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.

Preparation:
Set up a bridge or symbolic pathway for the bridging scouts to cross. Arrange seating for families and gather any awards, pins, or recognitions for presentation.

Items Needed:

• The poem, printed or memorized
• Bridge or symbolic crossing point
• Awards, pins, or recognitions for scouts

Ceremony Instructions:

1. Opening: Begin with a flag ceremony, led by the scouts, and a unifying song if desired.
2. Introduction: The leader welcomes attendees and explains the significance of bridging as a moment to celebrate growth and new beginnings.
3. First Poem Verse: As the bridging scouts gather on one side of the bridge, the leader recites:
   “Take my hand in friendship
   I give to you this day.
   Remember all the good times
   We had along the way.”
4. Crossing the Bridge – Friendship: Scouts cross the bridge one by one, greeted on the other side by older scouts or leaders who shake their hands in welcome.
5. Second Poem Verse: Once all scouts have crossed, the leader continues:
   “Take my hand in helping
   Other people that we know.
   The more we give to others,
   The more that we will grow.”
6. Presentation of Awards: Distribute any earned badges, pins, or recognitions to the scouts.
7. Learning and Adventure: Before forming a circle, the leader says the next verse:
   “Take my hands in learning
   To camp on nature’s ground.
   Enjoying trails and campfires
   With new friends that we have found.”
8. Acknowledging Growth and Leaders: After the circle is formed, the leader recites the next two verses to recognize both scouts’ accomplishments and the support of troop leaders:
   “Take my hand in giving
   Our knowledge of true scouts
   To girls we meet and talk to
   Who have so many doubts. Take my hand in thanking
   Our leader and our guide.
   With sincere appreciation
   For standing by our side.”
9. Eagerness to Bridge: The bridging scouts recite together:
   “Take my hand in eagerness
   To be an older scout.
   We’re proud to be bridging
   Is what we’re going to shout!”
10. Closing Verse – Unity in Scouting: Everyone joins hands in a Friendship Circle and recites together:
    “So take my hand to follow
    New scouting paths in sight.
    We’re joining hands with each
    And in friendship we’ll unite. We give our hands in promise
    To hold our country dear,
    And abide the Girl Scout Law
    Each day throughout the year.”
11. Closing:
    End the ceremony with a traditional scouting song like “Taps” and a final thank-you to participants.

Reference:

Bridging Ceremonies by GSEM

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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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 Daisy Badge List.
• Return to the Brownie Badge List.
• Return to the Junior Badge List.
• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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