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Ceremonies
Ceremonies are an important part of Girl Scouting and often are performed to celebrate a special occasion. Sometimes they are performed on special Girl Scout days such as Thinking Day (February 22), Juliette Lowe's birthday (October 31), or the anniversary of Girl Scouts (March 12). They can be short or long, formal or informal, and held indoors or outside. They might include girls in the troop, other girls and adults in Girl Scouts, and invited guests (parents and friends). Good planning is essential for every ceremony, and sometimes ceremonies are rehearsed. During the opening of a ceremony, guests should be welcomed, the purpose of the ceremony should be stated, and the mood should be set (quiet, festive, etc.). The main part of a ceremony could include readings, lighting candles, or songs. In closing a ceremony, you might include a friendship circle, singing a closing song, or thanking special guests. Following are some types of ceremonies:
 Bridging Ceremonies mark the movement of Girl Scouts from one level of Scouting to the next, e.g., Brownies to Juniors. They are usually done at the end of a Scouting year and can be done at the troop level, with another troop, or with many other troops in your city or town.
Investiture Ceremonies are held to welcome new girls and adults to Girl Scouting. Participants make a commitment to the ideals and values of Girl Scouting by making the Girl Scout promise. Membership pins are traditionally given out at this ceremony.
Rededication Ceremonies are a time when Girl Scouts renew their Girl Scout promise and review what the Girl Scout law means to them. Troops or groups can hold a rededication ceremony at the beginning and/or end of each membership year.
 Candlelight Ceremonies help Girl Scouts to think about the Girl Scout promise and law. They are often used as part of a larger ceremony, such as investiture and rededication ceremonies. There are three large candles, which represent the three parts of the Girl Scout promise, and ten smaller candles representing the ten parts of the Girl Scout law.
Court of Awards is a ceremony when girls receive the recognitions they have earned, e.g., Try-its, badges, pins, and participation patches. Court of Awards ceremonies can be done throughout the year or once at the end of the Scouting year.
Girl Scouts' Own is a ceremony that provides an opportunity for girls to express their deepest feelings about their Girl Scout ideals. Often the ceremony is created by the troop around a specific theme, e.g., nature or service to others. It could include reflective poetry and songs or a quiet walk in the woods listening to the sounds of nature.
 Flag Ceremonies honor the American flag as the symbol of our country. A flag ceremony may be very simple with just the American flag or may contain other flags as well. Often flag ceremonies are used as an opening to a troop meeting or Girl Scout event. As part of a flag ceremony, you recite the Pledge of Allegiance and may also sing a patriotic song.
Some specific ceremonies can be found by visiting the following websites:
Ceremonies in Girl Scouting (available at our Council store at Cedar Hill in Waltham) contains a complete compilation of popular Girl Scout ceremonies.
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