By Pam Cress, media relations consultant, Girl Scouts of Colorado
More than 250 Girl Scouts converged at the Royal Gorge Bridge on Saturday, May 10, to participate in the traditional bridging ceremony, a ritual symbolic of the trek from one stage of a successful Girl Scout journey to the next.
Paralleling real life adversity and challenges, troop members from all across the front range overcame some blustery winds and weather conditions handed to them by Mother Nature on this bright sunny morning to complete the passage across the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. Although the bridge is built to withstand weights of up to 2 million pounds, the slight sway on the way across in the wind proved to be a memorable contributor to the participants' journey across the bridge.
Girl Scout volunteer Kristi Ingram of Pueblo spoke to the gathering to congratulate them and commemorate the growth the girls achieve as they pass from one level to the next. "This will not be the first or last bridge you will ever cross," she said. "George Washington Carver once said, 'When you do common things in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.'"
The Girl Scouts in the Canyon City area proudly planned and put on this statewide bridging ceremony at the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is indicative of the type of ceremony the Girl Scouts have proudly rendered since 1927. At the beginning of the crossing, there was the flag ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of Girl Scout songs. Troop members, parents and volunteers then all gathered on the other side of the bridge to celebrate with special cake. The bridgers also collected their bridging badge.
Several Girl Scouts expressed optimism for their journey of leadership with the Girl Scouts. "We will be working toward our Gold Award (the highest award in Girl Scouts) and participating in activities and trips," said members of Colorado Springs Troop 169.
It was a memorable day full of smiles and pride as Girl Scouts in Colorado forges ahead to learn the tools and talents that will make them our leaders of tomorrow.