Crossing the Bridge

Why is “bridging” so important in Girl Scouts?

One of the most important milestones in Girl Scouting is a bridging ceremony. As girls move from one age level to another, a bridging ceremony is held to welcome her and to give her a forward look into the next level.

From Ceremonies in Girl Scouting: “A bridge crosses a gap and makes it easy to get from one side to another. So it is in Girl Scouting. Through bridging, girls who move from one membership age level to another have something to help ease the jump…designed to emphasize the continuity of one Girl Scout program, to introduce girls within each age level to what lies ahead and to give older girls a sense of personal responsibility for younger girls.”

Bridging is a graduation of sorts. It’s a time to reflect on what a Girl Scout has learned during the past and to get excited about what lies ahead. A bridging ceremony demonstrates the progression of Girl Scouting as a member of the older level welcomes each girl.

Daisies bring with them a year of discovery, fun and laughter as they receive their Brownie pins. Brownies are awarded the coveted Brownie Wings, which are the only recognition that moves to the next uniform as the she bridges through each age level. Juniors are ready to face the challenge of Cadettes. Cadettes are welcomed into Seniors as they have now become young women. In Seniors, we see the culmination of all that Girl Scouting means in the lives of girls.

“Girl Scouting has been a time when you could get with your girlfriends and just be yourself. You were not afraid to try new things because your friends were right there beside you,” said Shannon McGill, Senior Girl Scout and 2002 Gold Award recipient. “Camping created some wonderful memories and some very challenging and unforeseen conditions! There will always be the special silly songs that only your Girl Scout family will know. And there will always be the satisfaction that Girl Scouts not only helped you to grow as a person, but along the way, you were able to help your community.”