The Badge Archive

The Friendship Circle is a traditional way for scouts to close a meeting by joining hands, sharing unity, and passing a “Friendship Squeeze” around the circle.

The circle represents a continuous bond among members. By standing in a circle, every participant is an equal distance from the center, indicating that every individual’s contribution is of equal value. It is typically performed in silence or accompanied by a song or a shared reflection.

How to Lead a Friendship Circle

1. Ask scouts to stand in a circle. Everyone should be able to comfortably reach the hands of the scouts next to them.
2. Explain how to cross arms. Scouts cross their right arm over their left arm, then take the hands of the scouts on either side of them. This creates a woven, connected circle.
3. Wait for quiet. The Friendship Circle begins in silence so scouts can focus on the shared moment.
4. Start the Friendship Squeeze. Choose one scout to begin.
   • They gently squeeze the hand of the scout on their left.
   • That scout then passes the squeeze to the next, and so on.
   • The squeeze travels all the way around the circle until it returns to the starting scout.
   • (Optional) When a scout feels the squeeze, they place one foot inside the circle to show they have felt the squeeze. This helps everyone to know where the squeeze is at as it travels. By the end of the Friendship Squeeze, everyone should have one foot inside the circle.
5. Close the meeting. Leaders may say a short thank‑you, a reminder for next time, or simply end with: “Friendship Circle complete.” or “Good-bye Girl Scouts.”
6. Spin out. When all arms are crossed correctly, the scouts work together as a team to unwind the circle.
   • Each scout lifts their right arm up and over their head.
   • Everyone turns to the right at the same time.
   • As they turn, each scout ducks under their raised right arm.
   • Their left hand stays firmly clasped with the right hand of the scout next to them.
   • As everyone turns, the crossed arms naturally uncross, and the group ends up facing outward with their hands still joined and raised in the air.
   • Once the circle is fully unwound, scouts may drop their hands. The Friendship Circle is complete, and everyone may leave to go home.

Tips for New Leaders

• Keep the tone calm and warm. This is a grounding moment.
• If scouts are very young, demonstrate the arm‑crossing slowly.
• The squeeze should be gentle. Remind scouts it’s a symbol, not a competition.
• You can add a short reflection prompt before or after the squeeze if desired.
• Go slow on the unwind portion. Speed is not a friend and injuries can occur if not done correctly.

Ceremony to Introduce the Friendship Squeeze

• G.S. Promise Closing Ceremony

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
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Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
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See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
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