Gifts of a Dime and a Tiny Box

We have something we want to give each of you girls tonight---A bright, shiny new dime. Now, a dime doesn't do much by itself. You have to put it with something in order for it to be useful. Put 25 cents with it and you have enough for a phone call. Put 40 cents with it and you might have enough to buy a candy bar or a pack of gum.

You can save more dimes, put it all in the bank and let it make more money in interest. You could take this dime home, throw it in a dresser drawer and not use it at all. You could even lose it before you get home!

Now, I want you to tell me, how many pennies does it take to equal this one dime?

Right, it takes 10 pennies - 10 very equal and important parts. Well when you take the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law and add it all together, it equals Girl Scouting!

[Repeat the GS Law]

Now we have one more thing to give you: a tiny little box. The wrapping may be a bit wrinkled and the ribbon may not be quite perfect, but its what's INSIDE that counts!

Just like the dime, you have to put something with it to make it really worthwhile.

Now, you won't be receiving all of your gift at one time. We hope to give it to you over a period of many years, in small doses and as painlessly as possible!

We want to give you Girl Scouting!!!

And with this gift we also give you our hopes that you will learn from it, grow with it, work with it, use it everyday, enjoy all of it and keep it with you for the rest of your life!

Now, New Girl Scouts and Old Girl Scouts alike, let us all join together in saying the Girl Scout Promise.

[Repeat the GS Promise]

As we're sure you have already noticed. the little box that we just gave to you was wrapped in Gold paper and tied with Silver ribbons - This is to remind you of all of the Wonderful, Wonderful Friends you are going to make this year. As the Song goes, "Make New Friends but keep the old. One is Silver and the other is Gold!"

And now as we share our friendship, we will all think about all of our special Girl Scout Sisters right here and around the world and all of the fun and excitement that awaits us this year!

Golden Trefoils

• 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 the trefoil wears
• Threefold the Promise that it bears,
• To serve God and your Country dear,
• To bring others hope and cheer,
• And every day in every way the Girl Scout Laws learn to obey.
• And yet another message, too,
• These three gold leaves should bring to you;
• These three gold leaves 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 knowledge, too, as young eager minds unfold from day to day,
• So do you grow with every finished task,
• At home, at school and rightful play.
• In beauty, too, in this great land,
• The Great Spirit made so fair,
• Seek long for Beauty, nay ever more,
• Make beauty where no Beauty was before.

Lighted Candles

Scene: A table, with 13-candle board/log on it; flanked by American and GSUSA flag.

1st Speaker: " Tonight we are here in to invest those who have joined Girl Scouts for the first time this year. We are also here to rededicate each member, new and old, to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You should all understand that these are the ideals by which Girls Scouts try to live, and through which we, as leaders, help girls to gain worthy citizenship."

[a large candle is lighted, house lights are dimmed].

2nd Speaker: " Before you, you see a golden flame The flame symbolizes a Girl Scout's honor, which must never be dimmed. When a Girl Scout makes a promise, she is placing her honor, the brightest thing in her life, before her fellow Girl Scouts, her leaders, her parents, and her friends. Girls should understand that giving the Girl Scout Promise on one's honor is a serious thing. "

3rd Speaker: "From this golden flame we light the flame of duty to God and country. "[light small candle and say:]

ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to serve God and my country

4th Speaker: "We light the flame of duty to people." [light second small candle and say:]

ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to help people at all times

5th Speaker: "We light the flame of duty to self." [light third small candle and say;]

ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to live by the Girl Scout Law

6th Speaker: "We now bring to light the flames of the Girl Scout Law, which make bright and clear the trail that leads from girlhood to womanhood. Let us all stand and repeat together the Girl Scout Law."

[Pause until all stand; then 10 more candles are lighted as the ten parts of the law are said.

7th Speaker: "These burning candles represent the points of the law and promise and how they brighten the life of the Girl Scout who observes them. When through practice they become a part of our daily lives, they also brighten the lives of all whom we come in contact."

8th Speaker: "We can too easily forget that the Girl Scout Promise is a serious pledge. We must guard against repeating the Promise and the Law in a parrot-like manner, as though the words were meaningless. "

[Ceremony continues with house lights turned on. Each member present (who wishes to) is invited to say a few words about what being a Girl Scouting has meant to her.]

[Song, "On My Honor", is sung.]

9th Speaker: "Sisters, we are fortunate to be members of the greatest organization of women and girls: the World Association of Girls Scouts and Girl Guides. It is a privilege to wear the emblems of Girl Scouting. The whole world admires and respects us."

[Participants stand while leader puts pins on each one]

Closing: "With our ceremony ended, we now put out these candles. But we do so with the certain knowledge that we carry the flame of Girl Scouting eternally with us, in our hearts."

Passing the Light and the Spirit of Girl Scouting

When Juliette Gordon Low established Girl Scouting in 1912, the tradition of candlelight ceremonies was an important part of the various activities. Through the early years, she passed the light and spirit of Girl Scouting on to others through investitures and campfires. They, in turn, continued to pass the light and the spirit. Over the years, the light and spirit of Girl Scouting has taken many different paths. The following is a brief history of one such path.

One of the first leaders-in-training was Ethel Cooper, and she like so many others, received the light from Juliette Low. Ethel went on to establish a troop in 1917 in Plymouth, Pennyslvania. Through her years of Girl Scout involvement, she too, passed the light on to her girls with the hope that they would continue to pass the light and keep the spirit of Girl Scouting alive.

Over the years, the light from Ethel's candle was passed to many others throughout our great organization...at meetings, campouts, and at investiture and rededication ceremonies---just like this one.

And on {date}, {ceremony-leader's-name} passed the light on to the members of Troop--....

May we always remember the spirit in which Juliette began this organization to spread to all girls the confidence, determination, courage, and knowledge that they can do anything. May we develope that same spirit within ourselves and the girls we lead.

In the spirit of Girl Scouting, let your lights shine!

Ribbons and Candles

Use 10 white candles, each tied with specified color ribbon as noted. Each girl reads her line then lights the candle.

I will do my best to be: <all the girls say together>

• Honest and fair <girl #1>
  The purple ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of honesty and fairness. A Girl Scout works honestly and keeps her promise. She is fair in all she does and those she meets.
• Friendly and helpful <girl #2>
  The blue ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of friendship and thoughtfulness. A Girl Scout is amiable and loyal to her friends. She helps others wherever and whenever she can.
• Considerate and caring <girl #3>
  The orange ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of kindness and warmth. A Girl Scout works well with others and looks out for the well-being of others.
• Courageous and strong <girl #4>
  The red ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of adventure and independence. A Girl Scout attempts new tasks and braves new endeavors. She is confident and self-assured in her actions.
• Responsible for what I say and do <girl #5>
  The gold ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of ownership and pride in her work. She readily admits her strengths and weakness and is aware of the consequences of her actions. A Girl Scout is up front with her intentions.

And to: (all the girls say together)

• Respect myself and others <girl #6>
  The white ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of integrity. A Girl Scout directs her thoughts and deeds to encompass her won beliefs and to be sensitive to, and respectful of the beliefs of those around her.
• Respect authority <girl #7>
  The yellow ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of regard for another's position. A Girl Scout understands the importance of having a leader of a group to make final decisions. She works with that leader to make the best decisions for the good of the group.
• Use resources wisely <girl #8>
  The green ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of being careful with resources. She uses her materials, money, time, and energy wisely. A Girl Scout does not wasted the Earth's resources.
• Make the world a better place <girl #9>
  The brown ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's sense of improvement. A Girl Scout strives to be clean, conserve, and enrich the world around her. She believes it is important to leave a better place than when she found it.
• Be a sister to every Girl Scout <girl #10>
  The silver ribbon on this candle represents a Girl Scout's loyalty to sisters all over the world. A Girl Scout is always ready to accept more friends into her ever widening circle. She treats all of her sisters with kindness, acceptance, and warmth.

Return of the Salmon

This ceremony is based on the West Coast Indian's belief that only by paying homage in a prescribed ritual would the salmon continue to return each spring. We adapted this ritual into an enrollment ceremony that was both educational and fun for all participants. Feel free to adapt it to your own specific needs. We had a "Chief", "Shaman" and other participants sharing in the readings.

The Indians had a way of ensuring that the salmon would return year after year. There is a very special bond between mankind and the salmon world, involving many ritual obligations and taboos. The rivers must be kept clean and so must the girls purify themselves before beginning the Salmon Ceremony.

Since the salmon was one of the main sources of food for the West Coast Indian peoples, it was treated with deep respect and the Salmon Ceremony was an important celebration during the spring of every year.

The baby salmon are born in the rivers and streams of British Columbia, and shortly after birth, they swim many, many miles until they reach the Pacific Ocean where they spend their whole life.

Speaker:

You have joined the {troop/group} and by learning and understanding the promise and law and participating in the program, you are now ready to become members of the Sisterhood of Girl Scouting [symbolizing the new born salmon and travelling to Pacific Ocean]

The grown salmon always come back to the exact place where they were born - swimming up rivers and streams, overcoming many obstacles such as waterfalls - but instinct drives them on to continue to their place of birth.

We hope that you will continue to grow and learn new skills throughout your guiding years and perhaps one day as an adult you will become a Girl Scout and show other what you have learned.

We will begin the ceremony by the ritual cleansing of body and soul. [Purify with burning sweetgrass]

Everyone goes down to the river, for the salmon are about to come.

[Create a river using long twisted strips of crepe paper and lay fish throught the stream, making sure all the heads are facing up stream. Fish are cut out of colored construction paper with paper clips on the nose Everyone (except enroll-ees) are given fishing poles - dowels or sticks with a magnet attached to a string Each enroll-ee is represented with her name on a paper fish. Distribute these fish in the stream, name-side down Enroll-ees stand at the end, also facing up stream]

[The girls begin fishing for salmon. Everyone tries to catch one fish. There are special fish representing each girl to be enrolled. Once these fish are caught, the fish is handed to the girls to be enrolled. Continue until all fish are caught and everyone has one.]

The special salmon are caught and ceremonially carried to the village. All villagers assemble for this important occasion, led by Chief and Shaman, in full regalia. All gather around the fire. [Light candle in circle of cedar boughs]

Optional: [Each enroll-ee is ceremonially carried to the fire on a stretcher covered with cedar boughs]

[Leader will begin to invest the girls, individually, asking if they know and understand the law and to repeat the promise. Leader will present enrollment pins and other gifts.]

Speaker: Welcome to the {troop/group}. We hope that you will continue to live your promise and law daily. Welcome to the world-wide Sisterhood of Girl Scouting.

In the Indian people's ceremony, the salmon is carried to the open fire on cedar boughs and cooked until done. All the villagers are given a small piece, but the head, bones and tail are left carefully in one piece. [Everyone is given a piece of smoked fish <or fish crackers!>]

Whilst singing and dancing, the whole village, led by the Shaman carrying the skeleton, all go back to the stream where the salmon was caught. While intoning a prayer, he throws the backbone back into the water and they all give thanks for the return of the salmon and that there will be enough to eat for the months ahead and even after drying or smoking it, far away into the long winter months. [Everyone moves back to the stream singing and dancing.]

Ceremony ends---girls are congratulated and welcomed into the unit.

• Submitted by:
• Cap Sante Guide Co
• Cap Sante Pathfinder Unit

World Association Pin Ceremony

1. The blue background is for the sky that is above us all.
2. The gold rim is for the sun that shines on all of us.
3. The trefoil is the sign of Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding all over the world.
4. The blue star on the right represents the laws that guide us all.
5. The blue star on the left (which is on the same side as our heart) represents the Promise that everyone gives.
6. The compass needle in the center, guarded by the two stars, represents a guide pointing the way.
7. The flame below represents love for human-kind, which always burns brightly.

Let us all, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world, keep the meaning of the World Association pin as our inspiration in all that we do.

Alternative explanations for parts of the WAGGS pin:

Version 1:

• The blue background is for the sky and the sea of our shared planet;
• The gold of the trefoil represents the sun shining over all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts everywhere in the world;
• One leaf of the trefoil is for Friendship;
• The second leaf is for Freedom;
• The third leaf is for Peace;
• The base is an old medieval symbol for fire, representing the Flame of the Love of All People;
• The two stars stand for the Promise and the Law;
• The compass needle is to guide us on the right path.

Version 2 is basically the same but substitutes, "People who grow food," for, "Freedom," as the significance of the second leaf.

5 Thinking Day

Golden Link

This version of a golden link ceremony works well because each girl has a part and the finished product (the chain) serves as a great visual for the concept of how each of us as individuals is important in making the whole chain strong.

Example:

Each girl stands in a circle with a strip of yellow construction paper with a small piece of tape on the end. On each strip is written the name of a country where there are Girl Scouts or Girl Guides, and possibly what one of the different age levels is called in that country, or a portion of the Promise or Law from that country.

Leader: As Girl Scouts we are not only members of our own troop, and Girl Scouts of the United States, but we have 'Sister' Girl Scouts or Girl Guides in 136 countries around the world. Each of our Sister Scouts has accepted a Promise and Law much like our own.

In the Netherlands, a Girl Guide is called a Padvindster. As Padvindster's close their meetings with a friendship circle, each girl says in turn. " I am a link in the golden chain of world friendship , and I will keep my link strong and bright."

As each of us adds a link to build our Golden Chain of Friendship, let us think about our Sister Scouts in other countries. About how things may be different for them but also about how much we are the same and about how each of us is an important link in the Golden Chain of Friendship. [This section can be separated into 3 parts for older girls to read.]

All together: Say Promise or Promise and Law.

[Each girl in turn, reads her country and information and adds her strip to the growing chain. The last link added should close the chain. Optionally, each girl could also add a link with her own name on it.]

Leader: Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands.

All together: I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.

1. In the Bahamas, Brownie Scouts promise to have courage and be cheerful in difficult situations.
2. In Ghana, an Ananse Guide promises to make good use of her time.
3. In Guatemala, Little Riding Hoods promise to smile and sing under all difficulties.
4. In Italy, a Ladybird promises to love and respect nature.
5. In Madagascar, a Little Wing promises to do all she can to create peace around her.
6. In Nigeria, a Ranger Guide promises to be useful and help others.
7. In Papua New Guinea, a Sunbird promises to take care of her own possessions and those of others.
8. In Spain, a Pioneer promises to get to know the place she is living and be involved in its improvement.
9. In Turkey, a Venture Guide promises to be a friend to animals and plants.
10. In Greece, a Star promises to be conscientious in her work and reliable.
11. In Korea, a Cadet promises to be thrifty.
12. In Liechtenstein, a Little Bee promises to seek and convey joy.
13. In Malta, a Dolphin promises to be self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.
14. In Jordan, a Ranger promises to be frank and make it a point of honor to deserve trust.
15. In Grenada, a Guide promises to be obedient.
16. In Germany, a Caravelle promises to share and be grateful.
17. In Austria, a Brownie promises to pay attention to all human beings and seek to understand them.
18. In Australia, a Gumnut Guide promises to be friendly and a sister to all Girl Guides.
19. In Switzerland, a Ranger promises to rejoice in all that is beautiful.
20. In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to be a sister to every other guide, no matter to what country, class or creed, the other may belong.
21. In Israel, an Ofer (or Brownie) promises to live life correctly and do her duty.
22. In England, a Rainbow promises to love her God and be kind and helpful.
23. In Canada, a Pathfinder promises to be true to herself.
24. In Argentina, Little Wings promise to obey the law of the pack.
25. In Bangladesh, a Yellowbird promises to help other people every day especially those at home.
26. In Botswana, a Sunbeam promises to do her best.
27. In Columbia, a Fairy promises to generous and always tells the truth.
28. In Cyprus, a Butterfly promises to bring happiness at home.
29. In the Phillipines, a Star Scout promises to lend a hand.
30. In Rwanda, a Wagtail promises to do a Good Turn every day.
31. In Sri Lanka, a Little Friend promises to give in to older folk.
32. In Argentina, a Sun Guide promises to be thrifty and respect other people's property.
33. In Belgium, a Beaver Guide promises to be cheerful with others.
34. In Bolivia, an Intermediate Guide promises to be kind to animals.
35. In Brazil, a Brownie promises to participate actively and responsibly in her community.
36. In China, a Ranger promises to smile and sing under difficulties.
37. In Costa Rica, a Brownie promises to listen to and obey her leader.
38. In Denmark, a Mini-Guide promises to listen to the opinion of others and to form her own.
39. In Egypt, a Guide promises to be useful and help others.
40. In Estonia, a Guide promises to be pure in thought in word and in deed.
41. In Finland, a Flickscout promises to develop herself as a human being.
42. In France, a Girl Scout promises to enjoy work and endeavor to to nothing by halves.
43. In India, a Bulbul promises to keep the law of the Bulbul Flock.
44. In Ireland, a Ladybird promises to be a friend to all, and a sister to every other Guide.
45. In the Ivory Coast, a Jeanette promises to be always active.
46. In Japan, a Junior promises to be courteous.
47. In Kenya, a Guide promises to be courageous and cheerful under all circumstances.
48. In Latvia, a Little Fire promises to be active and thrifty.
49. In Lebanon, a Faradole promises to obey and have team spirit.
50. In Luxembourg, an Aventure Guide promises to be ready to help her neighbors.
51. In Malaysia, a Pandu Guide promises to be loyal.
52. In Mexico, a Fairy Guide promises to help everybody every day.
53. In the Netherlands, a Beaver promises to play together with others in her troop.
54. In NewZealand, a Pippin promises to care for herself, her home and her community.
55. In Oman, a Zahra promises to fulfil her duty towards God, her country and the Sultan.
56. In Paraguay, a Dawn Guide promises to admire and respect nature.
57. In Portugal, a Little Bird promises to always tell the truth.
58. In Romania, a Flower promises to listen well.
59. In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to always do her best.
60. In Thailand, a Bluebird promises to speak the truth.
61. In Tuvalu, a Sunbeam promises to make good use of her time.
62. In Uruguay, a Bee Guide promises to think first of others.

Have the sentences printed on their construction-paper links and give each girl a link. They read their link and then added it to the chain. Have a helper stand behind the girl who is reading, and hand her a piece of tape when she was done.

Unless you use really BIG links, the chain must be passed down the line rather than the girls holding on to their link.