The Badge Archive

This is for a ceremony only. It does not meet the Rainbow Bridging badge requirements. Troops should earn their Rainbow Bridging badge at a troop meeting prior to this ceremony, where they are awarded their Rainbow Bridge badge.

NOTE – This is traditionally used for Cadettes bridging to Seniors, but can be adapted and used for Seniors bridging to Ambassadors if the Seniors have not started their Gold Award yet.

Preparation:

Arrange the Cadette Girl Scout troop in a horseshoe formation on one side of the room and the Senior Girl Scout troop in a horseshoe on the other side. Place a long table between the two groups to hold ceremony props, such as awards and keys.

Items Needed:

• Earned awards, including membership star with white disc and bridging patch, if applicable.
• “Golden Key” for each bridging Cadette Girl Scout (cut from poster board or purchased uncut keys, optionally attached to ribbons or flowers).

Ceremony Instructions:

1. The Cadette Girl Scout Leader or designated girl asks:
   “Have you come here tonight (today) with a desire to be bridged into the Sisterhood of Senior Girl Scouting?”
   Bridging scouts respond: “Yes, we have.”
2. The Cadette Leader or designated girl continues:
   “By joining Senior Girl Scouting, you are stepping into a sisterhood where you will be expected to embody Girl Scouting ideals and traditions. You will be trusted to honor the Promise and Law, and to live by the motto of being prepared. Do you understand and accept these expectations?”
   Bridging scouts respond: “We do.”
3. The Cadette Leader or designated girl says:
   “As Senior Girl Scouts, it will be your responsibility to pave the way for those who come after you. Scouts at every level—Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette—will look to you for guidance and leadership. Are you ready to take on this important role?”
   Bridging scouts respond: “We are.”
4. The Cadette Leader or designated girl asks:
   “Are you prepared to embrace this new chapter as leaders—to act with honor and fairness, to serve wherever needed, and to approach the world with open eyes and minds?”
   Bridging scouts respond: “We are.”
5. The Cadette Leader or designated girl concludes:
   “With this understanding, we ask you to take on your responsibilities and efforts in Girl Scouting as young leaders ready to make a difference. Will you commit to this?”
   Bridging scouts respond: “We will.”
6. The Cadette Leader or designated girl says:
   “We trust you, on your honor, to do your best to keep these promises. Do your best to keep your honor bright and the spirit of Girl Scouting in your heart.”
   (Pause.)
   “As your name is called, step forward to receive this key, a token of your advancement into Senior Girl Scouting. This symbolizes the next chapter of your journey as a young leader, where new opportunities and adventures await.”
7. At one end of the table, the Cadette Leader calls each bridging scout by name. Each scout walks up, receives the Girl Scout handshake from the Cadette Leader, and is presented with their earned awards, membership star, and bridging patch (if earned).
8. Each bridging scout proceeds to the other end of the table, where the Senior Leader presents them with a “Golden Key to the Future.”
   “[Scout’s Name], this key stands for the bright future ahead as you embark on your role as a Senior Girl Scout. May it remind you of the leadership, growth, and service that will define your path forward. Congratulations on your achievement!
9. A Senior Girl Scout then escorts the bridging scout to the Senior troop’s horseshoe.
10. End the ceremony by singing the song “On My Honor.”

Reference:

Bridging Ceremonies by GSEM

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to the GSUSA Bridging page.
• Return to the GSUSA Ceremonies page.

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• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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