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Court of Honor Ceremony Scripts

Read-aloud scripts for the MC. Fill in scout and troop names before the ceremony. Adapt freely — these are a starting point, not a required format.

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Opening Remarks

Good evening, and welcome to Troop [TROOP NUMBER]'s Court of Honor. Tonight we celebrate the hard work of our Scouts over the past [TIME PERIOD] — the ranks they've earned, the merit badges they've completed, and the leadership they've shown. Please join me in welcoming our color guard as we open with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Oath and Law.

Rank Advancement Scripts

Scout

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has completed the requirements for the rank of Scout, learning the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan, and taking the first steps on the trail to Eagle.

Tenderfoot

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has earned the rank of Tenderfoot, demonstrating outdoor skills, fitness, and a growing understanding of what it means to live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Second Class

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has earned the rank of Second Class, building on their outdoor and leadership skills and taking on more responsibility within their patrol.

First Class

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has earned the rank of First Class — historically considered the foundation rank, where a Scout has the skills to be safe and capable outdoors.

Star

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has earned the rank of Star, completing merit badges, serving in a leadership position, and giving service to others.

Life

Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward. [SCOUT NAME] has earned the rank of Life — one step from Eagle — continuing to build leadership experience and service to the troop and community.

Merit Badge Presentation

Since our last Court of Honor, our Scouts have earned [NUMBER] merit badges between them. Will the following Scouts please come forward to receive their badges: [READ NAMES AND BADGES FROM PROGRAM]. Congratulations to each of you on this accomplishment.

Eagle Scout Recognition (if applicable)

Tonight we recognize a Scout who has reached the highest rank in Scouting. [SCOUT NAME] has completed 21 merit badges, held leadership positions, and led a service project that benefited [BENEFICIARY]. Will [SCOUT NAME] and their family please come forward as we recognize their achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. [Note: many councils have a formal Eagle ceremony script — check with your council before the event and use theirs if one is provided.]

Closing Remarks

Thank you all for being here tonight and for supporting our Scouts. A special thanks to our leaders, committee members, and everyone who helped make this evening possible. Please join us for refreshments following the ceremony. This concludes our Court of Honor — Scouts, please help retire the colors.

Tip: Practice reading through once before the ceremony, and confirm names and pronunciations with families in advance. Keep the pace moving — long pauses between names lose the room.

Like this template? Get all 3 in the Court of Honor Pack ($10) — one combined PDF with your troop # and name already filled in on every page.

Independent resource — not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Always verify current BSA advancement requirements at scouting.org or with your local council. Requirements are updated periodically.