The Girl Scout Hand Sign:

The Girl Scout Sign is made by raising three fingers of the right hand (thumb hold down pinky). This sign stands for the three parts of the Promise. You give the sign when: You say the Promise. You are welcomed into Girl Scouting at an investiture ceremony. You receive a patch or badge. You greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.

The Girl Scout Handshake

This is a formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. You shake hands with the left hand and give the Girl Scout sign with your right hand. The left handed handshake represents friendship because the left hand is closer to the heart than the right.

The Girl Scout Motto:

Be prepared.

The Girl Scout Slogan:

Do a good turn daily.

The Quiet Sign

The quiet sign is used in meetings and other gatherings to let people know it is time to stop talking. This sign is made by raising your right hand high. As people in the group see the quiet sign, they stop talking and also raise their hands. Once everyone is silent, the meeting continues.

The Friendship Circle

The friendship circle is often formed at the end of meetings or campfires as a sort of closing ceremony. Everyone gathers in a circle where they cross their right arm over their left in front of them and hold hands with the people on either side. Once everyone is silent, the leader starts the friendship squeeze which is passed from hand to hand.

The friendship squeeze is started by an agreed upon leader. She squeezes the hand on the girl next to her (either to the left or the right, but only one way)  and moves her right foot forward (i.e. towards the center of the circle). The girl who receives the squeeze moves her right foot forward and passes the squeeze on to the next girl. When the squeeze comes back to the first person everyone raises their arms - while still holding hands and turns under their right arm. If this is done correctly, everyone is now facing outward. They release hands and walk away, signaling that the ceremony or meeting is over.