It is likely that if you are reading this, you may have someone in mind that you would like to thank for their out-of-this-world service to Girl Scouts! This article is for volunteers, girl members, and parents/guardians looking for ways to recognize volunteers and say thank you.
Informal Recognition
- Share their story with us—we may feature them on our blog, social networks, or other publications
- Send a thank you note or card
- Give a simple, verbal thanks or go for a high five
- Give a gift—small, homemade gifts can be very meaningful; check out our Volunteer Appreciation Pinterest board for ideas
- Provide mentoring opportunities, help develop their leadership skills, or be a professional reference
- Give a shout-out on your troop’s, group’s, or your personal Facebook account or on other social media
- Recommend and endorse them for skills on their professional LinkedIn page.
- Share positive feedback
- Promote them to new roles
Psst! Please do not tell nominee about an award nomination until it is approved by the Adult Award and Recognition committee.
Nomination Deadlines
- Nominations for GSUSA awards (Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II) should be submitted at least 2 months prior to your recognition event.
- Nomination deadlines for Girl Scouts River Valleys awards like the Volunteer of Excellence should be submitted at least 1 month prior to your recognition event.
Note to service units: Nominations for service unit level awards are often submitted in the spring and are awarded during Court of Awards events. It is helpful if you designate a contact person in your service unit and instruct volunteers and families to include that person’s name on the nomination application under the “designated contact person” field.
Formal Award Options
These are formal awards designed by Girl Scouts of the USA or Girl Scouts River Valleys to be used to recognize exemplary volunteer service that goes above and beyond what is expected in a volunteer role.
Appreciation Pin
This pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that has had a measurable impact on one geographic service area. Honorees will be acknowledged at the Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Annual Meeting. The nominator/recipients may choose to have the awards presented at a local event. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years.
Honor Pin
This pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that has had a measurable impact on two or more geographic service areas. Honorees will be acknowledged at the Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Annual Meeting. The nominator/recipients may choose to have the awards presented at a local event. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years.
Volunteer of Excellence
This award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the National Program Portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. The award will be forwarded to the nominator for presentations locally. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years.
President’s Award
The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years for the same service. Honorees will be acknowledged at the Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Annual Meeting.
Thanks Badge
This pin honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. Honorees will be acknowledged at the Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Annual Meeting.
Thanks II Badge
This pin honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefitting the entire Girl Scout Movement. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years. Honorees will be acknowledged at the Girl Scouts River Valleys’ annual meeting. The nominator/recipients may choose to have the awards presented at a local event.
Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal
The Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal is awarded to individuals and councils who have enriched and leveraged the global understanding of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to grow responsible global citizens. This prestigious national award is approved by the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors.
For more information and to obtain the nomination forms, please contact us.
Heart in Hand Award
This award recognizes outstanding service by a Girl Scout member, non-member, or community organization. Adults can earn this award multiple times, but only every three years. Awards will be forwarded to the nominator for presentations locally.
Council Level
This pin is a Girl Scouts River Valleys award that recognizes outstanding service that benefits the council or multiple service units. This award may be given to a Girl Scout member, non-member, or community organization who has given a significant amount of time and energy to Girl Scouts. Recognition is a pin and certificate.
Heart in Hand Pin (Council) Nomination Application
Service Unit Level
This pin is a Girl Scouts River Valleys’ award that recognizes outstanding service (other than that of a leader, co-leader, or assistant leader) that has benefited a Girl Scout troop or service unit. This award may be given to a Girl Scout member, non-member, or a community organization that has given a significant amount of time and energy to Girl Scouts.
Forever Green Alum Award
Five Forever Green Awards are given each year to alums who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, exceptional service, and extraordinary dedication to the Girl Scout Movement over time. They are alums whose leadership, initiative, and energy have strengthened Girl Scouting, made a significant contribution the Girl Scout mission, and who exemplify the true spirit of Girl Scouts. Adults can only earn this award once in a lifetime. Awards will be forwarded to the nominator for presentations locally.
Volunteer Years of Service
This pin recognizes an adult member for years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals. 5–15 year pins may purchase them from their local Girl Scout Shop or our online shop. No form/proof needed to purchase.
Girl Scouts River Valleys provides 20+ Years of Service Pins, free of charge. Please use our online request form.
Adults may earn this award every five years.
Membership Numeral Pins
This pin recognizes tenure in Girl Scouting. Numeral guards are available in 5-year intervals to recognize total girl and adult membership years. You can purchase 5–20 year numerals at Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Shops. No form/proof needed to purchase. Adult members who would like 5–20 year pins may purchase them from their local Girl Scout Shop or our online shop.
Girl Scouts River Valleys provides 25+ Membership Numeral Pins, free of charge. Please use our online request form.
Adults may earn this award every five years.
Summary of Resources
- Share Your Story Form – Use this online form to share stories with Girl Scouts River Valleys.
- Volunteer Appreciation Board – See our Pinterest board filled with ideas informal gift ideas.
- Complete the following nomination forms to nominate a volunteer for a formal award:
- Appreciation Pin Award Nomination Application
- Honor Pin Nomination Application
- Volunteer of Excellence Nomination Application
- President’s Award Nomination Application
- Thanks Badge Award Nomination Application
- Thanks Badge II Award Nomination Application
- Heart in Hand Pin (Council) Nomination Application
- Heart in Hand Pin (Service Unit) Nomination Application
- Forever Green Alumnae Award Nomination Application
- GirlScoutShop.com – Shop for Membership/Service Pins online or find a local store near you.
- Membership and Service Pins Form – Use this online form to purchase Volunteer Years of Service Pins (20+ years) and Membership Numeral Pins (25+ years).
