The Badge Archive

Bridging – Kites

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 – Kites are not intended for flying during the ceremony. It can be an option to do so after the ceremony, but the ceremony can be held indoors or outdoors.

Preparation:

Provide each scout with a kite and ensure each kite is assembled and decorated prior to the ceremony. Set up a symbolic bridge or pathway for scouts to cross. Attach the kite string to a ball of twine that the scouts will unwind as part of the ceremony. Decorate the area with vibrant colors, representing the joy of scouting. Arrange seating for families and prepare the poem to be recited at different points of the ceremony.

Items Needed:

  • Kites, one per scout
  • Ball of twine for each kite
  • Bridge or symbolic crossing area
  • The printed or memorized poem

Ceremony Instructions:

  1. Opening: Begin with a flag ceremony and a troop-chosen Girl Scout song to set the celebratory tone.
  2. Introduction and Symbolism of the Kite – First Verse: The leader explains the significance of the kite as a symbol of the scouts’ growth, independence, and achievements, and recites the first verse of the poem:
    “You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground.
    You run with them until you’re both breathless; they crash; you add a longer tail.”
  3. Preparing the Kites – Second Verse: Scouts stand with their kites and begin to unwind the string from the ball of twine. The leader continues:
    “They hit the rooftop; you pluck them out of the spout; you patch and comfort, adjust and teach.”
  4. Crossing the Bridge – Third Verse: As the scouts prepare to cross the bridge, the leader recites:
    “You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that someday they’ll fly!”
    Scouts cross the bridge one by one, unwinding their kite string to symbolize letting go and preparing for new adventures. They do not attempt to fly the kites at this time. Older scouts or leaders welcome them on the other side.
  5. Celebrating Independence – Final Verses: After all scouts have crossed, the leader presents the awards or recognitions and recites the rest of the poem:
    “Finally, they are airborne but they need more string and you keep letting it out and with each twist of
    the ball of twine, there is a sadness that goes with the joy because the kite becomes more distant and
    somehow you know that it won’t be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that bound
    you together and soar as it was meant to soar free and alone!”
  6. Closing Unity:
    Scouts form a Friendship Circle and hold their kites aloft, symbolizing their readiness to take flight as they progress in scouting. The group sings a favorite Girl Scout song to close the ceremony on a joyful and unifying note. Kite flying is completely optional after the ceremony is done.

Reference:

Bridging Ceremonies by GSEM

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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Tia Kennard