The Badge Archive

Rededication Ceremonies are usually held at the beginning of the school year or in October when the new GSUSA membership year begins. They can be done at the end of a school year, if scouts have other members who are bridging at that time.

• End of School Year – Typically in the last month of the end of the school year before scouts move up to the next level in the following fall school year. Those who are not moving up will perform a re-dedication ceremony instead of bridging.
• Start of School Year – Done at the start of the school year after a break from scouts during the summer to re-ignite the enthusiasm for scouts.
• October – When the next GSUSA membership year starts on October first, and usually paired with an Investiture Ceremony to welcome any new scouts in the troop at the same time. A great way to start the year off combining new and old scouts.

This refers to the time between one GSUSA level and the next. Rededication Ceremonies are usually done when you are NOT moving up to the next level. However, sometimes a troop will bridge at the end of the school year and then hold a Rededication ceremony in the fall. It is perfectly acceptable to do so.

When it comes to scouts moving up to the next level, the timeline can feel a bit unclear—especially since different councils might give you varying advice! Here’s what you need to know:

• Timing: As soon as a scout finishes school for the grade level tied to their current Girl Scout level, they can begin earning badges and awards for the next level.
• Troop or Individual Decisions: Between the end of the school year and October 1st, troops or individual scouts can choose what to do. They might focus entirely on the new level, alternate between the two levels, or wrap up activities at the old level before fully shifting.
• Summer Camps: Most councils enroll scouts at camp based on their grade level in the upcoming fall, not the level they just completed. It does not matter if your troop has held a Bridging Ceremony or not.
• Earning Badges and Awards: Scouts can continue working on their current level until September 30th. Starting October 1st, they transition fully to the new level and can no longer earn badges or awards from the old level. This is particularly important for scouts aiming for the Journey Summit Pin, a Higher Award, or a specific badge goal.
• Uniforms: During the transition period, scouts can wear either their old uniform or their new one without a problem. After September 30th, the old uniform should no longer be worn.