Girl Scout Traditions

As Girl Scouts you will do many fun things as you learn about people, places, the environment, and most of all, yourself! You will do these things as a group. Juliette Low knew how important it was to use special signs and words to help girls feel like they were a part of a group. The following definitions will help you understand more about some of the traditions Girl Scouts have.

Fun ways to learn Girl Scout traditions

There are many fun ways for your troop to learn about the history and traditions of the Girl Scouts _ it's not just about memorizing dates and places! In fact, GSSJC's History Committee has developed three great resource boxes that can be checked out for your troop meeting! "Treasures from Daisy" contains many games and activities popular during Juliette Low's time, that she may have even done with her own troop! "Treasures from Camping" is a great resource when you want to do some traditional camping activities _ including knot tying and outdoor cooking secrets. "The Loaner Collection" includes 12 vintage Girl Scout uniforms (you specify girl or adult uniforms) for you to put on your own fashion show! All three kits are available to check out at every service center. There is a $5 rental fee, and a $25 refundable deposit per box. For more information contact Myrna Monconduit at 713-292-0281 ormmonconduit@sjgs.org.

The Friendship Circle From the 1955 Girl Scout Leaders Guide Intermediate Program: The friendship circle symbolizes an unbroken chain of friendship. There is no [one particular] way to form the circle, but the following form is used by many Girl Scout troops: Each person in the circle crosses her right arm over her left and clasps the hand of the person on either side of her. Hands are held during the goodnight song and the closing words. Everyone drops hands and stands at attention when "Taps" is sung. Traditionally the saying of "Goodnight Scouts" while giving the Girl Scout sign or salute is the signal for the circle to break.

Fly-Up
The ceremony in which a Brownie becomes a Junior Girl Scout.

Founder's Day
Juliette Low's Birthday - October 31, 1869. Girl Scouts celebrate the birthday of the founder of the Girl Scout movement many ways.

Friendship Circle
Girls and adults stand in a circle holding hands (usually with arms crossed right over left), which stands for an unbroken chain of friendship with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all around the world. This is usually done for meeting or event closings. Often, the friendship circle is combined with the passing of the friendship squeeze _ a gentle squeeze on the hand of the person next to you that travels around the circle.

Girl Scout Handshake
A formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts or Girl Guides. Shake left hands and give the Girl Scout Sign with the Right hand.

Girl Scout Promise
The pledge made by each member, both girls and adults, promising to try to live up to the ideals of Girl Scouting.

Girl Scout Sign
The Girl Scout Sign is a symbol of the Girl Scout Promise. Hold up the right hand with the first three fingers up_each finger stands for one part of the Promise. Use the Girl Scout Sign whenever making the Promise.

Girl Scout Week
Celebrated each year during the week of March 12, the date of the first Girl Scout meeting in the USA in 1912.

Girl Scouts' Own
An inspirational ceremony with a theme planned by and for Girl Scouts.

Investiture
The ceremony where a girl becomes a Girl Scout by making the Promise and receiving a membership pin.

Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
A national voluntary fund drive to promote international friendship and understanding.

Quiet Sign
A way to let girls and parents know it is time to be quiet. A leader raises her right hand and keeps it raised until each person sees the sign, stops talking, and raises their hand as well. Soon, the entire room is quiet.

Rededication
A ceremony when Girl Scouts reaffirm their belief in the Promise and Law.

Sit-Upon
A pad or mat to sit on when the ground is damp or dusty. It can be made from old newspapers, an old pair of shorts, or a towel covered with waterproof material.

Slogan
Do a good turn daily.

Trefoil
The international symbol of Girl Scouting. Our pins are in the shape of a trefoil.

WAGGGS
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, established in 1928 to promote the movement worldwide. Your World Trefoil Pin shows that you are part of this movement, with sisters around the world.

World Thinking Day
Celebrated on February 22, the birthday of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. This day is celebrated all over the world as Girl Guides and Girl Scouts think about, learn about, and celebrate their sisters around the world.