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.

WARNING – This traditional Poem is a prayer. For troops that do not have a belief in God or a Higher Power, a different ceremony would be a better choice.

Preparation:

Arrange a bridge or symbolic crossing area for bridging scouts. Set up a candle display with one candle for each value mentioned in the prayer. Prepare tokens or ribbons representing these values to distribute during the ceremony. Ensure seating for families and create a welcoming, reflective environment.

Items Needed:

• A bridge or symbolic crossing point
• 10 Candles to represent the values in the prayer (generosity, insight, love, loyalty, sisterhood, sharing, sincerity, others’ needs, uniqueness, understanding, and thankfulness) – These can be LED tea lights in places that do not allow fire.
• Tokens or ribbons symbolizing each value
• A printed copy of the Girl Scout Prayer

Ceremony Instructions:

1. Opening:
   Begin with a flag presentation and a troop-selected Girl Scout song. The leader welcomes attendees, explaining that this is a special moment to reflect on the values of Girl Scouting and celebrate the scouts’ growth.
2. Lighting the Candles – Introduction to the Prayer:
   The leader lights the first candle and introduces the prayer:
   “As we light these candles, we honor the values that guide us as scouts. The Girl Scout Prayer reminds us of the blessings we have and the responsibilities we carry as members of the Girl Scout sisterhood.”
   • The leader then recites the prayer, lighting a candle for each value as it is mentioned: “Grant us the gift of GENEROSITY that we may know that in giving we are gaining.
     Instill in us the INSIGHT we need to better understand ourselves and those around us.
     Reveal to us the RICHES of the world around us and show us ways we can protect and improve them.
     Lead us with thy lights of LOVE and LOYALTY that we shall not lose ourselves in hate and confusion.
     Secure in us a sense of SISTERHOOD,
     SHARING and SINCERITY, for with these we shall surely grow closer together.
     Open our eyes to the needs of OTHERS so we may offer help whenever possible.
     Unveil to us the understanding of the UNIQUENESS of each individual.
     THANK YOU for granting us these blessings; we ask you to teach us to use them wisely. Amen.”
   • Variation: 10 scouts are chosen to light each candle as the values are mentioned.
3. Reflection on Values:
   After the candles are lit, the leader explains that each value in the prayer reflects the ideals that scouts strive to uphold. The leader may invite scouts to share examples of how they’ve embodied these values in their journey.
   “Each of these candles represents the guiding values in the Girl Scout Prayer—generosity, insight, love, loyalty, sisterhood, and more. These values remind us of the ideals we strive to uphold as scouts.
   Together, you’ve shown generosity through your service, kindness in your friendships, and loyalty to the Girl Scout Promise. Would anyone like to share a moment where they embodied one of these values?”
   (Pause briefly for sharing, or continue if none.)
   “As we move forward, let’s carry these values with us. Even small acts of generosity, kindness, and understanding can make a big impact. You are the light that keeps these values shining bright.”
4. Bridging Ceremony – Acknowledging Growth:
   Bridging scouts step forward, one by one, to cross the bridge. At the top of the bridge, the leader presents each scout with a token or ribbon representing one of the values in the prayer, saying:
   “As you take this step in your scouting journey, may you carry the gift of [value] with you, using it to grow, give, and inspire others.” Each scout only gets one value. This can be chosen by the leader or given at random. For random, it is recommended they be placed inside a bag and each scout draws their own out.
   Scouts complete the crossing and are greeted on the other side with a handshake by older scouts or leaders.
5. Rededication Ceremony – Reaffirming Commitment:
   For rededication, scouts form a circle around the candle display. Together, they recite the Girl Scout Promise:
   “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.”
   The leader asks everyone to reflect on how the values in the prayer will guide their actions and strengthen their commitment to the Girl Scout sisterhood.
6. Closing Ceremony:
   Conclude with a Friendship Circle, extinguishing the candles one by one as the leader says:
   “Though these flames go out, the light of each value continues to shine in your hearts and your actions.”
   Sing a meaningful Girl Scout song chosen by the troop to celebrate the unity and shared purpose of all scouts present.

Reference:

Bridging Ceremonies by GSEM

–

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

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!

–

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

–

• 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.

–