After Graduation: Bridging to Adult
Graduation season is here! High school graduates around the country are not only celebrating their academic careers—they’re also reflecting on their many Girl Scout memories. From their first days as a Daisy to epic summer camp adventures and earning highest awards, Girl Scouts and their families are looking back on life-changing experiences while looking forward to the next chapter.
Bridging to an adult Girl Scout is a time for young women to embrace what they have learned in Girl Scouting, honor how it will forever be a part of who they are, and step into the world as a person of courage, confidence, and character. Women who bridge to adult join millions of Girl Scout alums; whether they want to build their resumes, blaze a career path, or make new friends based on a shared Girl Scout experience, they’ve got a worldwide sisterhood to add richness and fun for the rest of their lives!
To earn the Bridge to Adult Award, complete one bridging activity from the two bridging steps: Pass It On! and Look Ahead!
Bridging Step One: Pass It On! Share your knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, and spirit. Do one or more of the following or create your own:
- Spend some time with Seniors bridging to Ambassadors and share favorite parts of the Ambassador experience like Journeys, Take Action projects, trips, and leadership lessons learned.
- Teach something to younger Girl Scouts. Show off all those leadership skills! Help girls earn badges or complete a Journey activity. Hold a fitness clinic or dance class. Teach them rock climbing, graphic design, cooking, karate, or another special skill learned from their time as Girl Scouts.
- Volunteer to help your council, a community group, or a global organization. Show others what being a Girl Scout means.
Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead! Find out what adult Girl Scouts do. Talk to adult Girl Scouts to learn what inspires them. Reflect on how Girl Scouting has been a positive influence. Do one or more of the following or create your own:
- Get together with an adult Girl Scout. Ask about the endurance of the Girl Scout legacy. What do they embrace about being adults in Girl Scouting?
- Say thank you! Hold an appreciation breakfast or lunch for the adult Girl Scouts who have been supportive. Share memories, photos, or even a poem to tell them how much their help was appreciated.
- Take a walk down memory lane! Create a “Favorite Moments of Girl Scouting” slideshow. Add some music and gather friends, family, and Girl Scouts to share the Girl Scout memories.
Plan a Ceremony: Celebrate earning the Bridge to Adult Award with a favorite ceremony or create a new one. Then proudly add the bridging pin—the last one!—to sashes or vests. Graduating Girl Scouts are invited to join us on June 7, 2025, for a special Bridging Ceremony during the Girl Scouts Who LEAD the Way Celebration. This free, family-friendly event will be a beautiful way to honor this special time with your fellow Girl Scouts.
From Ambassador, a leader bold,
With stories of courage, bravely told,
Through Journeys of growth, you've climbed so high,
Now, a new chapter for you to try.
In Girl Scouting's path, you've shown the way,
Now, with wisdom, you light the day,
With caring hearts and hands so strong,
In Girl Scouting's family you belong.
As Adult, your guidance will inspire,
Igniting hearts with a burning fire,
To build and grow with open minds,
In Girl Scout's spirit, forever entwined.
Acknowledge your journey, your strength, and grace,
In Girl Scouting, you've found your place,
Now as Adult, your leadership bright,
Will shine a light on Girl Scouts' right.
Whether you’re celebrating graduation or getting ready for senior year, remember that your Girl Scout journey doesn’t have to end after high school. Here’s how you can stay connected and explore the Girl Scout experience as an alum:
- Keep leading the way as a Campus Girl Scout.
- Connect professionally with other amazing alums through GSUSA on LinkedIn and GSCCC on LinkedIn—you never know what doors Girl Scouts can open!
- Start your Girl Scout legacy as a lifetime member—perks include a special pin, invitations to memorable events, discounts, and more; plus, recent Girl Scout graduates are eligible to become lifetime members at a discounted rate!
- Become a Girl Scout volunteer here at GSCCC! Email customercare@gsccc.org to get started after graduation. You could chaperone Girl Scouts as they travel the world, become a camp counselor, represent GSUSA at national and international events, raise funds for your council or serve on the board of directors. Above all, you can give back to Girl Scouts by sharing your experiences, listening to the girls, and inspiring them to dream big.
