Saucon Valley Girl Scouts Hold Bridging Ceremony

Girl Scouts of all levels and ages gathered at for their service unit's annual Bridging Ceremony June 12. According to the Girl Scouts of America's website, “Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout's life. It's a defining moment when a girl becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities.”

In the auditorium of the elementary school, a white bridge decorated with yellow flowers was set in the middle of the stage. Ranging in age from kindergartners to high school seniors, the girls would cross the bridge and enter the next level of Girl Scouting, depending on what grade they were entering.

There are seven levels within Girl Scouts. The Daisies wear blue vests and include girls in kindergarten and first grade, the Brownies wear brown vests and are in grades two and three, the Juniors wear the iconic green vests and are in fourth and fifth grades, the Cadettes include girls in sixth through eighth grade and wear khaki, the Seniors wear the same khaki as the Cadettes but are in grades nine and 10, and the Ambassadors--who also wear khaki--are in grades 11 and 12. After a Girl Scout becomes an Ambassador she can move on to the adult level of service, which allows her to become a troop leader or a volunteer.

Although there is no requirement for Girl Scouts to “bridge” to the next level, Hilary Jebitsch, a Daisy troop leader and organizer of the event, said a lot of community service is done within the various troops.

“The kids brought in good condition coats,” she said of her Daisy troop. “They collected about 35 coats," for individuals in need, she explained.

"They also brought in canned goods for that serves the area, and then again for the animal food bank," she added.

The Girl Scouts also have the option of receiving awards for any independent community service project in which they participate. The Bronze Award is the highest acknowledgement for a Junior, the Silver Award can go to Scouts involved up to the Cadette level, and the Gold Award goes to any Senior or Ambassador who has done exceptional work in the community.

Cindy Hallock, the Saucon Valley Service Unit Manager and Cadette Leader, explained the process for choosing award recipients.

“They need to show leadership, they have to complete so many hours, they need to teach, they need to make the world a better place,” she said.

Savannah Bubori, Madison Guerrieri, Shannon Williams, Nicole Butch, Emily Hahr, Alexa Chaikowsky, Kathryn Milliren and Elizabeth Marlin were all awarded the Bronze Award on June 12.

The ceremony also acknowledged the many leaders and adult members of the Girl Scouts in the area.

Tammy Shine received the Outstanding Leader Award after being nominated by parents and fellow leaders.

After the ceremony, Girl Scout troops lined the halls of the school with displays of this year’s Bridging theme: countries around the world. Each troop selected a country and represented it with food and other distinctive items, such as Swiss cheese from Switzerland and bread pudding from England.

Lisa Guthrie, a Brownie Leader, was happy to be a part of the event and said she is glad she got involved with the Saucon Valley Service Unit.

“I enjoy teaching the girls, having them experience new obstacles in life, and being able to share my experiences with them as well,” she said of being a Brownie Leader.

Guthrie also had the opportunity to play the role of proud parent at the ceremony, when her oldest daughter, Cassidy, bridged from being a Junior to a Cadette.

“I was very proud of her that she has gone on this far. She’s accomplished a lot since she’s been a Brownie,” she said excitedly.

Although Cassidy said she isn’t sure what activity she’ll do to achieve her Bronze Award, she said she really enjoys being a Girl Scout.

“I like volunteering and going on field trips,” she said happily.

Micaela Jebitsch and Ana Garippa, friends who bridged together from Daisies to Brownies at the event, were also enthusiastic about the Girl Scouts.

“It’s fun and you get to meet a lot of friends,” said Ana.

Micaela added, “We get to do crafts and do a lot of fun stuff.”

Hilary Jebitsch wants the girls of Saucon Valley to know that anyone of any age can join the Girl Scouts.

“The Girl Scouts in this area represents kindness, hope, courage and just a wonderful vitality in the girls,” she explained. “It’s just a great activity for girls to come and learn how to be confident and learn leadership skills. They make life-long friends.”

Cindy Hallock added that there will be .

“We have exciting things planned for the community. Please stay tuned,” she said.