ading 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 (_togeth