The Badge Archive

Bridging – Playground Daisy to Brownie

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.

This requires a playground that has a bridge to be used for the bridging ceremony.

Preparation:

  1. Plan ahead: Ensure you have all materials ready.
  2. Organize volunteers: Assign adults to handle photos, chaperone playground time, clean-up, and pack supplies.
  3. Choose a location: Find a playground that has a bridge and ensure it’s safe and easily accessible. A less popular playground works better for the ceremony, but it does not have to be exclusively used by the troop during the ceremony.

Items Needed:

  1. Certificates of Achievement (one for each scout)
  2. Rainbow patches (one for each scout)
  3. (Optional) “Diplomas”
  4. The Brownie Storybook (to read to the troop)
  5. Camera or smartphone (for taking photos of each scout during the bridging moment)
  6. Props for the ceremony space:
    • Outdoor seating or shaded area (if applicable)
    • (Optional) Decorations for the bridge – NOTE: Check if decorations are allowed in a public place like a playground.
  7. Playground gear: Ensure safety measures, adequate supervision (volunteers), and compliance with safety ratios.
  8. Parent sign-out sheets or logs (to organize the pick-up process)
  9. Cleaning supplies for post-event tidy-up (optional: wet wipes, trash bags, etc.)
  10. Snacks or water (to keep everyone hydrated and energized, especially on a hot day)
  11. (Optional) Storytelling Materials (for the Brownie Story)

Ceremony Script:

  1. Welcome:
    • Greet scouts and parents warmly. Briefly introduce the significance of bridging and becoming Brownies.
    • “Today, we celebrate an exciting milestone—our Daisies are growing into Brownies! Bridging marks the next step in your Girl Scout journey, where you’ll discover new adventures, learn more skills, and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. You’re leaving behind your Daisy petals, but you’re stepping into a world full of possibilities as Brownies. We’re so proud of you—welcome to the next chapter!”
  2. Storytime:
    • Read the Brownie story to the troop.
    • You do not need to read it word for word – just hit the highlights of the family needing help, the search for the great wise owl, the Twist Me and Turn Me chant, and the giggles of joy that come from helping.
  3. Line-Up:
    • Organize scouts.
    • “Okay, scouts! Line up quietly. Perfect! Grab a seat and relax!”
  1. Individual Bridging Moment:
    • Call out each scout’s name.
    • (Optional) Scout removes their old uniform and leaves it with an adult for safekeeping before crossing the bridge to their new level.
    • Scout walks to the bridge, pauses for a photo while beaming with pride (volunteers help with photography).
    • NOTE – If other kids are playing, do not wait for perfect pictures – this is a public space and they do not have to stop playing while our scouts cross the bridge. It’s part of the environment and should add fun to the celebration to be surrounded by happy kids, not frustration that the scouts do not have exclusive use of the playground.
    • The leader hands the scout her certificate, rainbow patch, and (optional) diploma.
    • Scout crosses the bridge and joins the group of Brownies.
    • (Optional) A new uniform or a ceremonial sash (2-3″ wide ribbon stapled together) can be placed on the new Brownie after they cross the bridge.
    • Offer a hug for those who want one and warmly say, “WELCOME TO BROWNIES!”
  2. Group Celebration:
    • Encourage the troop to clap and cheer for each scout as she bridges.
    • Highlight the teamwork and sisterhood with encouraging words.
    • Reflect briefly on the joy and excitement of the ceremony.
    • Encourage scouts to look forward to their journey as Brownies.
  1. Fun & Relaxation:
    • After the ceremony, allow time for snack and the troop playtime on the playground.
    • Ensure adults are chaperoning (follow safety ratios).
    • Use the downtime to clean up the ceremony space and organize take-home of awards.
  1. Parent Sign-Out:
    • Have parents arrive to sign out their scouts.

Reference:

Bridging to Brownies Troop Meeting by Troop Leader Mom

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Tia Kennard