There are many symbols and customs in Girl Scouting. They enable Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from other countries to communicate with each other in a special way.

The Girl Scout Sign
The Girl Scout sign or salute is shown by raising the middle three fingers of your right hand while holding down the little finger with your thumb. The sign is used when reciting the Girl Scout promise.

The Girl Scout Handshake
Another form of greeting between Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is the Girl Scout handshake. Girls raise their right hand in the Girl Scout sign and shake using their left hand (denoting friendliness and loyalty.)

The Friendship Circle
The friendship circle represents the unbroken chain of friendship between Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. They are often formed at the end of a troop meeting, Girl Scout event, or at a campsite. Everyone forms a large circle and each girl crosses her right arm over her left, holding the hands of the girls standing on both sides of her. A designated person starts the squeeze, which is then gently passed from hand to hand around the whole circle. During the squeeze, everyone should remain silent.

The Girl Scout Motto
The Girl Scout motto is "Be prepared." Girl Scouts of yesteryears learned skills for fun but also to cope with emergencies of their times. Today, the motto reminds girls to be prepared to help others in need in their community and around the world.

The Girl Scout Slogan
The Girl Scout slogan is "Do a good turn daily."  In the early days of Scouting, girls tied a knot in their neckerchiefs. They could not untie the knot until a good deed was accomplished. Today, the slogan is a reminder of the many ways girls can contribute to the lives of others.