Link Information Site - Jennifer Walker

One of the purposes of bridging is to promote retention from one level of Guiding to the next, by simplifying the transition between the levels.  We all know that a fear of the unknown or unfamiliar can keep girls from progressing to the next branch of Guiding.  Yet, we often forget about one of the biggest transitions in Guiding: from girl to adult.

Our Senior Branches girls have progressed through the Guiding program, from which they have gained valuable skills and knowledge.  If we don't show them the bridge to using these skills and this knowledge as adult Members, we can easily lose them for many years, if not forever.  Following are some bridging suggestions for Senior Branches Guiders and Commissioners who have Senior Branches Members in their areas.

• Find out about and invite local Link Members to a Senior Branches Unit meeting or activity to discover how Link enables them to maintain contact with Guiding.
• Final-year Senior Branches Members can take turns representing their Unit at the appropriate Council, District, Division or Area meetings.  There they will see the number and variety of positions open to adult Guiders.  This will show them the larger picture of Guiding, beyond the Unit Guider working directly with girls.
• Many trainings are open to Senior Branches Members as well as to adults.  Encourage yours to attend and develop their leadership skills, so they will truly be prepared for whatever roles they choose to take on as adult Members.
• Many Councils, Districts, Divisions and Areas have year-end "adult" banquets.  Consider inviting final-year Senior Branches Members to attend.  You could even design a special advancement ceremony to recognize their upcoming transition, and to make them feel welcome to the "adult side" of Guiding.
• Plan a joint Link/Senior Branches event: camp, cookout, hike, etc.
• Encourage Senior Branches Members to attend province-wide Senior Branches events.  We encourage ours to go to the Alberta Girls' Parliament or Alberta Senior Branches Council, where there are often Link Members in attendance.

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