TROOP 250
June 2008 COURT OF HONOR
SM:
Good evening and welcome to Troop 250's Court of Honor to recognize our Scouts. The Scouts have worked hard at camp this summer and have earned many merit badges. I would like to commend the Scouts for the way they got along this summer and accomplished the tasks set before them. It seemed to be a great summer camp at least from the Troop leader's aspect. Some of the Scouts had a couple of hurdles during the week but we worked to get them over them and everyone finished the week well.
Over the years our Troop has grown and it is still growing. It takes all of you to make this happen. It's not just the Scouts or the leaders, but everyone that is here tonight. Without the support of their families the Scouts would not be able to make this the Troop that it is. The leaders of Troop 250 would like to thank each of you for that support.
Tonight we will be awarding the merit badges that were earned at camp, cards for some merit badges that were previously earned, badges of rank that have been earned, new patrol patches, and badges of office. We also have Troop pictures for all the Scouts that were at summer camp. We will be inducting our newest Scouts as well as the patrol leaders and other officers taking an oath of office.
At this time I now declare this Court of Honor open. Would everyone please rise. Color Guard please advance and post the Colors. (Colors are posted. Pledge of Allegiance.) Thank you. You may be seated.
First I would like to ask the new Scouts to please come forward.
(Light one candle placed in the center of the ceremony table.)
This flame is the Flame of Knowledge. You new Scouts have shown me that you have a hunger for Knowledge by fulfilling the requirements of joining our Troop. The Scouting program offers you a special kind of knowledge that will serve you well as you walk the sometimes difficult Road to Manhood.
The Flame of Knowledge never goes out as long as there are people on the earth who seek knowledge. It's light guides seekers to higher understanding.
(Pick up the 2nd candle from the table and light it from the first.)
This candle represents a Youth who seeks knowledge. It represents each of you Scouts here today because you seek to travel on the Scouting path and learn our ways.
Tending this flame is a big responsibility. (Hand candle to closest Scout.)
Pass this candle from Scout to Scout until you have all held it, never letting the flame go out. Just as you receive this flame from another Scout, you will receive much knowledge from other Scouts in your Troop. Receiving the knowledge is only half of the challenge. Just as you pass the flame to another Scout, you will be expected to pass the knowledge you gain on to other Scouts that follow you.
As you become a more experienced Scout, rising through the ranks of Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class, your flame will grow stronger, helped along by these Scouts around you. When you are ready, you will become the teacher rather than the student and will help new Scouts keep their flame burning.
You will only excel and grow if you take your responsibility seriously. Scouting will give you more than you can possibly imagine, but only if you fulfill your commitment to your patrol and your troop.
(When the last Scout has the candle, the Scoutmaster takes it from him.)
Remember, this flame is your new search for knowledge about our Scouting ways. As you are just beginning, it is not yet strong. (Scoutmaster blows out the candle.)
See how easily the Breeze of Laziness extinguishes it? If you put off your responsibilities, or don't bring your Scout Handbook for requirements sign-offs, or let other Scouts carry the load, your small flame will fail.
Luckily the Flame of Knowledge in our Troop is strong, very strong. You can relight your flame at any time by participating and concentrating on the Scout Law. The more you participate and the more effort you put in, the stronger your flame becomes and more difficult to extinguish. At some point, your flame will become a burning ember deep in your heart that will be impossible to ever put out.
New Scouts, Scout Sign One. Pleas repeat the Scout Oath with me.
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country
To obey the Scout Law
To help other people at all times and
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Two.
We want to officially welcome you and your family into Troop 250. You may now be seated.
At this time I would like to ask all the Scouts that hold an office to please come forward. Would you please all gather around the Troop flag and place a hand on the flagpole.
Scout Sign One. Repeat after me.
I promise to do my best -- To be worthy of the office I was elected to -- for the sake of my fellow Scouts and my Troop -- and in the World Brotherhood of Scouting.
Two.
SPL: I congratulate you on being elected to this position. Realize the responsibility that you have committed to. Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do. You are now in charge of your Troop, lead them by example. You may now be seated.
ASM: At this time we are going to pass out all of the awards that have been earned. I invite all the adult leaders to come to the front to congratulate the Scouts on their accomplishments.
As I read your name, please come forward to receive your awards. In your package you will have a new patrol patch, a summer camp patch, any badge of office and merit badges and ranks that have been earned since our last Court of Honor.
(Scouts called in alphabetical order to receive their awards, be congratulated by Troop leadership, receive applause, and then be seated.)
I would like to congratulate you all on a lot of hard work and accomplishments. Applause
SM: This concludes our Court of Honor.
Announcements were made by Jen Stephens regarding the popcorn kickoff. Jen stated that she was invited to represent our Troop at the Popcorn Kickoff because we were the top selling Troop in Westark and that was a huge honor. If we increase our sales by 10 percent this year, we can earn an additional percentage of profit and that all popcorn profits go into each Scout's individual account to help pay for summer camp or any Scout related purchases. Jen challenged each Scout to sell $500 worth of popcorn this year. By selling $500 in popcorn, they can earn enough profits to pay for next year's summer camp. In addition, if they choose a campership as their selling prize, they will be able to keep that much more money in their individual accounts. Jen explained that any Scout that fills an entire sheet, which is 25 lines, with popcorn sales will receive three tickets to next year's sporting events, one of which was a Cleveland Indian's ticket.
Brian Heid reviewed information regarding the upcoming bike hike and canoe trip. Cost is $13 to rent a bike for one hour and canoe for three miles. Transportation to haul bikes is available if advance notice is given so the Scout trailer can be emptied.
Greg discussed the importance of the Dover Steam Show to the Troop's fund. Parents are needed to help with this event. Cathy Heid is in charge of arranging for lunch and dinner for Friday and Saturday as well as lunch on Sunday since the boys have to eat in shifts and no one has time to cook. See Cathy if you can help prepare a meal for about 30 people and bring it to the fairgrounds. Friday and Sunday lunches are still needed.