The signs leading up to the Mountain House in Salisbury Township warn motorists there is “no outlet.” But for the girls involved with Troop 64072, their Bridging Ceremony at the Mountain House recently would lead to various outlets for contributing to their community.

Tea lights lit the path into the Mountain House as family members and special guests arrived. Troop Leader Allison Otto welcomed the families and guests and explained the 100-year-old tradition of the Bridging Ceremony is a “big deal.” The fourth and fifth grade Girl Scouts would be trading in their Junior vests and receiving their new Cadette vests.

In addition, the girls also were recognized for earning the highest honor at this level, which is the Bronze Award.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, participated in the ceremony as a special guest.

The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Girl Scout Promise. Girl Scouts alumni in the audience joined in reciting the promise. Ten Juniors earned the Bronze Award for identifying a community need and taking action to help meet the need. Kailtyn Baker, Denna Troxell and Mabel Wetherhold focused on the importance of conservation. They designed posters to help their classmates at Macungie Elementary School know what to recycle. Their posters can be found on the recycling bins at the school.

McKenzie Crudup, Annalise Hanna, Riley Otto and Julianna Schollenberger shared their efforts to combat bullying at Macungie Elementary School. They built a buddy bench for the school. They educated their classmates about being kind to one another and to speak up because it is the right thing to do if you see a peer being bullied. They encouraged their classmates to help stop bullying by not encouraging the bully by laughing or joining in. The girls described different types of bullying such as physical, mental and cyber. They helped their peers to describe how to be a good friend.

The final group included Aurora Haja, Harper Cummings and Defne Arslan and addressed food insecurity in the East Penn School District. Group members created a brochure depicting the steps to organizing a food drive. The girls tested the steps in their brochure by organizing their own food drive. The donations were given to the Angel Network that helps students in their own school.

Special guest Day recognized the girls’ commitment to community by acknowledging each one with a certificate. Day had the girls give a round of applause to the parents and family members who support them in developing their skills in citizenship. He noted that the Girl Scouts is an important organization in training the next generation of citizens. Day explained that working in teams like the girls did for their Bronze Awards helps accomplish goals.

“Teamwork helps to get things done,” Day said.

“You picked meaningful topics and followed through. The bench at Macungie Elementary School provides a safe space. It’s important to think about the resources we use and how we recycle. Hunger is not a pleasant thought but you found a way to help others. Thank you on behalf of the 187th District.”

Troop Leader Otto shared the positive associations of girls participating in Girl Scouts such as being more likely to vote and to graduate college. Otto stated that the Bronze award recognizes courage, confidence and character. She added, “You have made a difference in the world around you.”

The tradition of “Bridging” stretches back almost 100 years to 1927. The girls usually cross an actual bridge but the threat of rain pushed this event indoors. The girls adapted by crossing the front of the room. Troop Mom Volunteer Cindy Troxell helped the girls with their Cadette vests while Day assisted with folding their Junior vests and returning them to the girls. This marked their transition from Junior level to Cadette level.

As Juniors, the girls participated in numerous activities including camping out in a baseball stadium, starting a fire with one match and no lighter fluid, coding a robot, donating a truck full of clothes to the Kindness Project, organizing a Secret Santa to make each other gifts rather than buying them; ice skating, color runs, reading the Declaration of Independence at the Emmaus 250th Celebration and selling cookies.

Troop 64072 is known as “The Otters.” Troop Leader Otto explained that the otter is the best fit for the troop.

“Otters are social,” Otto said.

“They hold one another when they are sleeping so nobody gets left behind. They are resourceful and use tools for problem solving. They take care of one another and are playful on purpose. Play helps them learn skills. They have fun together.”

As Cadettes, these young girls will grow up and experience far more adventures with more independence. They will lead with courage and character. They will be friendly and helpful and continue to try to make the world a better place. The ceremony concluded with a circle and a song.

The girls and their families enjoyed cake to celebrate their Bronze Awards and their bridging to Cadettes. Girls interested in joining the organization can explore opportunities at girlscouts.org.