Eagle Scout Ceremony - Send a gift?

I was invited to attend a (much!) younger cousin's Eagle Scout ceremony out of state.  It's this weekend so I won't be able to go; but they are having some kind of catered reception afterward.  

I got a card to congratulate him (I hardly know him) but is sending $20 appropriate?  He's graduating high school in a couple months so I know i'll be sending another gift then too.  I know it's a big deal to become an Eagle Scout and it involves lots of work.  So it feels appropriate to send something; even though I cannot make the actual ceremony.  (It's kind of odd to put it the day before Easter; if you ask me!)

I think a card is fine.  I've been to a few Eagle Scout ceremonies and never gave a thing.  It's not about getting a gift, it's about the journey to earning the badge.

Handsome Kitty said:

 
I think a card is fine.  I've been to a few Eagle Scout ceremonies and never gave a thing.  It's not about getting a gift, it's about the journey to earning the badge.

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I agree. A card is fine

Handsome Kitty said:

 
I think a card is fine.  I've been to a few Eagle Scout ceremonies and never gave a thing.  It's not about getting a gift, it's about the journey to earning the badge.

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The fact that there is a big focus on community service in earning it is what made me think that a gift might not really expected or even encouraged for this accomplishment.     

MoochNNoodles said:

 
The fact that there is a big focus on community service in earning it is what made me think that a gift might not really expected or even encouraged for this accomplishment.     

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Very true. 

At the ceremony, the scoutmasters and leaders throughout the scout's 'career' speak about him and share memories.  There are cards from state senators and representatives from the community.  There may be a volunteer parent in the scout troop who contacts various offices and informs them of the event.  The scout will speak and thank everyone who helped.

These cards are displayed with pictures of the project taken throughout the various stages.  I've helped with many of these projects and they can be anything from clearing and fixing up an old forgotten cemetery to clearing a path for a dog walk and putting down gravel at the SPCA.  One boy made shelves and collected books for a library.   I was sad neither of my son's were interested in completing the rank of Eagle but it was a lot of time and they were taking AP courses in HS.

Our troop used to serve KFC and people would contribute salads and sides. Then there was the cake! Yum.

His project was to make a number of picnic tables for a church's campground.  I remember my Aunt (Step-aunt technically) posting pictures of them on Facebook.  He was a complete surprise addition to their family and I think my Aunt is relishing this last year with him before he goes off to college. She's so proud of him; it's really sweet.    I think they will appreciate a card to acknowledge his accomplishment.  

Send him a nice card and that should be fine.

Thank you I found a nice card.  Nothing too fancy or wordy; but I added a little note congratulating him and saying that we were sorry we couldn't be there this weekend.  Now I just need to get it in the mailbox!