Whether at a troop meeting, a council-wide event, or a meeting around the world for Girl Scouts, there a few universal traditions.
There is the Girl Scout sign with the raising of three fingers of the right hand with the thumb holding the pinky finger down when they say the Girl Scout Promise. The three fingers represent the three parts of the promise: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” Explained in the 1947 handbook as being ready to help out wherever she is needed with willingness to serve not being enough. You must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency. Girl Scouts stress the same holds true today.
Another tradition is the slogan to “Do a good turn daily.” This has been the slogan since 1912.
Girl Scouts can greet each other with the Girl Scout handshake used by all from all over the world. The handshake is simply shaking hands with the left hand while making the Girl Scout sign with the right. The left hand is closest to the heart and signifies friendship.
The final tradition is one of the Friendship Circle involves Girl Scouts standing in a circle, crossing their right arms over their left, and clasping their hands with friends on both sides. Everyone then makes a silent with as a friendship squeeze is passed from hand to hand around the circle.
I have noticed another tradition with our local Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. Every Wednesday, a Wednesday Wisdom is posted on the website with a message of encouragement and inspiration. Not a universal tradition but certainly one our local scouts and families may continue to use each week for motivation to be the best person in our community.
Maybe we should all be a Girl Scout at heart and in action!
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