Chapter X: Section VI: Forms for Scout Ceremonies

1. ENROLLMENT

Before a girl may become enrolled as a regular Girl Scout she must be at least ten years old, and must have attended the meetings of a Troop for at least a month, during which time she must have passed her Tenderfoot Test. The Captain must have prepared the candidate for enrollment by explaining the meaning of the Promise and the Laws and making sure that she fully understands the meaning of the oath she is about to make, and that she also comprehends the meaning of "honor." The following is a convenient form for enrollments.

(1) The Scouts stand in the form of a horseshoe
with the officer who is to enroll at the open
side, facing Scouts.

(2) Officer addresses troops on the subject of
what it means to be a Scout.

(3) Patrol Leader brings candidate to officer and
salutes and returns to place.

(4) Officer addresses candidate in low tone: "What
does your honor mean?"

Candidate answers.

Officer: "Will you on your honor, try: To do your
duty to God and to your Country; to help other
people at all times; to obey the Scout Laws?"

Candidate and officer both salute as candidate
repeats Promise. Officer: "I trust you on your
honor to keep this Promise."

(5) Officer pins Tenderfoot Badge on the new
scout, explaining what it stands for, that it
symbolizes her Scout life, and so forth.

(6) Scout and officer salute each other. Scout
turns and troop salutes her, scout returning
salute, and then goes alone to her place.

(7) All Scouts present repeat Promise and Laws.
Troop then breaks ranks to take up some Scout
activity.

When many scouts are to be enrolled, four at a time may be presented to the officer, but each should singly be asked and should answer the question: "What does your honor mean?" All four repeat the Promise together and the officer addresses all together in saying: "I trust you on your honor to keep this Promise," but speaks to each separately as she puts on the pin.

A Captain may perform this ceremony or she may ask some higher Scout officer to do so.

2. _Presentation of Other Badges_

The following form of ceremony was devised for special use in the presentation of the highest honor attainable by a Girl Scout, the Golden Eaglet, but the same outline may be followed for giving Merit Badges, and First and Second Class Badges, or any other medals or honors.

_Presentation of Golden Eaglet._--As the presentation of the Golden Eaglet is an important occasion in the life of a Scout and her Troop, it should take place at a public Scout function, such as a District or Community Rally, a reception to a distinguished guest of the Scouts, or possibly at the time of a civic celebration.

The Court of Awards is responsible for all details of the meeting, and it is suggested that it invite parents, friends and other persons interested in the Scout movement to be present. The medal may be presented by the Chairman of the Court of Awards, some other member of that Committee or by a higher Scout officer.

Arrangements for the ceremony should be planned so that during the presentation of guests, the Court of Awards, the Eaglet's troop and the Color Guard form a hollow square, with the Captain at her post three paces in front of the Troop, the Lieutenant at her post "center and rear" of the Troop. The ceremony should be rehearsed wherever possible, so that all action and form shall be as smart as possible.

1. The Court of Awards enters and takes its place at right angles to the assembled guests.

2. The Captain enters, takes post, and gives all commands.

3. The Color Guard (bearer of the American flag, bearer of the Troop flag, and two guards) followed by Troop to which the Eaglet belongs, enter and march two paces in front of the Court of Awards. The lieutenant is at the left of the leading file. The Troop marches in single file, by twos or in Squad formation according to the number, and the space available.

When the Troop is very large, or the space restricted, the Eaglet's Patrol may take the place of the Troop. As the Colors pass, the Court of Awards should rise, stand at attention, and if Scouts, salute.

4. When the Color Guard at the head of the column has passed the Court of Awards, the command "Column left, MARCH!" is given. When the last file has completed the movement, the following commands are given:

(1) "Scouts, HALT!"

(2) "Left, FACE," or

"Squads, left, MARCH, Squads, HALT," according to
the formation of the column.

(3) "Right, DRESS, FRONT!"

5. At the command "Left, FACE," or "Squads, left, MARCH, Squads HALT," the Color Guard makes a left turn, marches forward until on a line with the Court of Awards, again makes a left turn, immediately halts and grounds flags.

6. When the Troop and Color Guard are in position, the Captain gives the command "Patrol Leader and Eaglet, forward, MARCH!" The Patrol Leader escorts the Eaglet to the Captain, salutes the Captain and returns to her position in line.

7. The Chairman of the Court of Awards comes forward, the Captain faces her, salutes, and presents the Eaglet to her.

8. The Chairman after reading the list of Merit Badges which the Scout has earned in order to receive the Golden Eaglet, pins the medal on to the Eaglet's blouse, over the middle of the right pocket. The Eaglet salutes.

If desired this is the opportunity for the Official presenting the badge to say a few words.

9. After the presentation, the Eaglet turns, and facing her Captain and Troop, stands at attention as the Colors are raised, the Scout flag dipped, and the Troop salutes. The Eaglet returns the salute and then marches to her position in line.

10. The Captain gives the command "Color Guard forward, MARCH." The Color Guard marches in front of the Captain and Troop who salute as the Colors pass, make a right turn two paces in front of the Court of Honor and march out.

11. After the Colors have left the "square" the Lieutenant takes her position at the left of the leading file.

The Captain gives the commands:

"Right, FACE, MARCH!" or "Squads right, MARCH!"

"Column left, MARCH!"

and the Troop marches out. The Captain turns, salutes the Court of Awards and passes out.

O--LIEUT.
0000 0000
Troop--
0000 0000
O--Capt.
c xx
Color c xx Court of
Guard c xx Awards
c xx
--------
--------
--------
Guests

Where there is no Local Council or Court of Awards, Captains are asked to communicate with the National Headquarters concerning the ceremony of presentation of the Golden Eaglet.

ALTERNATE FORMS FOR SCOUT CEREMONIES

In the case of troops for which this formal procedure is not practical, and for the better assistance of Captains and Councils who feel the need of a more definite formulation of the Scout principles on these occasions, the following ceremonies are suggested. They are designed to meet the necessity for expressing at each stage of the Scout's progress, recognition of her achievement up to that point and appreciation of her future responsibilities.

1. Tenderfoot Enrollment

1. The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain calls forward those who have passed the test.

Captain: "Scout ----, do you think you know what
it means to be loyal to God and your Country, to
help other people at all times, and to obey the
Scout Laws?"

Scout: "I think I do, and I will try my best not
to fail in any of them."

_This is repeated to each Tenderfoot._

Captain: "Are you ready to make your Promise with
your Troop?"

New Scouts (_together_): "Yes."

Captain: "Scouts of Troop ----, repeat your
promise."

_All salute and repeat the Promise._

Captain: "I trust you on your honor to keep this
Promise."

(_Here, when practicable, investiture of hat,
neckerchief, etc., takes place._)

_Captain then pins on Tenderfoot pin While
attaching it, she says:_

Captain: "This pin makes you a Girl Scout. It is
yours, so long as you are worthy of it."

_Captain dismisses recently enrolled Scouts to
their Troop position._

(_Here the Captain may add, if she wishes,
anything in her judgment applicable to the Troop
as a whole, or to the new Scouts individually._)

2. Conferring Second Class Badges

The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain calls forward those who have passed the test.

Captain: "Scout ----, you have learned what is
necessary for a Second Class Scout to know. Do you
think you can apply your knowledge, if the
occasion should arise?"

Scout: "I think so, and I will always try to =Be
Prepared=."

Captain: "Scouts (_reciting the candidates' names
in order_), do you think that the discipline and
training you have gone through have made you more
capable of doing your duty to God and to your
Country, of helping other people at all times and
of obeying the Scout Laws, than you were as a
Tenderfoot?"

Scouts (_together_): "Yes."

Captain (_pinning on each badge, and speaking to
each Scout as she does so_): "You are now a Second
Class Scout, which means that though you have
learned much, you have still much to learn."

_Captain dismisses Second Class Scouts to their
Troop position._

(_Here the Captain may address the Troop at her
discretion._)

3. Conferring First Class Badge

_The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain calls forward those who have passed the test and presents them to the presiding Official._

Captain: "Commissioner ----, these Scouts of ----
Troop have passed their First Class Tests. I
recommend them to you for First Class badges."

Official (_to each Scout separately, the Captain
giving her the name_): "Scout ----, you have
passed the final Scout test. You should thoroughly
understand by now the meaning of duty to God and
Country, the privilege of helpfulness to others,
and the seriousness of the Scout Laws. Are you
sure that you do."

Scout: "I am. And I realize that I must help other
Scouts to see these things as I see them."

Official: "Scouts ---- (_reading the candidates'
names in order_), it has taken a great deal of
thought and time and energy on the part of a great
many people to enable you to wear this badge. Are
you prepared to pay this back in generous service,
when and where you can?"

Scouts (_together_): "Yes."

Official (_pinning on each badge and speaking to
each Scout as she does so_): "You are now a First
Class Scout. Remember that the world will judge us
by you."

Official (to Captain): "I congratulate you,
Captain ----, Troop ----, and the members of the
Council, on these First Class Scouts, and I trust
that the Town of ---- will have every reason to be
proud of them and to feel that it can depend upon
them as especially good citizens and loyal
Americans."

_Captain acknowledges this in suitable manner and
dismisses First Class Scouts to Troop position._

(_Here the Official may address the audience at
discretion._)

4. Conferring Merit Badges

The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain calls forward those who have passed the test and presents them to the presiding Official. (Note--The Merit Badges may be conferred by a member or members of the Council, if desired.)

Captain: "Members of the Girl Scout Council of
----, these Scouts have passed the various tests
for their Merit Badges, and I recommend them to
you for decoration accordingly."

Official: "Scouts (_reading the list_), you have
fairly won the right to wear these badges we are
about to present to you, and we are glad to do
so. We take this opportunity of reminding you,
however, that all good Scouts understand that they
are far from having completely mastered the
subjects represented by these badges. The symbols
which you wear on your sleeve mean that you have
an intelligent interest in the subjects you have
chosen, understand the principles of them, and can
give reasonable, practical proof of this. Do you
realize that the Girl Scout Organization credits
you with a good foundation and trusts to you to
continue to build upon it intelligently?"

Scouts (_together_): "Yes."

Official (_pinning on badges and speaking to each
girl separately_): "We congratulate you on your
perseverance and wish you all success in your
work."

(_Note--When more than one badge is to be
presented to a Scout, they may be attached, for
the ceremony, to a piece of ribbon and put on with
one motion._)

_Captain dismisses Scouts to Troop position._

(_Here the official may address the audience at
discretion._)

_This ceremony being distinctly less formal and
intimate than the regular class awards, Scout
songs and cheers are in order._

5. Golden Eaglet Ceremony

The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain presents the Golden Eaglet to the Official who is to make the award.

Captain: "Commissioner ----, Scout ----, of Troop
----, of ----, has not only passed the twenty-one
Merit Badge Tests required for the honor of the
Golden Eaglet, but is, in the judgment of her
Troop, fully worthy of it. We therefore recommend
her to you for the decoration."

Official: "What badges does Scout ---- offer?"

_Captain reads the list Badges earned by the
Candidate._

Official: "Troop ----, do you agree that Scout
---- has fairly won this decoration and that you
are willing to have her represent you to your
National Organization as your Golden Eaglet?"

Troop (_together_): "Yes."

Official: "Members of the Council, do you agree
that Scout ---- has fairly won this decoration and
that you are willing to have her represent you to
your community as your Golden Eaglet?"

Council (_rising if seated_): "Yes."

Official: "Scout ----, you have won the highest
honor in the gift of the Girl Scouts."

"If the Scout life meant nothing more to you than
a reasonable understanding of certain subjects,
there would now be nothing more for the Girl
Scouts to teach you; but I am sure that your
training has not failed in this respect, and that
you understand now, even better than the average
Girl Scout, that your great principles of duty to
God and Country, helpfulness to others, and
obedience to the Scout Laws, are lessons that no
Scout can fully learn as long as she lives. Do you
agree to this?"

Golden Eaglet: "I agree to it thoroughly."

Official (_pinning on badge_): "I have the honor
of naming you a Golden Eaglet, and in the name of
the Girl Scouts I congratulate you heartily on
your fine achievement."

_Scout salutes or shakes the hand of the Official,
as desired, and returns to her troop position._

_(Here the Official may address the audience at
discretion)._

The accompanying diagram of suggested relative positions in Scout ceremonies lends itself equally to a small room, theatre, hall or open field. Whether the Scouts form a troop or even one patrol; whether they make use of strict military formation or informal grouping; whether the visiting Scout dignitaries are many or limited to one member of the local Council, the Scout bodies face each other, and the guest or guests of honor, equally with the general audience, can observe the Troop and the candidates easily from the side.

All Troops who are familiar with military drill can take their usual positions in their usual manner and observe all details of color guard, salutes, etc., to any desired extent. Troops and Captains not familiar with such procedure, by accustoming themselves to this general grouping, will always be able to present a dignified appearance.

Note: These suggestions for the various ceremonials assume that the regular opening of the Scout meetings has already taken place; therefore nothing is given but the actual matter of the presentations, etc. In the case of the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class awards, the ceremonies constitute the special business of the meeting, and opening and closing should proceed as usual. They are distinctly Scout business and are not, in general, offered to the public.

The awarding of Merit Badges might with advantage be connected with any local civic ceremony where interest in young people may be created; and in the case of the Golden Eaglet award it is distinctly desirable thus to connect it. Any visiting dignitary, national or state, may with propriety be asked to officiate; and where different organizations are taking their various parts in a public function, it will not always be possible to claim the time nor the space for the regular Scout opening ceremonies, nor would this necessarily be advisable. It is, therefore, well to be provided with a form like the preceding, where a small delegation from the Troop, the Captain and a Councillor could, if necessary, represent the essential units of the organization among a number of other societies; and the words of the ceremony would explain the occasion sufficiently without much concerted action, and may be inserted at the proper place, preceded and followed by any Troop or local customs preferred.

Guests of honor

Scout Troop Candidates All local and visiting
with with Scout personnel,
Captain and Lieutenant Official Council, Commissioners, etc.

General Audience

PLAN OF ASSEMBLY FOR GIRL SCOUT CEREMONIES]

6. How to Conduct a Scout Meeting

1. One long whistle blast: Silence, listen for
orders.

2. Three short whistle blasts: "Fall In," or
"Assemble," three paces in front of Captain, Squad
formation.

5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8
* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * *
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
* Captain
Lieutenant *

3. "Right Dress," "Front."

4. Inspection. Captain inspects for posture, and
for personal appearance which should be neat and
clean in every particular, and uniform, which
should be correct as to style, length, placing of
insignia, etc. All necessary corrections should be
made in a low tone of voice to the individual
Scout.

5. "Color Bearer, Forward--Center" "March." The
Color Bearer, appointed to carry flag, upon
receiving order to "March", takes one step
backward, executes "Right Face," marches out of
rank, executes "Left Face," marches to point on
line with flag, executes "Right Face," marches to
within two steps of flag and comes to "Halt." She
salutes flag, takes staff in both hands, wheels
right, and marches to position three paces in
front of, and facing troop. The captain and
Lieutenant have moved to position at right angles
to, and at right of troop. If a color Guard is
used instead of Color Bearer, two Scouts act as
guards, their position being on either side of
bearer. They leave ranks together, form in line at
right of troop, march shoulder to shoulder and
always wheel to the right, the Color Bearer being
the pivot and giving all orders to Guard. After
Bearer has taken flag and turns, the Guards
salute, take one step forward, about-face, and all
march to position in front of troop. The Color
Guard never takes part in the repeating of the
Promise, Laws, Pledge of Allegiance or singing of
Star Spangled Banner.

6. "Scouts, the flag of your country, Pledge
Allegiance." The Pledge of Allegiance should be
followed by one verse of the Star Spangled Banner.

7. "The Scout Promise," "Salute."

8. "The Scout Laws, Repeat."

9. "Color Bearer, Post-March." The Color Bearer,
turning always to right, returns flag to its post,
places it in position, salutes, and returns to
place, entering ranks from rear of line. The Color
Guard, wheels right, marches to post, Guards stand
at attention while the Bearer places flag,
salutes, and about-faces. The Guards step forward,
about-face, and the Color Guard wheels and returns
to ranks.

10. "Fall Out."

11. Business Meeting.

12. Scout activities, including work for tests and
badges, singing games and discussion of Scout
principles.

13. Closing Exercises.

Closing Exercises

1. "Fall In."

2. America, or Battle Hymn of the Republic.

3. "Dismissed." Scouts salute Captain.

The form for opening and closing exercises suggested above takes only 20 minutes and is a practical method of ensuring uniformity when groups from different troops come together. Troops may use more elaborate forms, depending upon the amount of time which the girls wish to spend upon this type of work. For instance:

(a) In a troop composed of many patrols each Corporal forms her patrol and reports to the Lieutenant, who in turn reports to the Captain, "The company is formed," etc.

(b) In dismissing, troops with a bugler may play "Taps" or may sing the same to words locally composed.

(c) In some troops Corporals give commands. This is good because it emphasizes the patrol system.

But the form outlined is given as the minimum requirement, and troops using it need never feel at a loss in large rallies, for every ceremony necessary to express the Scout spirit with dignity is there.

No additions made locally should change the essential order of these exercises, all additions which are made being merely amplifications of it in detail, which may not be possible nor desirable in every community.

Business Meeting

The meeting opens with the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer in place, with the Secretary at the right and the Treasurer at the left of the Chairman. The idea is to have every Scout in the troop learn to be the Chairman so that any and all could act in the capacity of a Business Chairman at any kind of meeting.

The meeting is called to order by the Chairman. "Will the meeting please come to order?"

The Chairman asks the Secretary to call the roll. "Will the Secretary call the roll? And will the Treasurer collect the dues?"

The Chairman calls for the Secretary's report. "Will the Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting?"

The Chairman calls for corrections of the minutes. "Are there any corrections?"

If there are none she says: "If not, the minutes stand approved."

If there are corrections the Chairman calls for further corrections, "Are there further corrections, etc. If not, the minutes stand approved as corrected."

Form of Secretary's report: "The regular meeting of Pansy Troop No. 5, held at the club house, on April 4th, was called to order at 3 o'clock. In the absence of the Chairman, Scout ---- took the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, dues collected amounted to ----. After ---- was discussed and voted upon, the meeting adjourned."

The Chairman calls for the Treasurer's report. "Will the Treasurer give her report?"

Form of Treasurer's report:

Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1919 $2.50
Members' dues $1.00
Fines .30 1.30
-----
Total $3.80
Disbursements--
Janitor $1.00 $1.00
Balance on hand 2.80
-----
Total $3.80

The Chairman calls for corrections as before.

Then the Chairman calls for a discussion of old business, that is, anything discussed at previous meetings, that has been left undone or left to be decided at a later date. Any member of the meeting may bring up this old business, or the Chairman may start the discussion. "The business before the meeting is ----. What is your pleasure in regard to this," or "Will anyone make a motion?"

The member who wishes to make the motion says: "Madam Chairman, I move that--"

Another member who agrees to this says: "I second the motion."

If the motion is not seconded at once, the Chairman says: "Will anyone second the motion?"

After the motion has been moved and seconded the Chairman immediately states the question as, "It has been moved and seconded that the troop have a Rally on May 2. Are you ready for the question?" or "The question is now open for discussion." If no one rises, the Chairman proceeds to put the question. "All those in favor say aye, opposed no."

Then the Chairman says, "The motion is carried," or "The motion is not carried," as the case may be.

After the old business has been attended to, the Chairman calls for new business, saying, "Is there any new business to be discussed?"

The Chairman then dismisses the meeting by calling for a motion for adjournment.

Adjournment: "Will some one move that the meeting be adjourned?"

If this is moved and seconded it is not necessary to put it to a vote.

The Chairman says: "The meeting is adjourned."