Ashes of Friendship

Since ancient times, flames have held a special meaning. Think of the Olympic Torch, the candles we often use on birthday cakes or light at ceremonies. When the warm flame is gone, we have only ashes left.

Ashes taken from a campfire hold the dreams and memories of those who attended the ceremony. Ashes taken from a previous campfire are sprinkled into the flames of the next campfire. The next morning, when the ashes are cold, they are stirred and each Girl Scout and Girl Guide takes some with her or him to mix with the next campfire. If more than one Scout or Guide brings ashes to the same campfire, the lists are combined, the dates and places of all campfires are recorded and passed on. As Girl Scouts travel the ashes circle the globe. It is the tradition that only those present at the campfire receive the ashes.

We carry our fellowship with us in these ashes from other campfires with other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other lands. May the joining of the dead fires with the leaping flames symbolize once more the unbroken chain that binds Girl Guides and Girl Scouts everywhere.

(At this point, the friendship ashes are sprinkled on a brisk fire. The names of all the places and/or groups listed are read clearly, usually by delegates from each troop, patrol, council or unit. After the list is completed, the Narrator ends the ceremony by saying:

"When your campfire cools, carry some ashes with you and keep them going.)

So that you may pass these ashes on and share them with others at future campfires, here is the history of where these ashes have been.

 

Tribal Tributes ashes

  * 1925-49 * 1950-59 * 1960-63 * 1964-65 * 1966-69 * 1970-71 * 1971 * 1973 * 1974 International * 1974 USA * 1975 International.htm * 975 USA * 1976 International * 1976 USA * 1977 * 1978 * 1979 * 1980 * 1981 * 1982 * 1983 * 1984 * 1985 * 1986 * 1987 * 1988-89 * 1990-91 * 1992-95 * 1996-99