by Old Beaver » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:37 pm
Since my last posting, we've had a couple of additional Courts of Honor, both of which were improvements over the earlier ones. With the thought that this may be of use to some, I've pasted the following text from a Word file I put together to prep the masters of ceremonies and presenters on their roles:
Court of Honor Notes
Invitation and Program Cover
•Use a “Scouting appropriate” theme
Masters of Ceremonies
Before
•Be sure to sign up all speakers—Scouts and Adult Leaders—as early as possible.
•Get the mailed invitation notice out at least three weeks before the Court of Honor date.
•Have all your talking parts written down beforehand. Put them on index cards held together with a ring or clasp.
•Practice your talks and introductions multiple times before the Court of Honor.
During
•Be sure to welcome families and guests at the beginning of the program.
•Remember “Scout Spirit”-smile and have a good attitude. Look like you're enjoying the program.
•When presenting badges, be sure to shake the recipient’s hand. Use the Scout handshake (left hand).
After
•At the end of the slide show, be sure to tell the audience that the program has concluded, thank them for attending, and tell them where they can find the refreshments.
Rank Advancement Presenters
•Have your talk written down beforehand and practice it multiple times before the COH. Be sure to bring your notes with you.
•Think of something you enjoyed, learned or was particularly challenging in earning the rank and relate that in your talk.
•The First Class Scouts will be trading the generic red neckerchief for the Troop neckerchief. This is a big deal and always takes more time than the other awards. Take the time to explain to the audience the significance of the Troop neckerchief and what’s on the patch.
•Remember, this is a big moment for these Scouts and their parents. When you’re done talking, congratulate them and ask the audience for applause.
Outing Presenters
•Have your talk written down beforehand and practice it multiple times before the COH. Be sure to bring your notes with you.
•Think of something you enjoyed, learned or was particularly challenging in the outing and mention that in your talk.
•Acknowledge the boy leader (if not you) and thank the adult leader for organizing the outing and the other adults for participating.
Scouts Receiving Awards or Badges
•Remember that the Master of Ceremonies will be shaking your hand. Wait a second while he hands you your packet. Don’t grab and go!
•Face the audience. Your parent may be trying to take a picture of you.
•Smile! You’ve put effort into the merit badge or award.
•Don’t stand in front of the Scout who is receiving the award. You don’t want to block the view of the audience and anyone who is trying to take pictures.
•Say “thank you” to the person handing you the award.
Patrol Leaders
•As the members of the Troop are introducing themselves, be sure to bring up your patrol so that you’re ready to go when the patrol in front of you is finished.
•Be sure the patrol members know how to say the name of the patrol!
Jim
Woodbadge WE3-23-08 (Beaver Patrol)
ASM, Troop 277
Pleasant Hill, CA