Over time, any organization is going to develop a few common signals that everyone understands. Such is the
case with Girl Scouts, which has developed a few unique ways to greet, acknowledge, and communicate, some of
which are listed here.
The idea of the sign came from the days of chivalry, when armed knights greeted friendly
knights by raising the right hand, palm open, as a sign of friendship. To give the sign, raise
the three middle fingers of the right hand palm forward and shoulder high (the three
extended fingers represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise). Girls give the sign
when they:
Say the Promise or Law.
Are welcomed into Girl Scouts at an investiture ceremony that welcomes new members.
Receive an award, patch, pin, or other recognition.
Greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
The handshake is a more formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts, and is also an appropriate
way to receive an award. Shake left hands and give the Girl Scout Sign with your right hand.
The quiet sign can be extremely useful to you as a volunteer, so teach it to girls during your
first meeting. Raise your right hand high with an open palm. As girls in the group see the sign,
they stop talking and also raise their hands. Once everyone is silent, the meeting can begin.
The Girl Scout slogan is, “Do a good turn daily.” The Girl Scout m