Resources | Court of Honor Backdater

One of the most popular features of The Eagle Court of Honor Book is the court of honor backdater, which helps you set deadlines for all the things that need to happen before (and after) your ceremony based on the date you've selected.

This page features an interactive version of that tool. To use it, simply enter the court of honor date and click Submit. You can then print out the backdater and fill in assignments.

Weeks	Date	Action	Assign To
-8		Board of review is held.
-7		Chairperson is selected.
-7		Chairperson meets with family to begin planning.
-7		Set date and time for court of honor.
-7		Secure location.
-7		Send confirmation letter to person in charge of location.
-7		Order invitations.
-6		Develop invitation list.
-6		Begin promoting the event within the troop.
-5		Order needed supplies from council (awards, program covers)
-5		Order plaques and other recognition items.
-5		Solicit congratulatory letters from public officials and others.
-5		Flesh out program and prepare script.
-4		Mail invitations.
-4		Recruit master of ceremonies and presenters.
-4		Recruit volunteers to coordinate support functions.
-4		Distribute scripts to presenters.
-3		Order refreshments.
-3		Visit court-of-honor location to check facilities.
-2		Have programs printed.
-2		Mail press release(s) - include black-and-white photo.
-2		Call troop families to promote.
-1		Gather all necessary materials, props, awards, etc.

Days	Date	Action	Assign To
-2		Hold a rehearsal with all presenters.
-2		Confirm attendance of all presenters.
-1		Confirm access to building.
0		Set up and decorate room.
0		Set heater or air conditioner.
0		Check all audio-visual equipment (microphones, projectors, etc.).
0		Make sure all awards and other props are in place.
0		Reserve seats for presenters, the honoree, and his family.
0		Set up refreshments.
0		Position greeters at the door(s) to hand out programs.
0		Check with all presenters one last time
0		THE COURT OF HONOR
+1		Send thank-you notes.
+3		Send write-up (with pictures) to newspapers.
+5		Evaluate the event and make notes for next time.