Ceremonies in Girl

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

The Girl Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country To help people at all times And to live by the Girl

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be: honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, And to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout

1 Ceremonies in Girl Scouting

What is a Girl Scout Ceremony? Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin. Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or simply make the beginning or end of a group's meeting special. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in thought, words, or song. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony enables girls to share Girl Scout history and traditions and create their own special memories.

Ceremonies can be held at any time of the day or night, may be formal or informal, and can be held in a large or small group. Included in this packet is a guide to help you plan your ceremony, but it is only a guide. You can personalize any of the ideas in this packet to suit your troop. What About Guests? A troop may invite guests to their ceremonies. Guests may include family, friends, another troop, or sponsors. If you invite guests, it is suggested that you provide a greeting to your guests and an explanation of your ceremony’s theme or purpose. Ceremonies, such as a Court of Awards, in which girls receive recognition, are great opportunities to invite guests to see what your girls have accomplished over the year. Some Suggestions for Your Ceremony Here are some suggestions to help you, no matter what the ceremony:

Ceremonies should be simple and sincere, and have real significance. When too elaborate, too numerous, or too often repeated, they cease to be impressive. Every ceremony has a framework you can follow. Remember to incorporate the three keys – Discover, Connect and Take Action – and the three processes – girl-led, learning by doing and cooperative learning. Candles are typically not recommended for Daisy or Brownie troops, but if you feel that your girls can handle the responsibility, remember the following: o Careful instruction should be given. o There should be constant adult supervision. o Flammable materials should not be used near a flame. o Fire extinguishers or buckets of water should be kept nearby. The most important thing to remember is to have fun!

2 Glossary of Ceremonies

Bridging: A bridging ceremony is an activity held to let girls be recognized and welcomed into another level of Girl Scouting. Candle Lighting: Girls and adults will light candles to represent different parts of the Girl and Law, the different grade levels, or any other part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Closing: This activity lets everyone know that the meeting/event has come to an end, and typically summarizes the activities of the day. Court of Awards: This is a ceremony when troops/service units/areas gather to recognize girls or adults who have accomplished something. It may include the distribution of badges, patches, awards, or anything else that may have been received as a result of their Girl Scout participation. Flag Ceremonies: These are part of any program that honors the American flag. They may also honor the Girl Scout flag. These can be a part of many different ceremonies. Fly-Up: This is a ceremony when Girl Scout become Girl Scout Juniors. At this time, girls renew their Girl Scout Promise and receive Brownie wings to show they have “flown-up”. Founders Day: This is celebrated on Juliette Low’s birthday, October 31. It is a time to remember the important role she played in the development of the Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Birthday: Celebrated on March 12, this ceremony celebrates the day Juliette Low started Girl Scouts in 1912. Girl Scout Highest Awards: A time to recognize girls who have earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award. This ceremony is typically hosted by your Area in the spring. Investiture: A ceremony to welcome new girls and adults into Girl Scouts. It can be held anytime a person joins as a new member. An investiture is an important and meaningful step in the lives of every person as she becomes a Girl Scout for the first time. Journey Ceremony: These ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite the girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family. Opening: An activity which is done to signify that a meeting is beginning. This typically includes a brief introduction to what you will be doing during the meeting. Rededication: A ceremony for girls and adults who have already been invested. It is a time to reaffirm their belief in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and to reflect upon the meaning of Girl Scouts in their lives. It is usually held at the beginning or end of each Girl Scout year. Scouts’ Own: An inspirational, girl-planned program to express their deepest feelings about something such as the Girl Scout Promise, friendship, nature, and ideals or values that have meaning for them. Thinking Day: These are ceremonies that celebrate Girl Scouts and all over the world. They typically will be international ceremonies where girls take the time to learn about other cultures and the Four World Centers.

3 Steps in Planning a Ceremony

How Do We…………… Ideas……………………… 1. Where will the ceremony take place? Your troop decides this, it may be indoors or out, during a meeting, on a camping trip or at a picnic

2. How will we begin the ceremony? Welcome – by Patrol Committee Leaders or Troop Leaders Flag Ceremony Group Singing Poem or choral reading

3. How will we do the main part? Candlelight ceremony with the Promise and Law, use one of the sample ceremonies attached to this plan or write your own

4. What other songs, poems, quotations Anything that is appropriate, should we include? start a quotation file, add a book of poems and some songs to the troop library

5. How will we end the ceremony? Friendship Circle Taps Weave

6. Who will do each part? Assign parts to patrols, committees or individuals

7. What do we need? Flags, flag stands, trefoil, candles, other props

8. Who is to be invited? Just the troop and leaders or another troop, parents, friends, Troop Committee, etc. Invitations? RSVP?

4 Court of Awards

Badges Ceremony Supplies: a card or poster board for each letter in the word badges with the speaking part on the back.

Procedure: Each girl holds up the letter, reads her part and stays in place until the word is spelled out and the leader has spoken.

B stands for the BADGES to be given today. They are outward signs of an inner accomplishment. They are not as important as the work needed to earn them.

A is for the positive ATTITUDE we gain from knowing that the time and energy needed to complete these badges have given us new knowledge.

D is for the individual DEVELOPMENT we have experienced by completing these badges.

G is for the GROWTH we have shown by earning these badges. Each requirement has advanced us one step further in life.

E is for the ENERGY necessary to earn these badges. Badges do not come easily... they should not, or their value would be small. Badges must present challenges and satisfaction in accomplishment.

S stands for SELF-RESPECT. By developing our talents and strengthening our weakness we begin to take pride in ourselves.

Leader: “And so we have badges to be given at this Court of Awards. As your leader, I know the work you have done to receive them. You are eager to wear them and it is with great pride and feeling of accomplishment that I present them to you today. (Call each girl forward to make the presentation.) “

Note: This same format could be used to explain the letters, AWARDS, PATCHES, etc. Simplify the wording for younger girls.

5 Scout’s Own

A Scouts’ Own is a special program in Girl Scouting designed to provide an opportunity for girls or adults to express their serious thoughts and deeper feelings. It is an opportunity to reaffirm their ideals, and a way to express these ideals to others. It is not a religious service, but an inspirational one.

The program is one planned by the girls with the help of their adult leader and not the other way around. [Adults can also hold a Scouts’ Own at all adult functions.] Its value as a means to spiritual growth lies in their expression of their own convictions, aspirations and ideals. They may express these in several ways, “I’m grateful that ______”, “I’m glad that ______”, “I’m proud that______”. There is no audience in the formal sense of the word, but rather one group joining in spirit and action to create the program.

The first thing to do is to explain to girls just what a Scouts’ Own is. Then, a theme must be decided upon. Decide ways to carry out the theme: story, poems, talk, slides, songs, play, pictures, speaking chorus. A short period of silence, where each person can listen to the sounds around them, can be very effective.

Some small part should be available for everyone. The program should not be rehearsed, just planned and prepared. Original works of the girls themselves should be used whenever possible.

A Scouts’ Own should not be too long, but long enough to get the idea across to those experiencing the Scouts Own.

Some suggested themes: Promise and Law, citizenship, international friendship, our world, water, trees, the seasons, sky, stars, rain, Native American lore, or experiences in Girl Scouts.

The location can be anywhere but it is useful to move into an area away from the normal work area to emphasize the break from the normal conversation and activities.

Enter and leave in silence to encourage and maintain an atmosphere of serenity.

A suggested pattern (but remember there is no set pattern, creativity is best!)

1. Introduction to the theme 2. A song or two that sets the tone 3. Development of the theme o Skits, poetry reading, choral reading o Different girls speaking o Listening to music o Short film or video 4. Song 5. Reciting a poem or having a dialogue with everyone participating 6. Closing – song, poem, etc.

6 Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies Every Girl Scout meeting or program should have an opening and closing. They provide a frame in which to work. An opening signals to the girls that the meeting has begun and it is time to get down to business.

A typical opening ceremony is very short and simple. They will mean more if they are made up by the troop and varied from meeting to meeting. Some of the following may be included: 1. Flag ceremony 2. Reciting of the Promise and Law 3. Sing a song or recite a poem 4. Discuss a Girl Scout concept – such as a part of the Law or the meaning of the World Association pin

It is very important that the girls all get a chance to plan and participate in all the aspects of the ceremony. Use of a Kaper Chart with assignments for both the planning and the parts of the ceremony will insure that everyone gets a chance.

Suggested Closing Ceremonies The closing ceremony allows the girls a special moment to end the meeting and say good-bye. Allow enough time to clean-up and put away supplies and still have time for this important component to a successful meeting. There are a number of special activities that can conclude your meeting or event.

Taps with Hand Motions Day is done [arms are held extended with palms down, shoulder level] Gone the sun [lower the arms slightly] From the lakes [turn palms up, raise arms slightly] From the hills [raise the arms higher] From the sky [raise arms level with top of head] All is well [lower arms to shoulder height, place right hand on left elbow] Safely rest [cross left hand to right elbow] God is nigh [bow head onto crossed arms]

Sometimes this is followed with an enthusiastic leap in the air with arms opened wide and a shouted “Good Night Girl Scouts!” but others prefer to end quietly.

7 Friendship Circle

You may do Taps or another closing component first. For the Friendship Circle, girls stand in a circle with arms crossed right over left and grasping the hands of the person on either side (see cover illustration.) A designated person starts the passing of the friendship wish by thinking a silent wish and then symbolically passing the wish to the person on her right by gently squeezing her hand. That girl then thinks her own silent wish and continues the ‘squeeze’. As each girl makes her wish, she should put her right foot slightly forward to silently track the progress of the squeeze. This is repeated until the ‘squeeze’ has gone around the entire circle. When the originator receives the ‘squeeze’, she may say “God Bless the girl Scouts and Girl Guides everywhere. Goodbye” or a simple “Good night girls.” The girls drop their hands and leave in silence.

Magic Tunnel When girls are completely ready to leave (jackets on), the girls stand in to lines facing each other in a line to the door and making an arch with their arms. The farthest pair from the door goes under the arches, then the next two, and so on, until the tunnel vanishes with the last two girls leaving. This entire process is usually done in silence.

Samples of Singing Our Way Out A closing ceremony can be solemn or lively, silent or noisy. It’s fun to try a variety of ways and here are some samples of fun ways to close a meeting.

Clean-up Song This one is good for younger girls. The children skip about the room arranging everything neatly, singing to the tune of “London Bridge”

Weave the magic in and out, in and out, in and out Weave the magic in and out, we are Girl Scouts. We have tidied everything, everything, everything. We have tidied everything, we are Girl Scouts.

Then, the girls line up before the leader: [Leader] Is everything finished? [Girls] Everything! [Leader] Is nothing left? [Girls] Nothing! [Leader] Then be gone! [Leader can wave a special ‘good-bye wand’ as girls leave.

8 Good-bye Song To the tune of “Good Night Ladies”.

Good-bye (name of program level) [repeat three times] It’s sad to see you go. Can be sung while doing the Magic Tunnel.

Another Good-bye Song To the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” Now our Girl Scout meeting ends, Say good-bye to all our friends To our homes we Girl Scouts go Singing songs to let you know We are happy as can be, Working, playing, merrily.

Variations of “Taps”

Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lakes, From the hills, From the skies All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh.

Daylight: Thanks and praise, for our days ‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the trees, ‘neath the sky, As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Evening: So good night, peaceful nigh Till the light of the dawn shineth bright. God is near, do not fear, Friend, good night.

9 Girl Scout Celebration Ceremonies

Sample Thinking Day Ceremony The following ceremony could be part of a larger event honoring Thinking Day. Thinking Day is February 22 and is the birthday of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Lord Baden-Powell founded in Great Britain. Lady Baden-Powell promoted Girl Guides and Girl Scouts throughout the world and is known as the Chief Guide.

Equipment: Large replica of the World Association Trefoil, easel, pointer

Formation: The troop stands in a semicircle on either side of an easel holding a poster board with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Trefoil on it.

Ceremony: Girl Scout #1: The World Trefoil Pin is a badge of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. On Thinking Day all Girl Scouts plan to think of one another, throughout the world. You wear this pin and so do Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from other countries. This pin has special meaning.

Girl Scout #2: The Blue stands for the sky and the Gold for the sun.

Girl Scout #3: The Trefoil in the middle stands for the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.

Girl Scout #4: The Base of the trefoil is shaped like a flame and stands for the love of mankind and the flame that burns in the hearts of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts everywhere.

Girl Scout #5: The line in the middle of the trefoil stands for the compass needle that guides us.

Girl Scout #6: The two stars stand for the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law. [After all the speakers are finished, you may want to pin the members of the troop who haven't received their pins.]

Girl : We hope that this pin is never put on simply from force of habit or for convenience; let it be a perpetual reminder to us, who we are and what we are striving to be. We pledge that the Law which we have promised to obey may never become mere empty words, let it be the guiding principle of our lives.

10 Founder’s Day Activities Each year on October 31, girls participate in activities and projects to learn about who is recognized as the founder of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

Want to plan a Founder’s Day Event? Following are some games or ceremonies you might include:

Juliette Low Kim’s Game Kim’s Game is a game Lord Baden Powell (who started Boy scouts) used to train his troops. It’s a memory game. You have many objects out, then take some away. As the objects are “recalled”, they are placed back in view.

Here are a few things that tell a little about Juliette Low’s life:

1. Tomato can: having nothing else on hand to put her honor pins in, Juliette grabbed an empty tomato can and carried the pins to a meeting in it. 2. Daisy: Juliette’s nickname was Daisy. 3. Rubber fishing worm: Juliette loved fishing, in fact she would go out with the men after a formal dinner. It was not unusual for her to go fishing in her evening dress. 4. Pearl necklace: Juliette sold her pearls to fund the Girl Scouting program. She solely supported the Girl Scouts in the United States for several years. 5. Rice: It was a piece of rice thrown for good luck that was the cause of Juliette being partially deaf in her one good ear. It lodged itself in the ear drum. 6. Fish: Juliette was one of a very few people ever outside the United Kingdom to be awarded the Silver Fish. The Silver Fish is the highest adult award in Girl Guiding UK. It is awarded for outstanding service to Girl Guiding UK combined with service to world Guiding. 7. Battleship: There was a Liberty ship named for her during World War II. 8. Pumpkin: Juliette was born on October 31, 1860. 9. Paint brush: Juliette loved the arts. She enjoyed drawing, painting, poetry, drama, sculpting and iron work. 10. State of Georgia: Juliette was born in Savannah, Georgia. 11. Telephone: When Juliette arrived home in Savannah, Georgia she made a famous phone call, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world and we’re going to start it tonight.” 12. Toy stuffed dog, cat or bird: Juliette was very fond of animals.

After you explain each item, hide them and ask the group of girls to list each item and give an explanation of it’s significance.

11 Juliette Low Candle Ceremony

Supplies: four candles, matches/lighter

Light Candle #1. I light this candle for Juliette Low, our Girl Scout founder. Even though we lost the personal presence of our founder in 1927, her spirit has led us constantly to greater growth and fellowship. Today there are over three and a half million Girl Scouts in the United States.

Light Candle #2. Juliette Low’s heart’s desire was to bring love and understanding to all girls in every land. Her dream is coming true, for today Girl Scouts and Girl Guides have members around the world. I light this candle to all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides the world over.

Light Candle #3. When you became Girl Scouts you made a Promise. Let us here rededicate ourselves by repeating our Girl Scout Promise. Make the Girl Scout sign and say the Girl Scout Promise together. Lead the song “Whene’er You Make a Promise”.

Light Candle #4. In , there stands , and in Cuernavaca, Mexico – Our Cabana. In Poona, India – The Sangam and in London, there is . It is at these world centers that we meet together to strengthen friendship between countries by our own friendships with one another.

12 Flag Ceremonies

What makes up a Flag Ceremony? Color Guard: The Color Guard is a guard of honor for the American flag. It is made up of a color bearer and at least two guards. o Additional color bearers and guards may be included in the Color Guard, as other flags are added to the ceremony. (i.e. Kentucky/Indiana State Flag and guard; World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts flag and guard; Girl Scout flag and guard, etc.) o The Color Guard does not participate in a flag ceremony; they stand at attention and do not talk or sing during the ceremony. Their job is to show respect for and to guard the flag(s) they carry. Color Bearer: The Color Bearer is the person who carries the flag. A Girl Scout tradition is that the Color Bearer may wear a red sash over the right shoulder, tied in a square knot on the left side of the waist. The red sash is always tied on the side of the heart. Guards: Two or more guards stand on each side of the color bearer and see that the flag does not touch the ground. Guards may also wear a red sash, tied around the waist and tied in a square knot on the left side. Caller or Girl Scout-in-Charge: The Caller gives all commands to the Color Guard during the ceremony. In big ceremonies you may have more than one caller to help give commands. Displaying the Flag The American Flag should be placed in the center and higher when displayed with a group of state, local, or organizational flags flown from staffs (flag poles). The American Flag is also positioned to the right of other flags (if you were to hold the flag while facing an audience, your right side would be the flag’s own right) When flown from a staff on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right. If placed elsewhere than on the platform, the flag should be to the right of the audience as they face the platform. The flag, when carried in a procession with other flags, should be either on the marching right or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. At no time should another flag cross in front of the American Flag during a flag ceremony.

Saluting the Flag: Salute the flag of the United States of America by placing your right hand over your heart. When to Salute: o You give the pledge of allegiance. o The moment the flag passes in front of you in a parade. o From the moment a flag starts being raised up a pole until the moment it reaches the top.

13 o From the moment a flag starts to be lowered on a pole until both clasps are in the hand of the color bearer. o When the flag is present and “The Star Spangled Banner” is played. If you sing, stand at attention. o When other flags are presented, do not salute them.

Script for Indoor Flag Ceremony During the Ceremony the Scout-In-Charge is the only person talking. The Scout-In-Charge tells the audience and the Color Guard what to do. At no time is the Color Guard to talk during the flag ceremony. Scout-In-Charge enters first, faces the audience and gives the following commands: “Please rise and join us in honoring the flag of our country” o Audience stands “Color Guard Advance” o Color bearer and guards march to front and face the audience. “Please join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance” o I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands; one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. “Color Guard Post the Colors” o The Color Bearers place the flags in their stands (The United States Flag is posted last). “Color Guard Honor the Colors” o Guards salute the flag (place hand over heart), but do not say the Pledge of Allegiance. Color Guard Dismissed o Color bearer, followed by guards and Scout-in-Charge exit together, without flags. Color Bearer going first, then guards, then Scout-In-Charge. Closing Flag Ceremony Scout-In-Charge enters first, faces the audience and gives the following commands: “Please rise and join us in honoring the flag of our country” o Audience stands “Color Guard Advance” o Color bearer and guards march to front and face the audience. “Color Guard Retire the Colors” o The Color Bearers remove the flags from the stands (The United States Flag is posted last). “Color Guard Retreat” o Color bearer, followed by guards and Scout-in-Charge exit together, with flags. Color Bearer going first, then guards, then Scout-In-Charge.

14 Recipe of a Flag Ceremony

Props: Strips of red, white, and blue (paper or felt), white stars (paper or felt), large bowl/bucket and spoon, folded United States of America flag

Participants: Four to eight people

Person #1: We are going to fix for you a treat that is really grand, and make for you a recipe, the greatest in the land.

Person #2: First we’ll put a heaping cup of red for courage true.

Person #3: And then we’ll add for loyalty, a dash of heavenly blue.

Person #4: For purity we’ll add a layer of snow white.

Person #5: And sprinkle in some stars to make it come out right.

Person #6: We will stir and mix and then you will see what we have made is- “OLD GLORY”.

Two girls pull out the folded American flag. Holding it by the top corners, they present it to the audience. All other participants stand at attention with hands over heart.

From this point continue with flag ceremony, Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song.

Basic Outdoor Flag Ceremony Formation: The audience forms a horseshoe around the flagpole and stands with empty hands at side.

Opening Ceremony Caller: “Color Guard Advance.” Color Bearer and Guards then advance with the Color Bearer first and the guards behind two by two. They take position in front of flagpole and stand at attention facing the pole during the entire event. Caller: “Color Guard Post the Colors.” Raising the flag: The clasps on the rope should be the same distance apart as the eyelets in the flag. All clasps should be fastened on the flag before it is started upward. All Color Guards may hold the flag as the Bearer attaches it to the rope before raising it briskly to the top. When the flag is raised, the campers salute the moment the flag starts up by placing hand over heart until it reaches the top. Caller: “Color Guard Salute the Colors.” Salute: Color Guard silently places hand over heart at the same time.

15 Caller: We will now say the Pledge of Allegiance [Program-GS Pledge or anything appropriate] Caller: Color Guard dismissed [Possible camp announcements] Girl Scouts dismissed

Closing Ceremony [Any camp announcements] Caller: “Girl Scouts attention” Campers go silent Caller: “Color Guard attention” “Color Guard advance” [Program-Taps or anything appropriate] Caller: “Color Guard salute the colors” “Color Guard retire the colors” The first 2 Color Guards may step forward to catch the flag as it is lowered so that it does not touch the ground. The upper corner of the flag should be in the Color Bearer’s hands before she unfastens the clasps. When the flag is lowered, the hand is over the heart from when the flag starts down until the last clip is unfastened. Folding: The flag is held by the Color Guard with the blue field nearest the flagpole. It is folded lengthwise in half, then again lengthwise in half, folding the blue field underneath toward the outside. The guards farthest from the pole begin folding the flag in a triangle. They fold until they can pass it on to the other members of the Color Guard. This continues until the entire flag has been folded into a triangle. Placing Folded Flag: The Color Guard resumes its original position. One member of the first couple steps up in front of the Color Bearer with the folded flag. She places it in the Bearer’s outstretched hands so that it can be carried point forward, and then returns to position. Caller: “Color Guard dismissed” Color Guard leaves the same way the entered. Caller: “Girl Scouts dismissed”

16 17 Additional Information

This is just a sample of the many different kinds of ceremonies that can be held during the troop year. Please see the appropriate Grade Level Supplements to this resource for more examples for your grade level. You can also find more information and examples of ceremonies on the internet. Here are a few websites where you can find additional information:

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/basics/traditions/ceremonies/

http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/ http://www.pinterest.com

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