Girl Scouting is filled with special memories and special times. Ceremonies will heighten the significance of special times, allowing girls to share these moments with others in a memorable way. Ceremonies are an integral part of Girl Scouting. They help to reinforce values, pass on traditions, recognize accomplishments, strengthen friendships, and give life to the beliefs set down in the Promise and Law.

Whatever the purpose or origin, ceremonies provide opportunities for girls to share their feelings and reflect on what they have accomplished individually or together. Like much of Girl Scouting, there are few hard and fast rules for planning and carrying out ceremonies; what really counts is that the occasion has special meaning for the participants.

Several kinds of ceremonies have become part of the Girl Scout tradition. These include:

Investiture - to welcome new members into Girl Scouting

Rededication - members renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law

Court of Awards - Girls receive recognition for special accomplishments

Bridging - Girls celebrate passage form one level of scouting to the next

Patrol Leader Installation - signifies acceptance of responsibility to the patrol and the troop

Other types of ceremonies that sometimes take less planning, or may even happen spontaneously:

Flag Ceremony - to honor the Flag of our Country

Opening/Closing - the beginning or end of a meeting

Scouts Own - a quiet ceremony with a theme expressing feelings or ideas

Campfires - for fun, friendship, or to celebrate a happy experience

Girls may want to celebrate special Girl Scout days with a ceremony. These special times include:

Juliette Low's Birthday - October 31

Thinking Day - February 22nd

Girl Scout Birthday - March 12th

Girl Scout Week - the week including March 12th

Leader Appreciation Day - April 22

Girls may also want to celebrate other religious, cultural or national holidays. The possibilities are endless.