, and I think for the most part you showing up and giving a card and a small gift would be super nice. Pizza for college students is almost always appreciated. Or if you know where he’s going to college and know some of the good local restaurants a gift card to one of those would be nice as well.
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I agree that it’s wonderful you are invited and I’m sure he’d appreciate anything you give—gift cards are always appreciated and safe. I’m sure your presence will mean a lot to this young man.
I think the pizza is great, but another suggestion is if you know what his service project was, make a donation to that (if appropriate). Some of the projects are a ‘one and done’ type, but some are ongoing and take donations.
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I have been to several Eagle Courts of Honor and now that I am a leader in two troops I will be attending a lot more in the future; I’d say gifts are 50/50 - half give, half don’t. My standard is a $50 Amazon gift card. As DadBodThor said, though, if you can think of something small that is a little more personal, that would be nicer.
If you can’t or don’t want to give a gift, that is fine, too. It’s already really nice for the kids to have people who care in the audience. Your presence is more important than your presents. My D23 is working on her Eagle project right now and there are definitely some important people she would really like to attend her ECOH next spring - her first Scoutmaster, the Director of STEM Education from her middle school (who was an early mentor and with whom she still keeps in touch), her Girl Scout troop leader who helped her with her Gold Award and is also helping with her Eagle project. I know it will mean a LOT to her to have those people there, in person, to celebrate.
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I would write a special note letting him know how proud you are of him and what you admire about him and why he is special to you. Those meaningful things are kept and appreciated.
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Thank you all. I’m going to write a nice note, and get a gift card to a place I know this person likes.
I’ve never been to an Eagle Court of Honor before. I’m excited!
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Many of the boys in S’s troop became Eagles so we attended several ceremonies and dinners. I gave small gifts and hearty congratulations.
My son is an Eagle and I concur with all above - your presence is by far the best gift, followed by a meaningful note that acknowledges his accomplishment. The gift card will be much appreciated but not expected. You will enjoy the COH! My H was a scoutmaster and he has been known to shed a tear or 2 at some of them - particularly for the kids that really struggled to get across the finish line!
Gee, all we gave our Eagle was a big hug, but his grandpa made a large shadow box for displaying his Scouting mementos. No one else gave anything, just didn’t seem the thing to do. The ceremony was very touching as the other Scout who was slated to share our son’s COH had been killed in a Jeep rollover accident a couple of months prior, but he was honored posthumously. No dry eyes. Our son’s Navy BGO spoke in his honor even though he knew our son was headed to Army. He was a class act.
I decided to get a Dunkin gift card because I know this kid will like and use it. And I will write a nice note.
This family has been very special to me, and I think it’s the right thing to do.
I’m really looking forward to this!
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My oldest in a large cohort (maybe 14 of them) who all earned Eagle…as a consequence, he was often the master of ceremonies and we went to a LOT of CoH events. I agree that your presence is the most meaningful gift you can possibly give. Young men thrive on the approval and witness of adults around them.
The Eagle Court of Honor was absolutely wonderful! This young man was so polite, gracious and thankful. He gave a short thank you at the end that was so touching for all of us.
I am so glad I took the time to go. And I’m sure he will like my little Dunkin gift card…and note.
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You don’t have to give gifts. My D got her gold award for Girl Scouts and I’d say most people who attended the ceremony for her didn’t give anything. Though she did get some cards, some flowers, and some small gifts.
We attended my nephew’s Eagle Scout award ceremony and we gave him a card. From what I could tell, most people who attended for him did the same.
I’d say just give him a card. Or if you want, add in an inexpensive gift card.
The event happened already…see post above yours.
Thanks! I did notice that, but I got distracted and then came back to type without thinking…
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