Unfold a Tradition: Essential Guide to Girl Scout Flag Ceremonies

There are many types of Flag Ceremonies and Folding the flag ceremonies. Today I want to share a few for you to take back to your troop. 

I've got you covered on the standard flag ceremony! For easy reference, grab some index cards and write down the commands (GS Attention, Color Guard Present Colors, etc.) This keeps you prepared for any event.

Below is a great reference for your index cards! Here are the standard flag ceremony commands for Girl Scouts.

Beginning:

1. Girl Scout Attention: This calls for all Girl Scouts to stand at attention, facing the flag.

Color Guard:

2. Color Guard Attention: This directs the Color Guard (the girls responsible for carrying the flag) to stand at attention.

3. Color Guard Advance: This instructs the Color Guard to march forward to the designated position for presenting the flag.

4. Color Guard Present Colors: This command tells the Color Guard to display the flag in a respectful manner.

Pledge and Promise:

5. Girl Scouts please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance: This prompts all Girl Scouts to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

6. Girl Scouts please join me in the Girl Scout Promise: This prompts all Girl Scouts to join in reciting the Girl Scout Promise.

Ending:

7. Color Guard Dismissed: This instructs the Color Guard to carefully fold the flag and return to their designated position.

8. Girl Scouts Dismissed: This signals the end of the flag ceremony and allows the Girl Scouts to relax their posture.

This unique ceremony uses flashlights (or candles) to represent different aspects of the American flag and the freedoms it embodies.

Here's what you'll need:

• Narrator(s)
• Four Flashlight Bearers (or candles)
• Flag Bearer and Color Guard(s)

The Ceremony:

1. Setting the Stage: The Color Guard advances with the flag and posts the Colors. Lights are turned off for a dramatic effect.
   
   
2. Light and Freedom: The flashlight bearers turn on their lights (or light candles) and direct them towards the flag. The narrator explains how the flag represents the past, present, and future, with the stripes symbolizing the original colonies and the stars representing the states.
   
   NARRATOR: What you see here tonight represents the past, present, and future. The stripes of Old Glory stand for the original thirteen colonies. The stars represent the present 50 states. 
   
   
3. Four Freedoms, Four Lights: The narrator highlights the four essential freedoms: Freedom of Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Religion. As each freedom is called out, one flashlight is turned off, representing a world without that particular freedom.
   
   NARRATOR: The light and warmth of the four lights you see shining here remind us of the four great freedoms – Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. Eliminate any one of these freedoms and our world would becomes darker and colder.
   
   
4. A Beacon of Hope: With the room in darkness, the narrator emphasizes the importance of the United States as a beacon of light and freedom.
   
   NARRATOR: In this world of potential cold and darkness, of rule by a few, stands the United States of Americas.
   
   
5. Pledge of Allegiance: The lights are turned back on, and everyone joins in the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
   NARRATOR: Here the Four Freedoms do exist and are an example of warmth and light for all. Will you please join us in the salute to our flag?

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a meaningful experience for your troop!

Enjoy every minute being a leader and continue to inspire your girls!