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Transitioning to a New Grade Level
It’s a special time when a Girl Scout graduates from one program
level to another. This transition to the next level in Girl Scouting,
known as “bridging”,
is an opportunity to progress as well as experience more adventures
with your troop, learn new skills, and seek new challenges! This
article for troop leaders explains how to make the bridging transition
smooth and special.
Prepare for the Transition with Your Girl Scouts
Prior to bridging, your troop can test the waters by meeting with
Girl Scouts who are in the program level to which your girls will be
transitioning. You can also go through the next program level’s Girl
Scout materials for a discussion about what’s similar or different.
Get Materials and Review Resources
Check out the next level’s Girl’s
Guide to Girl Scouting and Journey books. At every program
level, Girl Scouts can earn Journey awards, skill-building badges, and
legacy badges. The year plan for your new Girl Scout
level will help you break down your upcoming year into manageable steps.
See our detailed
articles and search for more information about your new program
grade level.
Make it Special with a Bridging Ceremony
Every Girl Scout graduating from a program grade level bridges. To
make bridging special, your troop can optionally earn the Bridge
Award by completing bridging steps in the Girl’s Guide to Girl
Scouting. You can even have a bridging ceremony where troops cross
over a bridge—real or symbolical—to symbolize each child’s advancement
in Girl Scouts. Sometimes these are combined with a Court of Awards ceremony.
Learn more about bridging and Court of Awards in our Ceremonies,
Traditions, and Celebrations article. Your community/area may
also host these ceremonies in your area!
Let Girl Scouts Lead More Than Before
The older your troop gets, the more hands-off your role as a troop
leader should be. You’ll want to let the troop lead more as they
progress into higher program levels. See our article, Letting
Girl Scouts Take the Lead, for a detailed guide to age-based,
progressive Girl Scout leadership.
Families also become more comfortable as volunteers as their child
progresses! You can ask families to become more involved in the troop
and share their skills with the troop. As Girl Scouts get older, their
ideas get bigger. If they want to try activities that you or troop
families aren’t comfortable leading, reach out to your local
community/area to connect with volunteers who have the expertise your
Girl Scouts are interested in, and they may be able to help.