Bridging – Candle Lighting – The Badge Archive

Bridging – Candle Lighting

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.

Items Needed

Bridge, stepping stones, or arch
1 Candle or LED light per bridging Girl Scout
If using real candles – Candle lighter or large candle to light others from
(Optional) Decorations

Before the Ceremony

Invite helpers from the Girl Scout level the bridging scouts are transitioning to. Confirm the time, date, and provide the script ahead of time.
Ensure bridging Girl Scouts have their new vests or sashes ready for the ceremony.
Arrange candles at the ceremony space and practice the script with all participants.
Arrange the scouts in formation:
- Bridging Girl Scouts form a horseshoe on one side of the bridge.
- Helpers from the next Girl Scout level form a horseshoe on the other side.
- Co-leaders stand at the center of the bridge.

Ceremony Instructions:

Arrange Scouts in formation and give opening remarks:
- Bridging Girl Scouts form a horseshoe on one side of the bridge.
- Helpers from the next Girl Scout level form a horseshoe on the other side.
- Leaders stand at the center of the bridge.
- Leader: “Today, we celebrate the bridging of our Girl Scouts to the next stage of their Girl Scout journey. This candle lighting ceremony represents your commitment to Girl Scouting and to making the world a better place. It symbolizes that Girl Scouting will remain a part of you as you move forward on your path.”
Candle Lighting: One by one, each bridging Girl Scout walks to the center of the bridge. When she reaches the center, she is handed a candle by the a leader. (Each Girl Scout holds the candle in her left hand to keep her right hand free to make the Girl Scout sign.) She is also met by a helper from the next Girl Scout level, who lights her candle. (Helper will switch the LED light on if not using real candles.)
- Leader: “May I present Girl Scout (name), who is eager to accept the challenge of (next Girl Scout level).”
- Helper: “I, (name), challenge you, (name), to serve your sister Girl Scouts, your community, and your country, just as we have served you. If you accept this challenge, I will light your candle, knowing that you will live it to the best of your ability. Do you accept this challenge?”
- Bridging Girl Scout: “I accept this challenge.” (The helper lights the candle.)
Reciting the Promise:
- Co-Leader: “(Name), please make the Girl Scout sign and recite the Girl Scout Promise.”
- Bridging Girl Scout: “On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.”
- Both the Bridging Scout and Helper Scout move to stand in the horseshoe with their new troop sisters.
Continue until all Girl Scouts have bridged to their next level.
Closing Ceremony: Form a Friendship Circle with all participants and helpers from the new level.
- Recite the Girl Scout Promise as a group.
- Leader: “Congratulations on bridging to your new level! This candle symbolizes your dedication to Girl Scouting and the bright future that lies ahead. We are proud of each and every one of you!”

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References:

Girl Scout Bridging Guide. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 2019, http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/misc/19_MV_BridgingGuide_flyer_v2.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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