Leominster Girl Scouts
(a member of the Girl Scouts of the Montachusett Council and Apple Valley Association)

Girl Scout Ceremonies
I have included some information from my personal files as well as the councils.   For a comprehensive site on the web dealing with ceremonies see the Girl Scout Net Web Site. Please let me know of additional ceremonial web sites.

Planning a Ceremony

Ceremony Worksheet

Bridging Ceremony--Bridging ceremonial ideas for all Girl Scout levels are located here. 

Flag Ceremony--Definition of Terms

Caller--the Girl-Scout-In-Charge who announces the procedure.

Color Bearer--the person who carries one of the flags.

Color Guard--one or more persons who escort and assist the flag bearer.   Term is also used
to describe the color guard and bearers as a group.

Colors--the flag of the United States of America.

Eyelets--holes, usually with grommets, on the field edge of the flag which are used to attach
the flag to the staff or halyard.

Field--the blue part of the American flag on which there are 50 stars.

Halyard-- a rope used to raise a flag on a mast or pole.

Honors--a rapid silent salute given by the color guard before picking or posting the flag.

Pole--a staff that is fixed firmly in the ground.

Post--to place the staff firmly in the stand.

Salute--right hand is placed over the heart.

Staff--the rigid pole to which the flag is attached so it can be carried or flown.

Stand--a solid holder on the floor into which the staff is placed.

Symbol--something that stands for ( or represents) a feeling, a concept, or a group of people.

Wheel-- two or more people, shoulder to shoulder, turning together.

Flag Ceremony Guidelines

1.  Every flag ceremony should have a color guard.

2.  Scouts who take part in a flag ceremony should be in full uniform.  Camp uniforms are acceptable for outdoor ceremonies.

3.  Fly the flag only from sunrise to sunset.

4.  The American flag receives the place of honor and is put to the right of,  in front of , or higher than any other flag.

5. Everyone present should stand during a flag ceremony.

6. Girl Scout's use the citizen salute, placing their hands over their hearts whether they are in uniform or not during a ceremony.

7. All Girl Scouts must stand at attention and salute when the flag is being raised, lowered, passing by in a parade or when the  "Star Spangled Banner is played."

8. Do not allow the flag to touch the ground or be used for a drape or cloth.

9.  When a flag is worn it should never be thrown in the trash.   The flag must be destroyed (usually by fire.)

10.  Members of the color guard should conduct themselves with honor befitting their role in the ceremony. 

The Flag Ceremony

Girls form a horseshoe.

Girl Caller:  Troop Attention. Color Guard Attention

Flag bearers salute the flags and pickup them up. The American flag is always lifted first. Girls carrying the flags stand side by side. The guards stand of either side of these girls.

Girl Caller: Color guard, advance.

Color guard marches to the open end of the horseshoe. Everyone stands at attention. The guard remains silent throughout the ceremony.  All other Girl Scouts salute the flag.

Girl Caller: Could you all please join us in saying the saying the pledge of allegiance.

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 for liberty and justice for all.

Girl Caller Could you please join us in singing It's a Grand Ole Flag

Girl Caller: Color guard post the colors.

Color guard places the flags in their appropriate stands.   The American flag is always posted first.  All members of the guard salute the flag together.  The ceremony is over when the Girl Caller ends with: Color guard dismissed.

Investiture Ceremony (Contributed by Laura Sykes)

I would like to thank the families of ...for joining us this evening for this special occasion. Tonight we will be investing these girls into Girl Scouts. In addition the girls have decided to share some songs with you.

Girl Caller: Could you all join us be saying the pledge of allegiance

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 for liberty and justice for all.

Girl Caller: Color guard dismissed

Girl caller: Will you all join us in singing Make new friends

In accepting our two new friends into the family of Girl Scouting I will read a short poem which describes how the Brownies get their name.

Troop repeats: Twist me and turn me and show me the elf I looked in the pond and I saw (myself) {Girl responds with name} Girls are pinned by Asst. Leader {Girl Scout Sign with right hand shake with left}. Leader Explains: The Brownie Pin must be worn upside down until a good turn is performed.

3b.  Brownie Skit

All Girls are sent outside/offstage

Leader asks "Who comes to the Brownie woods?"
Brownies answer : "We do"
Leader" "What do you want?"
Brownies: "We want to be Brownie Girl Scouts"

Girls enter and gather around a pond {Can use a mirror with sprigs of pine and potted plants}
Leader "Who comes first to the Brownie Pond?"

Asst. Leader Reads names alphabetically

Leader turns each girl saying:
Twist me and turn me and show me the elf I looked in the water and saw ________________"
Girl responds with" myself {Name}

Girls are pinned by Asst. Leader {Girl Scout Sign with right hand shake with left}.
Leader Explains: The Brownie Pin must be warn upside down until a good turn is performed.

4. Brownie Promise

Girls say promise as the candles are lit.

All Girls: On my honor I will try

1st Girl: To serve God and my country (light candle starting from the right)

2nd Girl: To help people at all times, (light the middle candle)

3rd Girl: and to live by the Girl Scout Law.(light the candle to the girl's right)

5. We will now sing: Whenever you make a promise

When e’er you make a promise consider well its importance and when made, engrave it upon your heart.

The following is a small selection of songs the girls have decided to sing for this special night.

I’ve something in my pocket it belongs across my face I keep it very close at hand in a most convenient place. I’m sure you couldn’t guess it if you guessed a long long while so I’ll take it out and put it on it’s a great big brownie smile.

Fishey Song

Have you ever seen a fishey on a hot and summer day? Have you ever seen a fishey out swimmin in the bay? With his hands in his pockets and his pockets in his pants Have you ever seen a fishey do the hoochey-koochey dance? You never did (clap clap). You never will You never did You never will With his hands in his pockets, and the pockets in his pants the ity-bitty fishey does a hoochey-koochey dance.

Girl Caller: Color Guard retrieve the Colors

She wears a G for generosity She wears an I for interest too
She wears an R for Real good sportsmanship She wears an L for Loyalty for Loyalty
She wears an S for her sincerity She wears a C for courtesy
She wears an O-U-T for outdoor life outdoor life
And that girl scout is me.

One of the New Invested Girls begins the squeeze

Investiture Ceremony Poem

These golden trefoils in my hand Upon our new Girl Scouts we will bestow
But first the meaning that the trefoil bears The spirit of our Promise we must know

Three gold leaves that the trefoil wears Threefold the Promise that it bears
To serve God and your country dear To bring others hope and cheer

And everyday in every way The Girl Scout Law learn to obey
And yet another message too These three gold leaves should bring to you

There are three ways each girl should grow Three sides of life each Scout should know
Your body is the temple of your soul Oh, Girl Scouts build it strong and straight and fair

In God’s great out-of-doors your kingdom lies Health and happiness await you there
In beauty, too, in this great land Our Father made so fair
Seek long for Beauty, and even more Make beauty where no beauty was before

First Girl: I light the brown candle in friendship for all the brown skinned Scouts and Guides in the world. Watch the flame closely please.

Second Girl: I light the red candle in friendship for all the red skinned Scouts and Guides in the world. Watch the flame closely please.

Third Girl: I light the white candle in friendship for all the white skinned Scouts and Guides in the world. Watch the flame closely please.

Fourth Girl: I light the yellow candle in friendship for all the yellow skinned Scouts and Guides in the world. Watch the flame closely please.

All    On my honor I will try to serve God and my country
        to help other people at all times
        and to live by the Girl Scout Law

Narrator: We will repeat the 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.

First Girl Scout

I will do my best to be honest I am a Girl Scout.  You can entrust to me your
innermost thoughts.  I tell the truth and do my work honestly.

Second Girl Scout

I will do my best to be fair.  I am a Girl Scout.  I show no favoritism to those I share.
I am true to things I think are right and good.  I will respect the rights of every individual.

Third Girl Scout

I will do my best to be friendly. I am a Girl Scout.  I will wear a friendly smile.

Fourth Girl Scout

I will do my best to be helpful.  I am a Girl Scout.  I extend a helping hand to those around me.

Fifth Girl Scout

I will do my best to be considerate and caring.  I am a Girl Scout.  It is my deep desire to be
courteous and caring to those around me beyond the daily need.

Sixth Girl Scout

I will do my best to be courageous and strong.  I am a Girl Scout.  I am proud to offer this gift of service.

Seventh Girl Scout

I will do my best to be responsible for what I say and do.  I am a Girl Scout.   I will set an example for others to
follow with my words and my actions.

Eighth Girl Scout

I will do my best to be respect myself and others.  I am a Girl Scout.  I will be kind to myself as well as those around me.

Ninth Girl Scout

I will do my best to respect authority.  I am a Girl Scout.  It is my duty to respect the laws of my community.

Tenth Girl Scout

I will do my best to use resources wisely.  I am a Girl Scout.  I will not misuse material, time or energy.
I will  use resources wisely, so they will be preserved for the future.

Eleventh Girl Scout

I will do my best to make the world a better place. I am a Girl Scout.  I will treat
the world with kindness and respect all living things.

Twelfth Girl Scout

I will do my best to be a sister to every Girl Scout.  I am a Girl Scout.   I will not think
in terms of color, race, creed, or disability.  I will help those who need me.

All together:  We are Girl Scouts.

Leader's Promise

I will do my best:
To be honest about my girl's abilites and fair to their talent
To be friendly and helpful because my girls deserve the best
To be considerate and caring even when things don't work out
To be courageous and strong because my girls need me
To be responsible for what I say and do because others are depending on me
To respect myself and others, after all I am a Girl Scout
To respect authority even the girl's
To use resources wisely by not wasting the potential in each girl I work with
To make the world a better place by sharing my best and not sharing when necessary
To be a sister to every Girl Scout and care for each Girl Scout as family.

G.S. Pin Ceremony

Building the Girl Scout Pin (Traditional)

As each girl says her part, lighting a candle can be symbolic of the three parts of the Promise and the ten parts of the Law.

Girl 1: Our pin is symbolic of our fundamental beliefs. Beliefs which have not changed since our beginning, although methods change with the times. Beliefs which
help each girl attain the highest development of which she is capable. This pin is in the shape of a trefoil, meaning three-fold, and reminds us of the three parts of the
Girl Scout Promise.

All: “On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country...”

Girl 2: We learn to find God in nature, to recognize spiritual values as more important than material ones, to seek the beautiful, and to see God in other people. Girl
Scouts learn devotion to and seek pride in their country.

All: “On my honor, I will try: to help people at all times...”

Girl 3: In her consideration for others, a Girl Scout learns to give generous, selfless service. She comes to realize that service to others is an expression of
dedication to people.

All: “On my honor, I will try: to live by the Girl Scout Law.”

Girl 4: The Girl Scout Law is a guide for daily living - stated simply enough for a young girl to apply to her own life, profound enough to serve as a measuring post
for adults. Think about the people you admire; what makes you admire them? Friendliness, dependability, enthusiasm to serve. These are the qualities that the Girl
Scout Law helps us attain.

Girl 5: Tying together all parts of the Promise and serving as its foundation is the fact that we pledge on our honor to try. When we are discouraged, when we have
made mistakes, our Promise reminds us that the best we can do is to keep on trying with a sincere effort. We do more than believe in our Promise, we try to live
by it. Our pin is symbolic of our Promise, and we are here to explain the parts of our pin tonight.

Girl 6: The eagle is a bird of great endurance and strength. It is used on the Great Seal of the United States to represent power and strength. We wear it on our pin
because we are chartered by the Congress of the United States.

Girl 7: The Shield represents protection. In the design of the Great Shield of the United States, it rests only on the eagle to show that we are a self-sufficient
government. One of our aims in Girl Scouting is to become self-reliant citizens.

Girl 8: In the right talon of the eagle is an olive branch representing peace. To show that we are a peace loving nation, the eagle’s head faces the olive branch. Girl
Scouting is similarly a peace- time movement.

Girl 9: However, the arrows show preparedness to fight for our ideals. As Girl Scouts, we prepare ourselves to cope with every situation and emergency.

Girl 10: On the scroll are the words “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning one from many. There are many states but one nation. In the United States we have three million
in Girl Scouting. Each one is an individual personality, each one has her own place, but we are working in one organization toward one goal according to the ideals
that we have in common.

Girl 11: The G.S. on the pin stands for Girl Scout. It means many different things to many different people. All of us have to decide what it means to us - new
friends we have made, things we have learned, understandings about people we have gained, experiences we could have not have had except as a Girl Scout. The
list is almost as endless as the number of people in the organization.

Girl 12:
There is a destiny that makes us brothers
None goes his way alone
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own

Girl 13: Three candles lighted here represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise. Ten candles lighted here represent the ten parts of the Girl Scout Law. All
rise and join us in singing “Girl Scouts Together”.

Bridging Poem

Take my hand in friendship
I give to you this day.
Remember all the good times
We had along the way.

Take my hand in helping
Other people that we know.
The more we give to others,
The more that we will grow.

Take my hands in learning
To camp on nature's ground.
Enjoying trails and campfires
With new friends that we have found.

Take my hand in giving
Our knowledge of true scouts
To girls we meet and talk to
Who have so many doubts.

Take my hand in thanking
Our leader and our guide.
With sincere appreciation
For standing by our side.

Take my hand in eagerness
To be an older scout.
We're proud to be bridging
Is what we're going to shout.

So take my hand to follow
New scouting paths in sight.
We're joining hands with each
And in friendship we'll unite.

[In Unison:]
We give our hands in promise
To hold our country dear,
And abide the Girl Scout Law
Each day throughout the year.

Junior Girl Scout Poem (adapted by Laura S.) (Letters and sayings doc files)

J is for the joy we share each and every day
U is for the uniform we wear while we're on our way
N is for nature we continue to share
I is for interests and service projects that show we care
O is for the outdoors whether hot or cold
R is for real good memories we'll have until we're old

G is for the golden friendships we have made
I is for the interesting trails we laid
R is for the roads we tread
L is for loyalty in the Promise said

S is for service in everything we do
C is for the courtesy often showed to you
O is for the oath we have spoken
U is for the unity close and unbroken
T is for the trefoil worn with pride
S is for the sisters of Girl Scouting found far and wide

Retiring A Flag Ceremony

Ceremony for retiring a worn flag

This is a very solemn ceremony and should be done with the utmost respect
for the retiring of the flag of our country.

Items needed: Flag to be retired, sharp scissors, flashlight, fire to burn
the flag.

People needed: The color Guard – four girls to hold each corner of the
flag (we used 6). One or two girls who will cut the flag, one or tow girls
who will lay flag pieces on the fire, a caller or reader, adults to watch
over the fire (just in case)

Ceremony:
Caller: "Color guard, advance" – carry the flag in flat and unfolded.
"Please stand for our Pledge of Allegiance" This will be the last pledge
recited to this flag.

An appropriate reading or poem

A song

Caller – "When the flag of our country has become worn or damaged, the
proper way to dispose of it is through burning or burial. We are here
tonight to pay our last respects to this particular flag with love and
reverence. Each stripe stands for one of the thirteen colonies, and each
state is represented by a star on a field of blue."

When reader finishes, the cutter starts cutting the first stripe. When it
is entirely cut, she lays it over the fire.

As each stripe is laid on the fire, the caller calls out the name of the
thirteen colonies in the order in which the states were admitted to the
Union. The first stripe stands for Delaware, then Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New
Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

The field of blue with white stars, which stands for all the states, is
burned last. It should be laid on the fire with two girls holding the
corners, not tossed into the fire.

Closing: Song such as "God Bless America"

The girls are excused in silence while taps is played or hummed by the group.

A Parent Meeting Fable-(Read to encourage membership on a troop committee)

The Little Green Hen, A Fable
(Author Unknown)

Once upon a time there was a Little Green Hen that had a Girl Scout Troop.
She had an Assistant Leader and a lot of mothers with this troop. One day,
the Little Green Hen found she needed a Badge Manager for her troop. She
asked Susie's mother, but Susie's mother said, "No, I am far to busy with
the PTA." She asked Janie's mother, but Janie's mother said, "No, I'm far
to busy with my bridge club." She asked Kathy's mother, but Kathy's mother
said, "No, I'm working so we can buy a color TV." "All right" said the
Little Green Hen, "I'll do it myself," and she did. But, she was so busy
handling the badge records at several meetings that they never did finish
their Christmas Service Project.

Then one day, the Little Green Hen found she needed a Cookie Manager for
her troop. She asked Susie's mother, but Susie's mother said, "No, I'm far
to busy with my church circle." She asked Janie's mother, but Janie's
mother said, "No, I'm busy redecorating just now." She asked Kathy's
mother, the Kathy's mother said, "No, I'm working so we can buy a
snowmobile." "All right" said the Little Green Hen, "I'll do it myself,"
and she did. But, she was so busy handling the Cookie Sale that they
didn't finish planning for their overnight at spring vacation and so it
had to be canceled.

Then one day, the Little Green Hen found she needed a Finance Manager. She
asked Susie's mother, but Susie's mother said, "No, I'm busy working on
the school referendum." She asked Janie's mother, but Janie's mother said,
"No, we're going to Spain." She asked Kathy's mother, but Kathy's mother
said, "No, I'm working to buy a motorboat for the summer." "All right"
said the Little Red Hen, "I'll do it myself," and she did. But, she was so
busy making finance calls that she couldn't keep up with the badge
records, and so they had to cancel the Court of Awards.

Then it came time to re-register the troop. Susie's mother said, "I don't
think the Little Green Hen is a very good leader." And Janie's mother
said, "I don't think Janie will stay in Girl Scouts because they didn't
finish their Christmas project, they didn't go on their overnight, and
Janie didn't get her badges." And Kathy's mother said, "I don't think
Kathy will stay in Girl Scouts because they didn't go on their overnight,
and Kathy didn't get her badges."

And the Little Green Hen said, "I won't take the Girl Scout troop for
another year because I can't do it all myself." And she didn't!

Ode to a Girl Scout Leader (created by the Maumee Valley Girl Scout Council)

You my friend, should be cast in gold for the things you've done that will never be told.
For the dinners delayed by Girl Scout meetings for the friendly smiles and cheerful greetings.
For the badge requirements no one wanted to do, which you insisted were important, too.
For the meetings you led that went just as planned, with no one there to give you a hand.
For the calendars you sold and the cookies you ate....For the toilets dug, meals cooked on a grate...
For that one girl more girl you absorbed in your troop, because she wanted to be in your group.
Tell me again how you lost your voice, was camping in winter really your choice?
And wasn't that you I saw shopping downtown, trying to keep yp with twelve little clowns?
"Why do you do it?" you're probably asked, "Who forced you to take on this year end task?"
Those innocent young faces really tell it all, and that's why we're hoping to see you next fall.
When you were made, they broke the mold. If you're ever re-cast--it will surely be gold!!!

Leader first aid end of the year gift

BAND-AID - to remind you of healing hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's

CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a nice treat occasionally

RUBBER BAND - to remind you of hugging and those times when you want togive a hug or want to receive one

TISSUE - to remind you to dry someone's tears or perhaps your own, so you can see the tears of others

BUTTON - to remind you to "button your lips" to keep from saying mean things about others or talking when it's not appropriate

TOOTHPICK - to remind you to "pick out" the good qualities of everyone including you

GOLD THREAD - to remind you that friendship is the golden thread that ties together the hearts of everyone

ERASER - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and that's all right

LIFESAVER CANDY - to remind you to think of me as YOUR "lifesaver," whenever you need to talk--feel free to call me

MINT - to remind you that you are worth a MINT to Girl Scouting and to me"

Careful soul (Author unknown)

A careful soul I have to be, a little girl scout follows me.
To a narrow path I must stay, for if I don't she too will stray
I must choose my deeds with care for all I do she too will dare.
My words I guard and softly speak and I must love the strong and weak
Oh I must be fair from the start and boldly lead with a steady heart.
In all I say and all I do I promise to strive to be true. 
a little Girl Scout follows me!
Because you know where ever I go a careful soul I have to be

Passing the Light Candle Ceremony

equipment needed:
1. candle for each girl
2. matches/lighter
3. water bucket (with water in it)

Long ago a special ceremony was formed. Juliette Low wanted her original girls to carry a special spark with them as their
Scout group broke up. Some from the troop were moving away, working to help their families or wanted to help a group
of girls a little younger than themselves. But whatever their reasons, Juliette knew no other group would ever quite be the
same. As the girls stood in a circle holding candles (they had made), Juliette knew what spark it was that she wanted to
pass on.

She lit her candle and spoke.

"With this candle I give you each something very special to pass on. As I light the candle on my right I ask each of you to
light the candle to your right and pass it on. I want you to carry this thought with you wherever you go. This is the
ETERNAL FLAME for Girl Scouts. Each of you after having a lit candle before you will repeat the Girl Scout Promise
with me, then pause and recall a few of the things we have done together as a group. I will hold my candle up and as I do
so you will all raise yours and we will blow them out together. Before we separate from our circle, I want to ask you to
keep this candle as a very special candle. It is not to be used for any purpose but passing on the ETERNAL FLAME. You
may use it in other Girl Scout ceremonies such as camps, encampments, campfires, bridging or court of awards
ceremonies. I'm glad we were able to start a special tradition based on our ETERNAL FLAME."

Bake a batch of Brownie Ceremony

1_______ We only have a few Brownies in our Troop from last year!! We need some new Brownies!

2________Yes, what can we do about it?

3________ I know! Let’s make some new Brownies!

4_______ We can look in our handbook for the recipe (Open Brownie/-* Handbook and look)

5_______ Here it is! To make Brownies, we must mix 3 basic ingredients: the Promise, the Law, and
a desire to learn try new things. (Set the book out where people can read the "recipe" while ___________ gets out a
mixing bowl and spoon)

6_______ (Read from the "recipe") In a large bowl, we will cream together 1 cup of a promise to serve
God, my country, and mankind. (put a cup of "promise" into the bowl)

7________(Read from the "recipe") To this mixture, add two cups of honesty and 2 tablespoons of
fairness. Mix together until well-blended. (Put 2 cups of "honesty" and 2 tablespoons of "fairness" into the bowl).

8________ (Read from the "recipe") Stir in one cup of friendliness and a cup of helpfulness.
(Put in a cup of "friendliness" and "helpfulness" into the bowl)

9________(Read from the "recipe") Beat together 1/2 cup of caring and 1/2 cup of consideration for
others and add to the mixture. (Mix the 1/2 cup of "caring" and 1/2 cup of "consideration" together, then
put it into the bowl)

1_______ (Read from the "recipe") Now add to the mixture 2 cups of courage and strength, pour in
some responsibility for what I say and do, and mix well. (Add 2 cups "courage and strength" into the bowl,
pour in the "responsibility")

3________ (Read from the "recipe") Add one cup of respect for authority and one cup of respect for
myself and others. Stir until well blended. (Put in a cup of "respect for authority" and one cup of "respect
for myself and others" into the bowl. Take the spoon from __________ and stir a bit...)

4_______ (After giving _____________ the spoon, read from the "recipe") Sift together 1/2 cup of a wise use
of resources and 3 tablespoons of a promise to make the world a better place. Stir into mixture.
(Mix the 1/2 cup and 3 tablespoons together, then add to the bowl.)

6_______(Read from the "recipe") Sprinkle some sisterhood of Girl Scouting and mix well.
(Sprinkle the "sisterhood" into the bowl)

5_______ (Read from the "recipe") Blend together 1/2 cup of each of the following worlds: Well-Being,
People, Out-of-Doors, Arts, Today and Tomorrow. (Go to each container to get 1/2 cup of each ingredient,
and add all of them into the bowl.)

2______ (Read from the "recipe") In a prepared pan, spread the batter evenly. (Have ______________
help you pour the bowl mixture into the pan. Spread it out, and then put it in the oven. _______________ should
secretly take it from you so nothing spills!)

8______ (Read from the "recipe") Bake at a moderate temperature until done. (Set the dial on the
oven and set the timer)

(Bell rings)

7______They’re done! (Open the oven door and let New Brownies crawl out of the oven)

For Everything
by LaDonna Albert

For every step taken on a wet and rocky trail.
For every reminder note you didn't forget to mail.
For every skinned knee you attended,
For every broken heart you mended.
For every burnt camping meal you ate,
For every late parent on which you had to wait.
For every tearful disappointment you heard,
For every time you could've ... but didn't say a word.
For every ounce of laughter to a little girl you brought,
For every midnight giggle your tired ears have caught!
For every tear you've shed as they've grown up through the years.
For every one of your Girl Scouts, now full of confidence, not fears.
For every song you've sung,
For every song you'll sing...
Thank you...Girl Scout Leader... simply put...for everything!

The Candle

There was a child standing outside, alone. She was absorbed into the wall surrounding her.
By chance someone saw her there, saw her need, And stopped to light her candle…
…And she, in candlelight…glows.

There was a child without confidence.  She was afraid to try, worried about rejection.
Someone lit her candle with a smile, A nodding of praise for her efforts…
…And she, in candlelight…glows.

There was a child who couldn't be still. She bounced and bubbled and never came to a rest.
Someone filled her eyes with awe, and she saw A gift of light, and emotions quieted her soul…
…And she, in candlelight…glows.

There was a child searching for meaning. Looking for direction that made sense to her.
Someone lit a candle to help her find a way, With a Promise, a song and a prayer…
…And she, in candlelight…glows.

There was a child seeing a need in the world. She didn't know what to do that would help.
Someone showed her a little light, flickering. She lit the candles of others…
…And she, in candlelight…glows.

GIRL SCOUT BENEDICTION

"Go in peace And let your hearts be gay/
Go in peace, Now at the close of the day.
In friendship we part, And, until we meet again.
God bless and keep you, Girl Scouts Amen."

Grow A Girl Scout Troop (Trail Mix Ceremony)

Girl Scouts come in all colors, from all races around the world. Every Girl Scout is a sister no matter where she is from, no matter the
language she speaks, no matter the color of her skin. God loves variety, and Girl Scouts are the colors of the rainbow. (M & M CANDIES)

We have a promise and a law. On our honor, we try to do our best to be fair and square. (CHEX CEREAL)

Some of us are tall, and some of us are small. When we get together, size doesn't matter at all. (PRETZEL THINS AND MINI MARSHMALLOWS)

Sometimes we are nutty. We love to joke and play. We'd love to put a Girl Scout smile into everyone's day. (NUTS) *ask about alergies first

Sometimes we are quiet and thoughtful. We have special gifts of love and caring to give in service to those who need our help. (Goldfish crackers)

When we get together, we seem to make circles. We may sit in circles, play circle games, make a Friendship Circle. You could say that we are
well-rounded. (CHEERIOS)

When we are busy planning a project, or doing a craft, we pop around until we're done. (POPCORN)

Girl Scouts respect all living things. The earth is our home and we want to keep it safe for everyone. (ANIMAL CRACKERS)

Girl Scouts are "chips off the old block". Girl Scouting began in 1912. Since then we all have been part of an old tradition, and are proud to
be part of the future. (BANANA CHIPS or Chocolate CHIPS)

We get a kick out of wearing our uniforms, learning new things, helping others, and being together with our friends. (KIX CEREAL)

Young Girl Scouts may be hard to resist because they are fresh, sweet and new. But the older scout maybe more fun, because she has more
experience. (RAISINS)

Welcome to Troop   ?  I hope we will have a wonderful year

Flashlight Flag Ceremony

You will need:
four flashlight bearers or candles as appropriate to your girl levels
2 Narrators, Flag Bearers, Color guards

Narrator1: Troop attention

Narrator2: Color Gurad Attention

Narrator 3: Could we please turn off all the lights please

Narrator 1: Color guard advance

Color guard, flag bearers and flashlight bearers advance in the darkness

Narrator2: Color guard post the colors

Narrator 3: Flashlight guards honor your flags

Flashlight guards direct light at the American and other flags

Narrator1: What you see here tonight represents the past, present, and future. The stripes of Old Glory stand for the original thirteen colonies.

Narrator 2:  The stars represent the present 50 states. The light and warmth of the four lights you see shining remind us of the four great freedoms - Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.

Narrator 3: Eliminate any one of these freedoms and our world would become darker and colder.

Narrator calls out the four freedoms slowly. As each is called a flashlight is turned off until the room is again in total darkness.

Narrator 3: Freedom of the Press , Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion

Narrator1: In this world of potential cold and darkness, of rule by a few, stands the United States of America.

Narrator 2: Here the Four Freedoms do exist and are an example of warmth and light for all.

Narrator 3: Will you please join us in the salute to our flag?

(Turn flashlights back on and direct light toward flag) All join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Girl Scout Law Interpretation Poems

1. A Girl Scout tries her best to be honest and fair *
(Fairness and honor shining bright, like a brilliant flame can split the night)
2. A Girl Scout tries her best to be friendly and helpful *
(A hand held closed has nothing to bring, but open and giving, is a wonderful thing.)
3. A Girl Scout tries her best to be considerate and caring *
(One kindness is small, but the magic it sends, turns into two, and the chain never ends.)
4. A Girl Scout tries her best to be courageous and strong *
(Courage and strength, what love lies here; Bright as a smile, soft as a tear)
5. A Girl Scout tries her best to be responsible for what she says and does *
(Smiles and laughter can make a burden light, and the sound of campfire singing brings a glory to the night.)
6. A Girl Scout tries her best to respect herself and others *
(Grant us wisdom to keep in our memory what the worker wrought in stone - All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own)
7. A Girl Scout tries her best to respect authority *
(To respect authority sometimes can be hard, but this is a need for you must follow that you may learn to lead.)
8. A Girl Scout tries her best to use resources wisely *
(So much is given each of us as we go on our way, we must learn to spend life wisely, lest we waste one precious day.)
9. A Girl Scout tries her best to make the world a better place *
(Love for all things is one of heaven's keys. For his care is given freely unto the least of these.)
10. A Girl Scout tries her best to be a sister to every Girl Scout *
(When hearts seek hearts and hand seek hands, oceans are bridged and love links lands.)

Paper doll ceremony

As each girl says her verse, she stretches her hand out to the next girl to speak until all the girls are standing across linked together like paper dolls. 

Girl 1:                    Take my hand in friendship I give to you this day.

Remember all the good times we had along the way.

Girl 2:                   Take my hand in helping other people that we know.

The more we give to others, the more that we will grow.

Girl 3:                   Take my hand in learning to camp on nature's ground.

Enjoying trails and campfires with new friends we have found.

Girl 4:                   Take my hand in thanking our leaders and our guides

With sincere appreciation for standing by our sides.

Girl 5:                   Take my hand in eagerness to be an older scout.

We're proud to be Juniors is what we're going to shout.

Girl 6:                   So take my hand to follow new scouting paths in sight.

We'll join hands to each other, in friendship we'll unite.

All the girls:          We give our hands in promise to hold our country dear.

And abide the Girl Scout Law each day throughout the year

For additions, corrections, or information about the Leominster Girl Scout web page contact Laura Sykes.
Last updated September 15, 2003