Diversity Flame Ceremony

Materials: six assorted shaped, colored candles.  The more mismatched the better.  A tall, multicolored (if possible) candle in the center.  A green taper candle for every participant.

GS in charge (lights the tall candle in the middle)

Stars that shine together form a galaxy.  Flowers that grow together create a garden. Buildings that stand together establish a city.  People who work together make a difference.  This is what valuing differences is all about.

1st Scout (lights the first small candle)

I light this candle in friendship for all of the people who are older or younger, taller or smaller, richer or poorer than I.

2nd Scout (lights the second small candle)

I light this candle in friendship or all people who worship differently than I.

3rd Scout (lights the third small candle)

I light this candle in friendship for all people of a different nationality or ethnicity than I.

4th Scout (lights the fourth small candle)

I light this candle in friendship for all people who are of a different color than I.

5th Scout (lights the fifth small candle)

I light this candle in friendship for all people who come from other countries than I.

6th Scout (lights the sixth small candle)

I light this candle in friendship for all people who don't run, walk, see, hear, or learn the same as I.

GS in charge (lights her green taper from the tall middle candle)

I light this candle for me, for I am unique and special.

She then walks to the beginning of the horseshoe and the first girl lights her candle from the GS in charge and recites the line (I light this candle for me, for I am unique and special).  The second girl lights her candle and recites, and so forth around the horseshoe.

GS in charge

Watch the flames closely.  Notice the light from each candle is the same as the others even though the outside of each is different.  So, too, are all of us in the world.  We wear different clothes, speak different languages, follow different religions or beliefs, like different foods, sing different songs, and yet, we all belong to the same human race.  Inside we are all the same.  We all wish to be recognized, we all wish to be called by name, we all wish to be loved, we all wish for friends, we all wish for peace. In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to world friendship. (pause for reflection)  In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to peacemaking. (pause for reflection)  In the spirit of international understanding, we pledge ourselves to accept our differences whatever they may be. (pause for reflection).

All Girl Scouts please join us in reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

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