TROOP OR GROUP BIRTHDAY PARTY CEREMONY
 
  It is fun to have a real birthday party with cake and candles on the anniversary date of the troop's/group's beginning.

Have the girls make invitations and send to troop committee members, sponsor(s) and/or the principal or clergy of troop/group meeting place.

Procedure: Place a large trefoil shape on the floor (tape, chalk, paper, etc.) Place birthday cake on a
table in the trefoil. The leader stands at point of trefoil.

#1 GS:    "Today we are celebrating the _____ birthday of Troop/Group #____. In renewing our membership, we are again in good standing in our national organization that serves not only our troop/group but also the thousands of troops and millions of girls all over the United States."

#2 GS:    "Through our national organization we are also members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts that takes the same ideals to girls of many other countries. We have been able to extend the fun and work, service and friendship of Girl Scouting to #_____ new members of our troop/group."

#3 GS:    "We are glad to have present our troop committee members and sponsor(s) to say thank you for your help."

The troop/group leader then calls each person (adults then girls). As each one steps forward, the person is presented with an unlighted candle by the assistant leader. She/he (adult or girl) then puts the candle on the cake and steps back in place.

The chair of the troop committee presents candles to leader and assistant leader who in turn places candles on cake.

The Girl Scout oldest in membership now lights candles. (Adults should supervise candle lighting by younger girls.)

#4 GS:    "Now let us join hands and each silently make a wish for the troop/group." (pause)

#5 GS:    ("Read a poem suitable for a birthday wish or have the troop make up their own.)

#6 GS:    "The honor of blowing out the candles is given to:
_____________ and _____________ (2 girls next oldest in length of membership)

#7 GS:    "After we sing our birthday song, please be seated while the cake is cut." (Sing "Happy Birthday Troop/Group #_____").