Girl Scout Bridging Guide
Girl ScoutBridging Guide
Bridging BasicsMoving on to New AdventuresBridging AwardsBridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout’s life. It’sa defining moment when a Girl Scout becomes aware ofher achievements and is ready for new adventures andresponsibilities.Most Girl Scouts choose to earn the bridging award for theirlevel. Earning the award offers a chance to look back onwhat they’ve accomplished while looking to the future.Celebrating this change should be fun, personalized, andmemorable for everyone involved. And most of all, it shouldbe designed by the girls in true partnership with adults.Bridging LevelsThere are six levels of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience:Daisy Girl Scout (grades K–1)Brownie Girl Scout (grades 2–3)Each level of Girl Scouting has its own unique bridgingaward patch.Bridging CeremoniesBridging ceremonies often utilize a bridge as girls take literalsteps toward the future. For Girl Scouts, the act of crossingthe bridge is both a physical and symbolic step.Bridging ceremonies can:Junior Girl Scout (grades 4–5) Include troops, groups, or individualsCadette Girl Scout (grades 6–8) Be combined with other activities such as service unitcelebrations or campSenior Girl Scout (grades 9–10)Ambassador Girl Scout (grades 11–12)Five Opportunities to Bridge1.Daisy to Brownie Provide a great way to reach out to individual GirlScouts or troops from other levels Be a great time to present certificates (Check with yourcouncil shop or go online at girlscoutshop.com)2. Brownie to Junior3. Junior to Cadette4. Cadette to Senior5. Senior to Ambassador6. Ambassador to AdultContentsBridging Basics.2Bridging Steps. 3Bridging Ceremonies.4Insignia and Uniforms Needed for Bridging . 5–6Bridge to Brownie Award.6Bridging to Brownie Ceremonies.7–9Bridge to Junior Award. 10Bridging to Junior Ceremony. 11Bridge to Cadette Award. 12Bridging to Cadette Ceremony. 13Bridge to Senior Award. 14Bridging to Senior Ceremony. 15Bridge to Ambassador Award. 16Bridging to Ambassador Ceremony.17Bridge to Adult Award. 18Bridging Ceremonies for Service Units orMulti-Troop Fly-Up . 19–212
Bridging Steps1Talk with Girls, Make a Plan2As girls get closer to moving up to another level,tell them what steps are needed to completebridging, discuss which activities the troop wantsto participate in, and how, and then work togetherto create a plan.Earn a Girl Scout Bridging AwardAlthough not required, completing the steps to earnGirl Scout Bridging Awards helps girls get a taste ofwhat their experience will be like at the next level.There are two steps:3Plan the Bridging CeremonyPass It On! Girls get the chance to look back atwhat they’ve accomplished and pass a bit of theirknowledge on to younger Girl Scouts.Bridging ceremonies usually take place at thebeginning or end of the Girl Scout year and canhave three parts:Look Ahead! Meet with Girl Scouts at the levelthey will be bridging to and learn about the excitingadventures that lie ahead.Opening: Guests are welcomed and the tone isset with an activity such as a flag ceremony orreciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law.Main section: The ceremony is explained toguests and run by girls and co-leaders.Closing: Guests are thanked and celebrationends with an activity such as a friendship circleor flag ceremony.Each of the ceremony’s parts offers plenty of roomfor the girls’ creativity and individuality. Althoughbridging ceremonies are a good time to look backat what has been accomplished, the ceremonyshould always focus on what girls will do as theymove forward.4Gather MaterialsOutside of materials for the actual bridgingceremony, girls may also need a new vest or sash,membership stars, and new guide books.Many council stores and the girlscoutshop.comsell Bridging Kits that contain the awards andinsignia each girl receives as she crosses overto the next level in Girl Scouting. The kits arepacked in a poly presentation bag and include acertificate that can be personalized.5Hold the CeremonyMake sure girls take a leading role inplanning and running the ceremony. As girlsget older, their participation will increase.3
Bridging CeremoniesA bridging ceremony can be very simple or elaborate;remember, it is up to the group to plan the ceremony.Most ceremonies include the following: A flag or opening ceremony Reciting of the Girl Scout Promise Reading or reciting of the Girl Scout Law Crossing a bridge The Girl Scout handshake Presentation of certificates, patches, and otherawards Ending ceremonyOther popular additions include: Make sure the girls are involved in the decisionmaking and planning of the ceremony. As girls getolder, let them take on more responsibility. If family and friends are invited, distribute invitations. Including another troop? Make sure they are informedof the date and time and their roles. Practice ahead of time so everyone knows their roles. Gather supplies well ahead of time. Remind girls, parents, and guardians that uniformsneed to be ready for the ceremony. Make sure to have copies of speaking parts or songlyrics for girls, troops, and guests. Singing a Girl Scout song Have busy bags available for young guests. They couldinclude coloring sheets and Crayons. Serving refreshments The internet is full of great ideas. Doing the friendship squeeze Sharing favorite Girl Scout memories or pictures Sharing plans for the next year4Suggestions for a successful ceremony:»» www.girlscouts.org»» www.scoutingweb.com»» www.makingfriends.com
Insignia and Uniforms Needed for BridgingInsignia Traditionally Presented to Girls as they BridgeAge LevelAutomatically GivenEarnedMembership star with blue discDaisyEnding certificateBridge to Brownie awardBrownie Girl Scout pinMembership star with green discBrownieBrownie Girl Scout WingsBridge to Junior awardGirl Scout pinJuniorMembership star with yellow discBridge to Cadette awardCadetteMembership star with white discBridge to Senior awardSeniorMembership star with red discBridge to Ambassador awardAmbassadorMembership star with navy discBridge to Adult awardShould they Stay or Should they Go?The chart below tells you which insignia belong on the current tunic, vest, or sash, and which move to the new one. All otherinsignia stay on the current tunic, vest, or sash.FromToDaisy tunic or vestBrownie sash or vestWorld Association pinMembership starsBrownie vest or sashJunior sash or vestWorld Association pinMembership starsCadette vest or sashWorld Association pinMembership starsBrownie WingsGirl Scout pinBronze Award pinCadette vest or sashSenior vest or sashKeep using the same vest/sash; nothingis removedThe Silver Award pinSenior vest or sashAmbassador vest or sashKeep using the same vest/sash; nothingis removedGold Award pinJunior vest or sashAmbassador vest or sashAdult uniformInsigniaWorld Association PinGirl Scout pinGold Award pinBridge to Adult pin5
Bridge to Brownie AwardWhat do Brownie Girl Scouts do?Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead!Brownies have a lot of fun together! They can sing theBrownie Smile song, sleep in tents, go on hikes, and tellstories around the campfire under the stars. They may wantto visit zoos, meet people who have interesting jobs, orexchange SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits AffectionatelyPinned Somewhere) with new friends. They can earnJourney awards and do a Take Action project.Spend some time with Brownie Girl Scouts.Do one or more of the following or create your own: Say the Girl Scout Promise together. Then find outif the Brownie Girl Scouts have a favorite part of theGirl Scout Law. Were they friendly and helpful, orcourageous and strong?Earning the Bridging Award Ask some Brownie Girl Scouts to teach a favorite songor game, then sing or play it together!To earn the Bridge to Brownie Award, complete one activityfrom the two bridging steps: Pass It On! and Look Ahead!These steps can also be found in the handbook section ofthe Daisy Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Work together to make special “tickets” into the worldof Brownie Girl Scouts. Ask the Brownies to write downthree things they had fun doing as Brownies and thendecorate the tickets together.Bridging Step One: Pass It On! Ask the Brownies to show their Journey awards andexplain what they did to earn them. How did theymake the world a better place? What new friends didthe Brownies meet on their Journeys?Inspire younger girls by sharing what it was like to be aDaisy Girl Scout.Do one or more of the following or create your own: Teach younger girls the Girl Scout Promise and recitethe Girl Scout Law to them. Share a story about howgirls put the Promise and Law into action. Start exploring ways to help the community.»» Ask the Brownies to help you decorate a box orjar that will become a “Take Action Idea Bank.” Share an activity from a Girl Scout Journey that thegirls enjoyed.»» Ask the Brownies how they helped theircommunity. Teach younger girls a favorite game or song and thenplay or sing along!»» Get more ideas by talking to an adult whoworks in the community such as at a firestation, hospital, library or mayor’s office. Make a little something to give to younger girls thatshows them what Girl Scouts are all about. This is agreat time to introduce younger girls to SWAPS. Want toknow more? Go to html.»» Take a walk to see if there are needs in yourneighborhood. You can use the ideas to TakeAction as Brownie Girl Scouts.»» You can use the ideas to Take Action asBrownie Girl Scouts.»» Attend a council event for Brownies in thespring before second grade.Plan a CeremonyCelebrate earning the Bridge to Brownie Award with afavorite ceremony from a Daisy Journey—or make up a newone. Then proudly add bridging patches to sashes or vests!For more ideas, talk to other troops or go online. If girls areworking online, remember to sign the Girl Scout InternetSafety Pledge, found at girlscouts.org.6
Bridging to Brownie CeremoniesThe Girl Scout Promise and Law Flag or opening ceremony Recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law Activity (see instructions/script) Cross the bridge Present certificates and other awards Ending ceremonySupplies: Bridge, stepping stones, or arch Materials to make 13 daisies to represent the parts ofthe Girl Scout Law and Promise Copies of this scriptPreparation: Write one part of the Girl Scout Promise or Law ontothe back of each daisy following the instructions/scriptbelow. Invite guests (a Brownie troop or parents) to help.Inform them of the time and date of the ceremony andconfirm their attendance. Send them a script.Daisy Girl Scout: To help people at all times.Daisy Girl Scout: And to live by the Girl Scout Law.Co-leader 2: The other daisies represent the Girl Scout Law.Daisy Girl Scout: I will do my best: To be honest and fair.Guest: This means that you will always tell the truth andthat you will share things and take turns with others.Daisy Girl Scout: To be friendly and helpful.Guest: This means that you will ask a new girl to play withyou and when you see a job that needs to be done, and youcan do it, you will be willing to help do it.Daisy Girl Scout: To be considerate and caring.Guest: This means that you will respect the feelings ofothers and care about how they feel and what they think.Daisy Girl Scout: To be courageous and strong.Guest: This means you are willing to try new things, eventhough you may be a little scared, and that you will standfor what is right.Daisy Girl Scout: To be responsible for what I say and do.Guest: This means that you will be careful about what yousay and do so that you don’t hurt other people or things. Distribute the daisies the girls made evenly amongthe Daisy troop. Let the girls know that they areresponsible for reading the promise or law on the back.Daisy Girl Scout: To respect myself and others. Use the script to practice.Daisy Girl Scout: To respect authority.Formation:Line girls up in front of the bridge in order of speaking. Girlswill step forward when they read. After reading is complete,girls will line up on one side of the bridge with one co-leaderwhile another co-leader stands on the other side.Guest: This means you will try to be the best person youcan be, and will be courteous to others.Guest: This means you will respect adults, obey the law,and will cooperate with others.Daisy Girl Scout: To use resources wisely.Guest: This means you will try not to waste paper, will turnoff the lights, and turn off water faucets after you use them.Instructions/ScriptDaisy Girl Scout: To make the world a better place.Co-leader 1: As our Daisy Girl Scouts prepared to bridge toBrownie Girl Scouts, we took the time to learn more aboutGirl Scouting and the Girl Scout Promise and Law. We’veinvited some friends to help us share what we learned.Guest: This means you will help with a neighborhood cleanup, put litter in trash cans, and treat all animals kindly.Guest: These flowers represent the spirit of Girl Scouting.This spirit is often represented with the Daisy, which was ourfounder Juliette Low’s nickname.Co-leader 2: The first three flowers represent the three partsof the Girl Scout Promise.Daisy Girl Scout: On my honor, I will try: To serve God andmy country.Daisy Girl Scout: To be a sister to every Girl Scout.Guest: This means you will be a friend to everyone, not justa few people.Co-leader 2: And there you have it! The Girl Scout Promiseand the Girl Scout Law. (Make sure to leave some time tothank your guest(s), and for applause and photos!)Co-leader 1: Great job! Now it’s time to cross over the bridgeand become a Brownie Girl Scout! But first let’s put ourdaisies back and line up in front of the bridge.7
Bridging to Brownie CeremoniesThe Brownie Elf Flag or opening ceremony Read or recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law Activity (see instructions/script)»» Cross the bridge»» Change tunic/vest from Daisy to Brownie»» Join the Brownie Ring»» Read the Brownie elf poem»» Present Brownie pins»» Tell new Brownies to do three “good turns”»» Hand out certificates—use the Girl ScoutHandshake Ending ceremonySupplies: Bridge, stepping stones or arch A mirror to represent a pond The Brownie sStory (page 18 of the Brownie Girl’s Guideto Girl Scouting) A Brownie troopPreparation: Invite a Brownie Girl Scout troop, parents, or helpersto help. Inform them of the time and date of theceremony and confirm their attendance. Read the Brownie Story from the Brownie Girl’s Guide toGirl Scouting to bridging girls two or three times beforethe ceremony, so girls will understand the meaning ofthe ceremony. This ceremony has several parts, make sure to tell thegirls what to expect and practice! Review the Girl Scout handshake and the Girl Scoutslogan: “Do a Good Turn Daily.”Formation:The Daisy troop should be lined up at the beginning ofthe bridge in their Daisy tunics/vests with one co-leader.Another co-leader/helper should be at the end of thebridge with new Brownie sashes/vests. If a Brownie troopis participating, they should be standing at the end of thebridge, waiting to welcome new Brownies into the BrownieRing.8Instructions/ScriptCross the bridge and join the Brownie RingOnce a co-leader calls a Daisy Girl Scout’s name, the Daisygoes across the bridge. She is met on the other side by aBrownie Girl Scout, co-leader, or helper who helps the Daisytake her Daisy vest/tunic off and put her Brownie vest/tunicon. Once finished, the new Brownie joins the Brownie Ring.Find the Brownie elf and receive the Brownie pin(While the co-leader is speaking, another co-leader orhelper sets up the “pond”.)Daisy co-leader: To prepare for bridging today, our troopread “The Brownie Story,” a story about girls who went to aforest in search of “very helpful persons” called Brownies.There they met a wise old owl who told them that they couldfind the Brownie if they looked upon the magic pond andfinished a magic rhyme.Now we, too, will perform a little magic. I’d like to call allnew Brownies to stand around the magic pond and listencarefully while I read this poem.Cross your little fingers, stand upon your toes,That’s a bit of magic that every Brownie knows.Now we all are standing inside a forest glade,Listen very carefully; see the magic made.And tucked inside this great big wood,You’ll find a pond that’s pure and good.Then turn yourself around three times,Gaze into the pond; complete the rhyme.One at a time, each new Brownie walks to the pond andis met by a co-leader or helper who turns her in a circlewhile another co-leader or helper says:Twist me and turn me and show me the elf,I looked in the water and saw.New Brownie looks into the mirror and says: “Myself!”Each new Brownie then goes to their co-leader or helperwho places a Brownie pin upside down on her new vest.Then she returns to the Brownie Ring.Co-leader: Congratulations to our new Brownie Girl Scouts!The Girl Scout slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” Go now anddo three good turns for your family—one for each part of theGirl Scout Promise. When your good turns are done, have amember of your family turn your pin right side up.
Bridge to Junior AwardWhat do Junior Girl Scouts do?Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead!Junior Girl Scouts can take part in cool new experienceslike going on an overnight at a science museum, attending abaseball game, visiting a wildlife preserve, making a robot, ortrying new sports like archery. They can earn Journey awards,leadership awards, and the Girl Scout Bronze Award.Spend some time with Junior Girl Scouts.Earning the Bridging AwardTo earn the Bridge to Junior Award, complete one bridgingactivity from the two bridging steps: Pass It On! and LookAhead! These steps can be found in the handbook sectionof the Brownie Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting.Bridging Step One: Pass It On!Do one or more of the following or create your own: Teach a group of Daisy Girl Scouts a favorite song,game, or craft from a Brownie Journey. Have girls talk to Daisies about their favorite Browniememories. Tell the Daisies what they have to lookforward to. Show them what skills girls learned asBrownies or pictures of favorite trips. Help Daisies create and decorate small messagebooks. Pass the books around and write messages tothe Daisies, telling them what makes them special orwhat they can look forward to as Brownies. Make sureeach Daisy writes her name on the cover of her book! Have girls share what they have learned aboutbecoming Junior Girl Scouts and why they are excitedto “fly up”.Brownie Girl Scout WingsAll Brownie Girl Scouts who become Junior Girl Scouts“fly up.” Girl Scout Wings should be given to eachBrownie when they bridge to Junior Girl Scouts.10Do one or more of the following or create your own: Ask Junior Girl Scouts what activities they loved doingas Juniors and why. Ask them to share their favoritememories of working as a team. See if they are willingto teach a favorite game or special Girl Scout activity.If any of the girls were also Brownie Girl Scouts, askthem how being a Junior was different from being aBrownie. Talk to one or more Junior Girl Scouts who earned theirBronze Award. Wow! That is a big accomplishment.How did they choose their project? Who was on theirteam? What did they learn? What hints or tips can theyshare? Attend a council eve
Each level of Girl Scouting has its own unique bridging award patch. Bridging Ceremonies Bridging ceremonies often utilize a bridge as girls take literal steps toward the future. For Girl Scouts, the act of crossing the bridge is both a physical and symbolic step. Bridging ceremonies can: Include troops, groups, or individuals
and 3 Grades 3rd Graders Bridge to Girl Scout Juniors Girl Scout Juniors th4th thand 5 Grades 5 Graders Bridge to Girl Scout Cadettes Girl Scout Cadettes th th6 , 7th and 8 Grades 8th Graders Bridge to Girl Scout Seniors Girl Scout Seniors th 9 and 10 th Grades 10 Graders Bridge to Girl Scout Ambassadors Girl Scout Ambassadors th11 and 12th Grades 12th Graders Bridge to Adult Girl Scouting
Girl Scout Juliettes is a girl-led, family driven Girl Scout experience. As a parent/guardian of a Juliette, you and your Girl Scout will be partners, shaping and sharing in the fun of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Parent/guardians will: Register her as Girl Scout. Go to girlscoutsoc.org and click on
Bridge to Girl Scout Brownie Award 3 – 4 Bridge to Girl Scout Junior Award 4 – 5 Bridge to Girl Scout Cadette Award 6 – 7 Bridge to Girl Scout Senior Award 8 – 9 . your Bridging patch to your sash or vest! If you go online, remember to sign the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge.
scouts/traditions.html. Bridge to Brownie Award Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead! Spend some time with Brownie Girl Scouts. Do one or more of the following or create your own: Say the Girl Scout Promise together. Then find out if the Brownie Girl Scouts have a favorite part of the Girl Scout Law. Were they friendly and helpful, or courageous .
Our Girl Scout programs align with the Girl Scout mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We provide programs . including bugs, flowers, and birds of prey. Girl Scout Programs at Daisy Girl Scout Programs . Girl Scouts will explore patterns and symmetry found in natural objects .
o What is the Girl Scout slogan (Do a good turn daily.) o What does this mean to you? (It's for the many ways girls can make a difference in the lives of others.) o What is the Girl Scout motto (Be prepared.) o What does this mean to you? (A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. A Girl Scout should know how to do a job well .
AA Girl Scout Daisy’s Guide Girl Scout Daisy’s Guide tto the Environmento the Environment Learning to respect and take care of the world around us is an important part of the Girl Scout experience. Use this guide to introduce girls to the wonders of the world around them. It’s a grea
AA Girl Scout Brownie’s Guide Girl Scout Brownie’s Guide tto the Environmento the Environment Learning to respect and take care of the world around us is an important part of the Girl Scout experience. Use this guide to introduce girls to the wonders of the world around them. It’s a great tool to use before taking girls on their first .
