Official: "Scouts —— (reading the candidates' names in order), it has taken a great deal of thought and time and energy on the part of a great many people to enable you to wear this badge. Are you prepared to pay this back in generous service, when and where you can?"
Scouts (together): "Yes."
Official (pinning on each badge and speaking to each Scout as she does so): "You are now a First Class Scout. Remember that the world will judge us by you."
Official (to Captain): "I congratulate you, Captain ——, Troop ——, and the members of the Council, on these First Class Scouts, and I trust that the Town of —— will have every reason to be proud of them and to feel that it can depend upon them as especially good citizens and loyal Americans."
Captain acknowledges this in suitable manner and dismisses First Class Scouts to Troop position.
(Here the Official may address the audience at discretion.)
4. Conferring Merit Badges
The Troop being assembled in any desired formation, the Captain calls forward those who have passed the test and presents them to the presiding Official. (Note—The Merit Badges may be conferred by a member or members of the Council, if desired.)
Captain: "Members of the Girl Scout Council of ——, these Scouts have passed the various tests for their Merit Badges, and I recommend them to you for decoration accordingly."
Official: "Scouts (reading the list), you have fairly won the right to wear these badges we are about to present to you, and we are glad to do so. We take this opportunity of reminding you, however, that all good Scouts understand that they are far from having completely mastered the subjects represented by these badges. The symbols which you wear on your sleeve mean that you have an intelligent interest in the subjects you have chosen, understand the principles of them, and can give reasonable, practical proof of this. Do you realize that the Girl Scout Organization credits you with a good foundation and trusts to you to continue to build upon it intelligently?"
Scouts (together): "Yes."
Official (pinning on badges and speaking to each girl separately): "We congratulate you on your perseverance and wish you all success in your work."
(Note—When more than one badge is to be presented to a Scout, they may be attached, for the ceremony, to a piece of ribbon and put on with one motion.)