The Challenge Ceremony

CHAIRMAN: We come now to that part of our court of honor where we are to give recognition to the candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout.

AID: Sir, I have the honor to present Life Scout [ Scout's name ] for the award of Eagle Scout.

CHAIRMAN: Awarding the Eagle Badge of rank is an important and serious matter. It is the goal toward which this Scout has been working for several years. It is the culmination of effort by his parents and Scout Leaders. It is an occasion for pride and for joy, but, it is also a time for serious contemplation.

The Eagle Badge of rank is the highest and most coveted award in all of Scouting, and it is the last major step in the advancement program. If at this point, Scouting has not achieved its purpose of building character--then it probably never shall. These thoughts, which are the basic code of Scouting, are well summed up in the pledge that is taken by every Scout in the council upon advancement to Eagle rank.

(To Eagle candidate) I will read the pledge so that you will know that which you are about to promise, and then I will ask you to repeat it after me.

I (give your name), believe in the Boy Scouts of America as a movement, which has as its goals and purposes, character building, citizenship training, physical development. I believe it to be a movement that helps a Scout become master of his own powers, helps him get along with others, and helps him find worthy use for his powers. I believe it is my duty to do my best to obey the Scout Oath and Law. I hereby renew my faith in Scouting and promise to do what I can in service to other Scouts who have not advanced this far along the Eagle trail.

Having heard the Eagle pledge and are you willing to adopt it?

CANDIDATE: I am.

CHAIRMAN: Raise your hand in the Scout sign and repeat after me.

(A Life Scout in the audience interrupts.)

LIFE: Stop! I challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle.

CHAIRMAN: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?

LIFE: I am a Life Scout, and my esteem for the Eagle rank gives me the right to so challenge.

CHAIRMAN: On what grounds do you challenge?

LIFE: Has this Scout achieved the requirements in Scoutcraft and Life Interest?

CHAIRMAN: His application was verified, and indicates that he has satisfactorily completed the required 21 merit badges in the various fields of endeavor. Are you satisfied Life Scout?

LIFE: I am.

(A Tenderfoot Scout in the audience interrupts.)

TENDERFOOT: I, too, challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle

CHAIRMAN: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?

TENDERFOOT: I am a Tenderfoot Scout, and the respect that I have for the uniform that I wear gives me the right to so challenge.

CHAIRMAN: On what grounds do you challenge?

TENDERFOOT: Does his Scoutmaster certify that this Scout has actively participated in Scouting in his troop. Has he demonstrated leadership, and done his best to help in his home, school, church, and community?

SM: As Scoutmaster of Troop ______, I certify that for more than 6 months since attaining the Life rank, this Scout has held leadership positions in his troop. Also, he has been active in school, church, and community activities.

CHAIRMAN: Are you now satisfied?

TENDERFOOT: I am.

(An Eagle Scout in the audience interrupts.)

EAGLE #1: I too challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle.

CHAIRMAN: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?

EAGLE #1: I am an Eagle Scout, and the pride that I have in this badge that I wear over my heart gives me the right to so challenge.

CHAIRMAN: On what grounds do you challenge?

EAGLE #1: Has this Scout, nearing the end of the Eagle trail, demonstrated his Scouting Spirit? Has his ability to live and act in accordance with the ideals of Scouting, as exemplified by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan been noted?

EAGLE #2: Recites the Scout Oath

EAGLE #3: Recites the Scout Law

EAGLE #4: The Scout motto is Be Prepared.

EAGLE #5: The Scout slogan is Do a Good Turn Daily.

BOARD: As chairman of the board that reviewed this Scout's record, I certify that, after investigation, interview, and examination. The board is of the opinion that this Scout has demonstrated that he has held to the spirit of Scouting in his daily living. The board recommends his advancement to Eagle.

CHAIRMAN: Are you now satisfied?

EAGLE #1: I am still not satisfied. I believe that this candidate should understand that the Eagle Rank is a big responsibility. As well as an honor, and I respectfully ask that this candidate be informed of the responsibilities of an Eagle Scout before continuing further.

CHAIRMAN: Thank you, Eagle Scout. I agree with your feelings and suggest that none are more qualified to impart this than those who wear the Eagle Badge. I invite you and your fellow Eagles to the platform.

EAGLE #2: The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor, which to an Eagle is sacred. Honor is the foundation of character -- it is what a person really is, down inside, not what someone may think he is. An Eagle will live so as to reflect credit upon his home, church, school, friends, upon Scouting, and upon himself. May the white of your Eagle badge always remind you to live with honor.

EAGLE #3: The second responsibility of an Eagle Scout is loyalty, for without loyalty, character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. May the blue of your Eagle badge always remind you to be loyal.

EAGLE #4: The third responsibility of an Eagle Scout is courage. Courage gives character force and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his fellowman, the Eagle faces each day unafraid, and seeks his share of the world's work. May the red of your Eagle badge always remind you of courage.

EAGLE #5: The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. He extends a helping hand to those who toil up the Scouting trail he has completed, just as others helped him in his achievement of the Eagle rank. The habit of the daily Good Turn must take on new meaning and blossom forth into a life of service. The Eagle protects and defends the weak and the helpless. He aids and comforts the oppressed and the unfortunate. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. His code of honor is based upon the belief that leadership is founded upon real service.

EAGLE #1: Mr. Chairman, if this candidate is willing and eager to accept the mantle of responsibility, as well as the honor of the badge, then I will be satisfied and request that you proceed to administer the Eagle pledge.

CHAIRMAN: (To Eagle candidate) Are you ready and willing to accept these responsibilities and to adopt the Eagle pledge which I have read to you at the beginning of this ceremony.

CANDIDATE: I am.

CHAIRMAN: Raise your hand in the Scout sign and repeat after me.

(Repeat the Eagle pledge)

Now, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I hereby award the rank of Eagle Scout.

Since the parents of this Scout and his Scoutmaster have been so instrumental in his attaining the Eagle rank, I will ask that they come to the platform.

(Proceed with presentation of award and certificate.)