CEREMONY GLOSSARY
BRIDGING - Bridging is the ceremony that makes the progression between levels of Girl Scouts.  There are five program level patches: Bridge to Brownies, Bridge to Juniors, Bridge to Cadettes, Bridge to Seniors and a Bridge to Adults. These may be earned prior to bridging.

CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY - Candles are sometimes included in ceremonies. The lighting of candles is symbolic of the parts of Girl Scouting. For example: three large candles, (frequently white) may be used to symbolize the three parts of the Promise. Ten smaller ones (frequently green) may symbolize the ten parts of the Law. International ceremonies might include blue candles.
Candle lighting ceremonies are frequently used in investitures, rededication ceremonies, bridging ceremonies and Court of Awards.

CEREMONIES - can be done anytime, for any occasion. This is a partial list of the common ceremonies that Girl Scouts do, and included are some "events" that could be occasion for a ceremony.

COURT OF AWARDS - A Court of Awards is a special planned ceremony where the girls receive the insignia, try-its, badges, interest projects and other recognition’s that they have earned. The ceremony is usually girl planned, and may or may not be a parent event.  It is possible for girls to exhibit, display, or tell about things they have done to earn these recognition’s. The ceremony may also include a Thank-you and recognition for consultants and others who were instrumental in providing help during the projects.
Courts of Awards may be held at any time during the year. A troop may decide to have several Court of Awards each year.

FLAG CEREMONY - Flag ceremonies are designed to honor and teach respect for our flags. A flag ceremony may be held at any occasion. It may be held inside or outside. It may be part of an opening or closing ceremony for troop meetings, or for other ceremonies.

FLY-UP - A Fly-up ceremony marks the progression of a Brownie Girl Scout to the next level of Girl Scouting. It is at this time that a Brownie Girl Scout receives the "Brownie Wings."

FOUNDER'S DAY CEREMONY - On Juliette Low's birthday (October 31), it is fitting and proper to have a ceremony which includes donations to the Juliette Low World Friend Fund (JLWFF). It is also appropriate to reflect on our Founder, her strengths and devotion to this movement.

GIRL SCOUT BIRTHDAY - March 12, 1912. Ceremonies for honoring the birthday of Girl Scouts in this country might take many forms. Girl Scout week , (the week that begins on Sunday and includes March 12), Celebrations are sometimes family or parent oriented.

INVESTITURE - This ceremony is for both girls and adults. It marks the becoming of a Girl Scout for the first time. In this ceremony, girls and adults who wish to become Girl Scouts, who have paid their registration fees, and who have accepted the Girl Scout Promise and Law are received into membership and receive a Girl Scout Pin (three faces or traditional.)

REDEDICATION CEREMONY - This is a time to renew the Girl Scout Promise for all invested Girl Scouts. It is a ceremony to review and renew the meaning of the Law. This ceremony is usually held at the beginning of the Girl Scout year, but may be held at any time. A Rededication ceremony can be a part of an Investiture Ceremony.

SCOUT'S OWN - This is a special ceremony reserved for Girl Scouts only. It is planned by girls, and is based on ideals of Girl Scouting. It is a quiet, reverent, sharing and caring expression of the common aspirations of each girl. It requires purposeful girl planning under adult guidance and should be an inspiration to all participating.

THINKING DAY CEREMONIES - February 22. Thinking Day ceremonies are usually concerned with international friendship, although a Scouts' Own with a theme about the Baden-Powells (Lord Robert, Olave, his wife, and Agnes, his sister) would also be appropriate. It is a time to impress girls with the vastness of the World-Wide movement of Girls Guides and Girl Scouts. Thinking Day ceremonies frequently include the giving of the pin of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to invested Girl Scout girls and adults. Thinking Day is also an opportunity to contribute to the Juliette Low World Friend Fund.

TROOP BIRTHDAY - Ceremonies marking the beginning of the troop year can sometimes provide the "molding of the group." A ceremony can be a part of a troop birthday party.
     Types of Ceremonies

Bridging

    Fortune City
    GSUSA
    Kidslist
    Notascout
Campfire
    Ashes
   
Gssherry
Color Guard
   
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
Cookie
    Gssherry
Court of Awards
    Fortune City
    Leader's Landing
    Notascout
Daisy
    Gssherry
Flag
    Fortune City
    Gssherry
    GSUSA
    I'm Your American Flag
   
Kidslist
    Leader's Landing
    Notascout
    Tripod
Girl Scout Pin
    Fortune City
    Membership Star
    World Association Trefoil
Girl Scouts Own

 
  Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
   
Fortune City
   
Kidslist
   
Notascout
Gold Award

    
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
    
GSUSA
International

    
Gssherry
Investiture/Rededication

    
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
    
Fortune City
    
Gssherry
    
Leader's Landing
    
Notascout
Outdoor/Campfire

    
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
Patrol/Leader Officer Installation

    
Leader's Landing
Silver Award

    
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
Thinking Day

    
Fortune City
    
Kidslist
    
Notascout
    
World Center
Volunteers

    
Kidlist
World Association Pin

    
Catawba Valley Girl Scouts
Miscellaneous

    
General Ceremonies
    
Girl Scout Law
    
Golden Chain
    
Johnny Appleseed
    
Nickname
    
Parent's Promise & Law
    
Wishboats
Ceremonies
Ceremonies Guide - This is a great interactive guide that will show you everything from planning the ceremony to lots of different ceremonies and ideas!   
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      Planning Ceremonies
Fortune City
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Notascout
Ceremonies have always been important in Girl Scouts and are used to celebrate many occassion.  If you're new to ceremonies, then read the glossary to understand some of the terms used and look at the guide as well.  The most memorable ceremonies are the ones the girls plan themselves, so remember to get them involved!