Bridging – Poem to Adult

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:

Arrange the troop members in a formation where they can escort the Ambassador scouts about to graduate to the front of the room. Set up a table with the prepared certificates and Bridge to Adult Pins.

Items Needed:

Certificates listing years of scouting and achievements, rolled and tied with green ribbons
Bridge to Adult Pins
A script for the narrator
Favorite scouting song for the closing

Ceremony Instructions:

Troop members escort graduating Ambassador scouts to the front of the room.
The narrator begins the ceremony with the poem:
“Fond parents watch their Scout where they stand,
Apart from their friends tonight.
Self-confidence, poise, grace, and assurance,
Produced by achievement that’s right.
It seems just a few short months have passed
Since they joined with the youngsters next door.
How proud they were of their Scout pin
As they told of the message it bore.
But the years have gone as they struggled along
To learn what the Scout Law’s about;
They practiced them daily, the Promise and Law
To become the perfect Scout.
You may smile in your worldly wisdom at this
And say, ‘Why it’s only a pin.’
But I tell you no honors they’ll gain as an adult
Will mean as much, ever again.
Yes, it’s only a pin, a Promise to care
But the heart that’s beneath it beats true,
And will throb to the last, for the things which are good
A lesson for me, and for you.”
Present each graduating Ambassador scout with their certificate and Bridge to Adult Pin. As their name is called, they step forward, receive the certificate and pin, and are congratulated with a handshake or a nod of recognition.
The narrator continues:
“The three gold leaves the trefoil wears
And the threefold message that it bears
May they bring to you the feeling that
You are going into something deeper,
Wider, and more joyful.
May the Scout Promise and Law live ever in your heart,
And your lives be enriched from the standards it has set for you.
Congratulations!”
Conclude the ceremony with everyone singing a favorite scouting song together.

Reference:

Bridging Ceremonies by GSEM

–

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

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!

–