Bridging Basics

Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout’s life. It’s a defining moment when a Girl Scout becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities. Celebrating this change should be fun, personalized, and memorable for everyone involved. And most of all, it should be designed by the girls in true partnership with adults. Most Girl Scouts choose to earn the bridging award for their level. Earning the award offers a chance to look back on what they’ve accomplished while looking to the future. Each level of Girl Scouting has its own unique bridging award patch.

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, be combined with other activities such as service unit celebrations or camp, provide a great way to reach out to individual Girl Scouts or troops from other levels, and be a great time to present certificates (Check with your council shop or go online at girlscoutshop.com).

Bridging Steps

1. Talk with Girls. Make a Plan. As girls get closer to moving up to another level, tell them what steps are needed to complete bridging, discuss which activities the troop wants to participate in, and how, and then work together to create a plan.
2. Earn a Girl Scout Bridging Award. Although not required, completing the steps to earn Girl Scout Bridging Awards helps girls get a taste of what their experience will be like at the next level. There are two steps. Pass It On! Geirls get the chance to look back at what they’ve accomplished and pass a bit of their knowledge on to younger Girl Scouts. Look Ahead! Meet with Girl Scouts at the level they will be bridging to and learn about the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
3. Plan the Bridging Ceremony. Bridging ceremonies usually take place at the beginning or end of the Girl Scout year and can have three parts. Opening. Guests are welcomed and the tone is set with an activity such as a flag ceremony or reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Main section. The ceremony is explained to guests and run by girls and co-leaders. Closing. Guests are thanked and celebration ends with an activity such as a friendship cirecle or flag ceremony. Each of the ceremony’s parts offers plenty of room for the girls’ creativity and individuality. Although bridging ceremonies are a good time to look back at what has been accomplished, the ceremony should always focus on what girls will do as they move forward.
4. Gather Materials. Outside of materials for the actual bridging ceremony, girls may also need a new vest or sahs, membership stars, and new guide books. Many council stores and the girlscoutshop.com sell Bridging Kits that contain the awards and insignia each girl receives as she crosses over to the next level in Girl Scouting. The kits are packed in a poly presentation bag and include a certificate that can be personalized.
5. Hold the Ceremony. Make sure girls take a leading role in planning and running the ceremony. As girls get older, their participation will increase.

Bridging Ceremonies

A 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, reaching or reciting of the Girl Scout Law, crossing a bridge, the Girl Scout handshake, presentation of certificates, patches, and other awards, ending ceremony. Other popular additions include: doing the frienship squeeze, singing a Girl Scout song, serving refreshments, sharing favorite Girl Scout memories or pictures, sharing plans for the next year.

Suggestions for a successful ceremony: Make sure the girls are involved in the decision making and planning of the ceremony. As girls get older, let them take on more responsibility. If family and friends are invited, distribute invitations. Including another troop? Make sure they are informed of 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 uniforms need to be ready for the ceremony. Make sure to have copies of speaking parts or song lyrics for girls, troops, and guests. Have busy bags available for young guests. They could include coloring sheets and crayons. The internet is full of great ideas!

Program Grade Level	Automatically Given	Earned
Daisy to Brownie	Membership star with blue disc	Bridge to Brownie Arc Award
	Brownie Girl Scout membership pin
Brownie to Junior	Membership star with green disc	Bridge to Junior Arc Award
	Brownie Girl Scout Wings
	Girl Scout membership pin (contemporary or traditional)
Junior to Cadette	Membership star with yellow disc	Bridge to Cadette Arc Award
Cadette to Senior	Membership star with white disc	Bridge to Senior Arc Award
Senior to Ambassador	Membership star with red disc	Bridge to Ambassador Arc Award
Ambassador to Adult	Membership star with navy disc	Bridge to Adult Arc Award