Flag

How to Fold a Flag

1. Fold flag in half, then in half again, STARS OUT.

2. Start folding in triangles from the striped end.

3. Tuck in the end into the triangle.

How Red Sashes are worn:

The Color Bearer (or flag bearer) is the person who carries the flag. There is one flag bearer for each flag used in the ceremony. They wear a red sash over the right shoulder with a square knot tied on the left hip.

The Color Guard is a team that guards that flag. Any even number of guards may be used, but usually four or six people are sufficient. They wear a red sash around the waist with a square knot tied on the left hip.

The Caller (person in charge) is a designated Girl Scout who announces or calls each part of the ceremony.
The caller does not wear a red sash.

The Color Guard does not salute nor speak during the ceremony, with exception of the caller.

Arch of Silence

o Forming the Arch is an Elf job only: NO CAMPERS.

o Elves form one or two arches. Sing "Listen, Listen," "Make New Friends," or "Linger," repeating until everyone has passed through.

o All other campers and camp personnel walk through.

There is to be NO TALKING among campers, adults, or Elves. No one is to cut across the horseshoe once the ceremony has started. Please discourage campers from doing so.

Calls for Flag UP

1 Campers: Attention! Please remove all hats and visors.

People may choose to keep their heads covered for religious or medical reasons.

2 Color Guard: Attention

3 Color Guard: Advance

4 Color Guard: Halt

5 Color Guard: Post the Colors

6 Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance

Caller and campers put their right hand on heart. The Caller LEADS (can count 1,2,3 to begin), Must be LOUD and keep everyone together. Color Guard is SILENT.

7 Please join me in the Girl Scout Promise

Caller and campers use Girl Scout Sign (the three fingers on the right hand held with bent elbow). The Caller leads (can count 1,2,3 to begin). LOUD and PROUD!

8 Please join me in the Girl Scout LAW

Using the Girl Scout Sign, the Caller leads the camp.

9 Please join me in ______(song).

Patriotic song. MUST not repeat from earlier in the week. Save easy songs for younger units.

10 Color Guard: Retreat

The Leader of each line steps out away from the flagpole and turns to retreat. The Color Guard in each line follows. The Caller remains at the flagpole.

11 Any last-minute announcements?

12 Campers dismissed

Calls for Flag DOWN

1 Campers: Attention! Please remove all hats and visors.

2 Color Guard: Attention

3 Color Guard: Advance

4 Color Guard: Halt

5 Color Guard: Retire the Colors

6 Please join me in ______(song).

Patriotic song. Repeat the song from earlier in the day so campers learn the song. Save easy songs for younger units.

7 Please join me Day Time Taps

The Caller leads (can count 1,2,3 to begin). LOUD and PROUD!

8 Color Guard: Retreat

The Color Bearer is at least one step ahead, always leading the group. The Leader of each line steps out away from the flagpole and turns to retreat. The Color Guard in that line follows. The Caller remains at the flagpole.

9 Any last-minute announcements?

10 Campers dismissed

Please secure the halyard (rope) by tying it up to prevent it from tangling or flying around.

Store the folded flag and sashes in the Flag Bin and close the lid.

Flag songs are on the Songs & Graces page.

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