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Bridging ceremonies mark a girl’s move from one grade level of Girl Scouting to another, such as
from Junior to Cadette. (Note that Fly-Up is a special bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies
who are bridging to Juniors.)
Closing ceremonies finalize the meeting, with expectations for the next. A closing ceremony may
be as simple as a hand squeeze while standing in a circle.
Court of Awards is a time to recognize girls who have accomplished something spectacular
during the Girl Scout year.
Flag ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag.
Girl Scout Bronze (or Silver or Gold) Award ceremonies honor Girl Scout Juniors who have
earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award (Cadettes who have earned the Silver Award; Seniors or
Ambassadors who have earned the Gold Award), and are usually held for a group and combined
with council recognition.
Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-led program that allows girls to explore their feelings and beliefs
around a topic (such as the importance of friendship or the personal meaning they get from the
Girl Scout Promise and Law) using the spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other methods of
expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
Investiture welcomes new members, girls or adults, into the Girl Scout family for the first time.
Girls receive their Girl Scout, Brownie Girl Scout, or Daisy Girl Scout pin at this time.
Opening ceremonies start troop meetings and can also begin other group meetings.
Pinning ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
Rededication ceremonies are opportunities for girls and adults to renew their commitment to
the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Hosting a Girl-Led Event
If you’re working with girls who want to host an event—large or small—be sure girls are leading the
event-planning, instead of sitting by passively while you or another adult plans the event. To get girls
started, ask them to think about the following questions:
● What sort of event do we have in mind?
● Who is our intended audience?
● Does the audience have to be invited, or can anyone come?
● What’s our main topic or focus?
● What’s our objective—what do we hope to accomplish at the end of the day?
● Will one or more speakers need to be invited? If so, who? How do we find speakers?
● Where will the event take place?
● Is there a charge for this venue?
● Is the venue large enough to accommodate the audience?
● Do we have to obtain permission to use this venue? If so, from whom?
● Are there adequate facilities for the audience? If not, how much will extra portable toilets cost,
and how many do we need?
● Is there adequate parking or a drop-off point for girls?
● Do we need tables? Chairs? Podiums? Microphones? Speakers?
● What sort of entertainment will we provide?
● Will we provide or sell refreshments? If so, what kinds?
● How many chaperones will we need? Who will we ask?