Bridging

Bridging is when Girl Scouts move from one program level to the next. It is one of the most important milestones in Girl Scouting. The activities listed in the back of each age level handbook, when done, provide the outline for learning what's ahead, and prepare girls to transition to the next level. This process is celebrated by holding a bridging ceremony. Troop leaders may help girls complete the steps, or they may appoint a parent or other volunteer.

Why is “bridging” so important in Girl Scouts?

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.

When should a girl bridge?

GSUSA program resources are designed for girls at each specific age level; based on stages of child development and over 90 years of Girl Scout experience. Girl Scout program contains a system of progressive, earned recognitions designed to develop skills and symbolize accomplishments. When girls are pushed to "bridge" early and achieve everything in a shorter span than usually expected, they often feel overwhelmed and/or lose interest altogether and drop out. Therefore, Girls should, whenever possible, remain at their age and grade level.

Are there times when a girl might bridge early?

The Membership Standards provide flexibility when placing a girl in a specific age level, and should be based on the following criteria:

When school based Girl Scout troops/groups do NOT parallel school age or grade groups. For example: 6th grade girls in middle school (with 7th & 8th grade girls) could be placed in Cadette troops.

When different developmental stages of individual girls clearly indicate a need and the parents/guardians have requested flexible placement. For example: a Daisy Girl Scout remaining in Kindergarten a second year might remain in the Daisy troop for a 2nd year.

Bridging should only occur when appropriate as outlined above, AND when due consideration has been made by leaders, staff, and parents; regarding the mental, physical and emotional ability of each girl. Early bridging should NEVER occur at the convenience of leaders or parents.

You must have the approval of the membership staff before you register girls for early bridging! Consult your membership staff regarding early bridging before you take any action in registration.

What are Sister Troops?

Service Teams and leaders are encouraged to organize their units with a system of sister troops (troops of different age levels paired for bridging activities). The girls from one troop will bridge from their age level into the next; however, they might not necessarily bridge directly into their sister troop.

Inter-age level activities foster a sense of accomplishment and progress for the older age level and give the younger girls "something to look forward to". Any sister troop activities encourage girls to remain in Girl Scouting.