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.

Challenge Statements used are by GSUSA Bridging Guide

Items Needed

• Flag and materials for an opening ceremony
• Copies of the Girl Scout Promise and Law
• A glass bowl containing 1 silver key per bridging girl
• Certificates, Cadette pins, or other awards
• Prepared materials for the bridging ceremony
• (Optional) Decorations and a symbolic bridge or pathway

Before the Ceremony

• Work with the girls to decide the details of the ceremony, including its format and decorations.
• Distribute lines from the ceremony script evenly among the girls.
• Ensure all girls have their new Girl Scout vests or sashes ready.
• Position the bowl of silver keys on a table near the bridge or pathway.
• Ensure that girls and leaders are arranged in a way that both the ceremony participants and audience can easily follow along.

Ceremony Instructions

1. Opening Ceremony

• Leader: “Welcome, friends and family, to this special occasion as we honor our Junior Girl Scouts transitioning into Cadettes. This moment symbolizes their growth, achievements, and readiness to embrace new challenges.”
• Conduct a flag ceremony and lead the audience in reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
  Leader: “We now celebrate the bridging of our Junior Girl Scouts to Cadettes, recognizing their dedication and achievements. Today, they will each receive a silver key, a symbol of their readiness to unlock new opportunities and responsibilities as Cadette Girl Scouts.”

2. Presentation of Silver Keys

• Place the bowl of silver keys at the center. Girls will come forward one by one.
  Leader: “The silver key represents your commitment to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law and your readiness to explore the new adventures that await you as Cadettes.”
• Call each girl’s name.
  Leader (to the Girl Scout): “(Name of new Cadette), are you willing to accept the challenges and responsibilities of being a Cadette Girl Scout?”
  Girl Scout: “I am.”
• (Optional) One by one the scouts cross the bridge and are welcomed to the Cadette level.
• The girl takes a silver key from the bowl. Girls take turns reading their assigned line, challenging themselves to embrace the values of Cadette Girl Scouts as they take a key. (See Example Challenges below)

3. Closing Ceremony

• After all girls have received their keys, they form a semi-circle.
  Leader: “As you hold your silver key, may it remind you of the new doors you will unlock as Cadette Girl Scouts. We now present your certificates and pins as symbols of our pride in your accomplishments.”
• Distribute certificates, pins, or other recognitions.

4. Closing Ceremony

• Form a Friendship Circle with the scouts, leaders, and family members.
  Leader: “As you begin your Cadette journey, remember to look wider still, embracing every opportunity to lead, grow, and make the world a better place. Congratulations!”
• Conclude with a chosen Girl Scout song.

Example Challenges:

• I challenge myself to have confidence in myself and my
  abilities and to achieve my goals.
• I challenge myself to form beliefs and values based on
  the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
• I challenge myself to gain skills that will prepare me for a
  positive, healthy, and independent future.
• I challenge myself to develop a positive attitude
  toward learning and seek opportunities to expand my
  knowledge and skills and to set challenging goals for
  myself and take appropriate risks.
• I challenge myself to examine ideas from a variety of
  viewpoints.
• I challenge myself to have more positive and trusting in
  relationships with others.
• I challenge myself to have a greater understanding of
  team building.
• I challenge myself to have a greater understanding
  of how conflict-resolution skills contribute to effective
  leadership.
• I challenge myself to be more aware of people from
  various backgrounds.
• I challenge myself to understand the importance of
  community networks.
• I challenge myself to address deeper causes of issues in
  my community.
• I challenge myself to seek out community support and
  resources to help achieve my goals.
• I challenge myself to recognize the importance in
  advocacy in accomplishing positive changes.
• I challenge myself to show increased commitment to
  educating others on how to better our community.
• I challenge myself to use my leadership skills to affect
  change in my life and my community

Reference:

• “Girl Scout Bridging Guide.” Https://Www.girlscouts.org/, http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/misc/19_MV_BridgingGuide_flyer_v2.pdf. 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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