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.

Items Needed

• Flag for the opening ceremony
• A glass bowl containing 1 silver key per bridging Girl Scout
• Candles or LED lights for each of the symbolic “keys”
• A symbolic bridge or pathway
• Cadette badges and certificates
• (Optional) Decorations

Before the Ceremony

• Work with the girls to finalize ceremony plans and distribute script lines.
• Ensure all bridging girls have their new khaki vests or sashes ready.
• Arrange the setup with the glass bowl of silver keys and the candles at the center, making them accessible during the ceremony.

Ceremony Instructions

• Leader: “Welcome, friends and families, to this special ceremony as we celebrate the transition of our Girl Scout Juniors to Cadettes. Tonight, we honor their growth and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await them. Let us begin by reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law together.”
• Recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law as a group.
  Leader: “Tonight, we gather to recognize the incredible journey of our Junior Girl Scouts. This is not the end but a new beginning—an opportunity to step into a world of new friends, travels, discoveries, and dreams. As you bridge from Juniors to Cadettes, we present you with a silver key, symbolizing the unlocking of the doors to this next exciting phase.”
• Arrange for Girl Scouts to take turns reading the meaning of each key while lighting a candle (or turning on an LED light).
  1. Personal Growth: “As I light this candle to represent Personal Growth, may I discover and develop all my talents and abilities. May I always try to help others discover theirs.”
  2. Understanding: “As I light this candle to represent Understanding, may I learn to accept who I am and always accept others for who they are, no matter how different they may be.”
  3. Friendship: “As I light this candle to represent Friendship, may I make new friends and never forget the old, for one is silver and the other gold.”
  4. Values: “As I light this candle to represent Values, may I discover what I value most. May I protect my values while respecting the values of others, no matter how different they may be.”
  5. Integrity: “As I light this candle to represent Integrity, may I always strive to do the right thing and remember to be honest and fair in all my actions.”
  6. Respect: “As I light this candle to represent Respect, may I learn to respect those around me, follow the rules I am given, and gain the respect of others in return.”
  7. Choice: “As I light this candle to represent Choice, may I make thoughtful choices in my life. May I always be guided by the Girl Scout Promise, the Law, and my own values.”
  8. Leadership: “As I light this candle to represent Leadership, may I learn to lead others and guide them down the right path, knowing that one day they will also become leaders.”
  9. Service: “As I light this candle to represent Service, may I realize that the greatest good in this world is to give of myself to others, and may I never forget those who are less fortunate than me.”
  10. The World: “As I light this candle to represent The World, may I learn to protect the world and its resources. May I better understand it and improve it through my words and actions.”
  11. Girl Scouts: “As I light this candle to represent Girl Scouts, may I strive to live by the Promise and Law, never forget I am a Girl Scout, and always remember those who have helped me along the way.”
• Leader: “As you cross this symbolic bridge, let it represent your transition from Junior to Cadette Girl Scouts. Upon crossing, you will receive a silver key—a symbol of your readiness to unlock the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
• Bridge each scout, one by one.
  • Each scout steps forward and walks across the bridge, pausing in front of the leader on the other side.
    Leader (to the Scout): “(Name), are you willing to accept the challenges and responsibilities of being a Girl Scout Cadette and to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law?”
    Scout: “I am.”
    Leader: “As a symbol of your readiness to unlock the doors to Cadette Girl Scouting, I present you with this silver key.”
  • The leader places the necklace with a silver key around the scout’s neck.
• After pictures are taken of the newly bridged Cadettes.
  Leader: “Girls, join me for your first time as Cadettes in reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law.”
• Lead the recitation, then form a Friendship Circle.
  Leader: “Congratulations on becoming a Girl Scout Cadette. As you hold your silver key, let it remind you to always do your best, try your best, and be your best. This key is your link to this troop and your Girl Scout family. Wear it as a treasure and a symbol of all that lies ahead. We are so proud of you!”

Resources:

“GS Cadette Leaders Think Tank | Facebook.” Facebook.com, Facebook Groups, 2022, http://www.facebook.com/groups/733573716752682/. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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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!

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

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• Return to the Junior Badge List.
• Return to the Cadette Badge List.

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