●
What emergency care do we need to plan for? Is the event large enough that local police and fire
departments need to be notified?
● Do we need to purchase additional insurance for non–Girl Scouts?
● How will we advertise the event?
● What decorations will we use?
● Will we give away any keepsakes?
● Will we charge for the event?
● Who will set up the event?
● Who will clean up after the event?
● How will we determine whether the event was a success?
Choose some of these questions as a guide to start conversations with girls. Ideas for girl-led events
with family, friends, and community experts are also available in the Leadership Journey adult guides!
Signs, Songs, Handshake and More!
Over time, any organization is going to develop a few common signals that everyone understands. Such
is the case with Girl Scouts, which has developed a few unique ways to greet, acknowledge, and
communicate, some of which are listed here.
Girl Scout Sign
●
●
●
●
The idea of the sign came from the days of chivalry, when armed knights greeted
friendly knights by raising the right hand, palm open, as a sign of friendship. To give the
sign, raise the three middle fingers of the right hand palm forward and shoulder high
(the three extended fingers represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise). Girls
give the sign when they:
Say the Promise or Law.
Are welcomed into Girl Scouts at an investiture ceremony that welcomes new members.
Receive an award, patch, pin, or other recognition.
Greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
Girl Scout Handshake
The handshake is a more formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts, and is also an
appropriate way to receive an award. Shake left hands and give the Girl Scout Sign with
your right hand.