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Honor the Exceptional Volunteer in Your Community!
Every Girl Scout volunteer is truly extraordinary and deserves our heartfelt appreciation. Each year, there are many who shine even brighter, going above and beyond to make an exceptional impact. The recognitions listed are crafted to honor these exceptional individuals.
Nomination Deadlines
October 1: Nominations open for all GSUSA, GSOFCT, and Service Unit level recognitions.
March 1: Nominations close for GSUSA and GSOFCT recognitions.
June 1: Nominations close for Service Unit level recognitions.
June 2 - September 30: Service Units may report recognitions that were presented outside of the nomination window to GSOFCT so they can be added to the volunteer's achievement records through this notification form.
Nomination Forms
Complete the applicable nomination forms. Check out the Volunteer Recognition Guide for a description and more information about each award.
Volunteer of Excellence 
The Volunteer of Excellence Pin recognizes volunteers who have contributed significantly 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 in one or more of the following functional areas:
- Membership Development/Community Cultivation
- Volunteer Support
- Program
- Leadership and Governance
- Fund Development
- Council Support Services
Criteria:
- Serves in a role other than or in addition to a co-leader
- Has presented the GSLE to successfully achieve the 5 outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving)
- Consistently lives by and practices the ideals outlined in the Girl Scout Promise & Law
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 1 Letter of Endorsement
Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin recognizes the volunteer’s exemplary service while partnering directly with girls to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the National Program Portfolio OR who have contributed outstanding service within at least one specific Service Unit or geographic area, and is in support of the council’s mission in one or more of the following functional areas:
- Membership Development/Community Cultivation
- Volunteer Support
- Program
- Leadership and Governance
- Fund Development
- Council Support Services
Criteria:
- Serves in a role other than or in addition to a co-leader and has provided significant assistance to the service unit or geographic area measurably contributing to the goals and/or objectives of the region
- Has presented the GSLE to successfully achieve the 5 outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving)
- Consistently lives by and practices the ideals outlined in the Girl Scout Promise & Law
- Has held significant volunteer role for a minimum of 3 years (including but not limited to co-leaders, committee members, Gold Award Advisors, etc.)
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement
- Recommended that the nominee has previously received the Volunteer of Excellence pin
Honor Pin
The Honor Pin Recognizes the volunteer’s exemplary service while partnering directly with girls to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the National Program Portfolio OR who have contributed outstanding service within two or more Service Units or geographic areas, and is in support of the council’s mission in one or more of the following functional areas:
- Membership Development/Community Cultivation
- Volunteer Support
- Program
- Leadership and Governance
- Fund Development
- Council Support Services
Criteria:
- Has provided significant assistance to the service unit or geographic area measurably contributing to the goals and/or objectives of the region
- Has presented the GSLE to successfully achieve the 5 outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving)
- Consistently lives by and practices the ideals outlined in the Girl Scout Promise & Law
- Has held a volunteer role for a minimum of 3 years
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 3 Letters of Endorsement or previously received the Appreciation Pin & 2 Letters of Endorsement
Thanks Badge
The Thanks Badge recognizes individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had a measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals by building communities of young women that support our Girl Scout values and mission as a priority of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout movement.
The outstanding service performed by the nominee resulted in outcomes that benefited the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization and is significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.
The nominee has taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas:
- Increasing membership growth and retention
- Increasing the percentage of adult-generated funding in the total council income
- Increasing innovative program or training opportunities and participation council-wide
- Developing broad participation in policy influencing through the democratic process
The nominee actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior. The volunteer may only receive this recognition once.
Criteria:
- Assistance to GSOFCT or GSUSA measurably contributing to the goals and/or objectives of the region
- Has presented the GSLE to successfully achieve the 5 outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving)
- Consistently lives by and practices the ideals outlined in the Girl Scout Promise & Law
- Has held held a significant volunteer role for a minimum of 3 years (including but not limited to co-leaders, committee members, Gold Award Advisors etc)
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 3 Letters of Endorsement OR Previously received the Honor Pin & 2 Letters of Endorsement and Including 1 Endorsement Letter from their MES or a council staff member
Thanks Badge II
The Thanks II Badge honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefiting the entire Girl Scout Movement.
The nominee actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior. The volunteer may only receive this recognition once.
Criteria: The outstanding service performed by the nominee resulted in outcomes that benefited the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization and is significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate. It is a way of saying thanks again to an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly and continuously to Girl Scouting.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 3 Letters of Endorsement
- Including 1 Endorsement Letter from their MES or a council staff member
- Previously received the Thanks Badge and at least 3 years has lapsed since receiving
President's Award
The President's Award recognizes the efforts of a service unit leadership team whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals in partnership with GSOFCT.
Criteria: The President's Award recognizes the culmination of these efforts from the previous membership year. Service Units that apply for this Award must demonstrate excellence in four areas:
- Membership Growth
- Service Unit Programming
- Service Unit Team Development
- Volunteer Training & Support
*See detailed criteria and required steps on pages 13-14 in the Volunteer Recognition Guide.
Award: The honored Service Unit names are engraved on a council plaque that is hung in the Hartford Service Center bearing the names of previous honorees. Each member of the Service Unit Leadership Team will receive a pin. The Service Unit will also be presented with a certificate, awarded at the GSOFCT Annual Meeting.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination - may come from SU team member
- 1 Letter of Endorsement from MES or council staff member
- Either the President's Award or Charter Oak Award may only be received 1x/every 2 years.
*Please review the Nomination Submission Process on pages 13-14 in the Volunteer Recognitions Guide.
Medal of Honor: Lifesaving Award
The Medal of Honor: Lifesaving Award is given for saving a life or attempting to save a life without risk to the candidate’s own life. Lifesaving Awards are national awards given to a registered Girl Scout who has saved or attempted to save human life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. These awards are reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.
Criteria:
- The Girl Scout must be a registered member at the time of the rescue (No award is given to adults)
- Awards are given for saving or attempting to save human life only
- A girl who has caused or contributed to the circumstances necessitating the rescue is automatically ineligible
- Consideration of the girl is paramount. The acclaim accompanying such an award might even be detrimental. If the rescue (or attempted rescue) has been a particularly harrowing experience or publicity is not desired, it might not be appropriate to give an award
- Parents, friends, and teachers should be helpful in making a wise decision
If a girl meets the above criteria, the above criteria, then the following should be considered in determining whether her act of rescue merits a lifesaving award:
- Age, maturity, and training of the girl, as well as that of the person(s) rescued
- Degree of difficulty of the rescue
- Nature of risk to the girl's life
- Degree of danger to the life of the person(s) being rescued
- Amount of assistance received from others
- Whether first-aid and emergency-care procedures or proper techniques for water, ice, or fire rescue were used
- Extent of good judgment shown by rescuer
- Circumstances surrounding the incident (e.g. site, weather)
- Rescuer's compliance with principles and standards outlined in the Safety Actvity Checkpoints
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- It is important that the documentation process begin immediately after the rescue and proceed as quickly as possible. The decision to recommend a girl for an award must be reached no longer than six months after the event.
- 1 Nomination
Bronze Cross: Lifesaving Award
The Bronze Cross: Lifesaving Award is given Given for saving a life or attempting to save a life with risk to the candidate’s own life. Lifesaving Awards are national awards given to a registered Girl Scout who has saved or attempted to save human life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. These awards are reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.
Criteria:
- The Girl Scout must be a registered member at the time of the rescue (No award is given to adults)
- Awards are given for saving or attempting to save human life only
- A girl who has caused or contributed to the circumstances necessitating the rescue is automatically ineligible
- Consideration of the girl is paramount. The acclaim accompanying such an award might even be detrimental. If the rescue (or attempted rescue) has been a particularly harrowing experience or publicity is not desired, it might not be appropriate to give an award
- Parents, friends, and teachers should be helpful in making a wise decision
If a girl meets the above criteria, the above criteria, then the following should be considered in determining whether her act of rescue merits a lifesaving award:
- Age, maturity, and training of the girl, as well as that of the person(s) rescued
- Degree of difficulty of the rescue
- Nature of risk to the girl's life
- Degree of danger to the life of the person(s) being rescued
- Amount of assistance received from others
- Whether first-aid and emergency-care procedures or proper techniques for water, ice, or fire rescue were used
- Extent of good judgment shown by rescuer
- Circumstances surrounding the incident (e.g. site, weather)
- Rescuer's compliance with principles and standards outlined in the Safety Actvity Checkpoints
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- It is important that the documentation process begin immediately after the rescue and proceed as quickly as possible. The decision to recommend a girl for an award must be reached no longer than six months after the event.
- 1 Nomination
Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal
The Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal is a prestigious medal awarded to individuals and councils who have enriched and leveraged the global understanding of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to grow responsible global citizens. The award presentation will be coordinated by the Vice President of Global Girl Scouting.
Criteria:
- The candidate is a registered Girl Scoutmember
- The candidate's service benefits the global Girl Scouting or Girl Guiding movement as well as the Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Fund or other global Girl Scouting funding opportunities.
- The candidate's service has increased opportunity for girl involvement in girl-led global opportunities and Take Action projects that result in significant global impact.
- The candidate's service has demonstrated commitment and dedication over a significant amount of time.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- GSUSA National Board of Directors approves candidates for this award. (Note: the nomination and endorsements for this award go directly to the Vice President of Global Girl Scouting at GSUSA and are reviewed by the International Commissioner.)
- 1 Nomination
Charter Oak Award
The Charter Oak Award recognizes the efforts of a service unit leadership team whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals in partnership with GSOFCT.
Criteria: The Charter Oak Award recognizes the culmination of these efforts from the previous membership year. Service Units that apply for this award must demonstrate excellence in four areas:
- Membership Growth
- Service Unit Programming
- Service Unit Team Development
- Volunteer Training & Support
* See detailed criteria and required steps on pages 17-18 of the Volunteer Recognitions Guide.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination - may come from SU team member.
- 1 Letter of Endorsement from MES or a council staff member.
- Either the President's Award or Charter Oak Award may only be received 1x/every 2 years.
*Please review the nomination submission process on pages 17-18 of the Volunteer Recognitions Guide.
Legacy Pin
The Legacy Pin is the highest adult honor presented by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut in recognition of outstanding service and leadership. The Girl Scouts of Connecticut Legacy Pin celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions, setting a standard of excellence for adult leadership in GSOFCT (No more than 5 recipients per year).
Criteria:
- Council-Wide Impact: Awarded to an individual whose service has had a significant impact on the success and development of the Girl Scout program at the council-wide level.
- Leadership: The nominee must have held a leadership role within GSOFCT, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication.
- Minimum Years of Service: The recipient must have a minimum of 4 years of service to GSOFCT, contributing significantly to the organization's mission and goals.
- Outstanding Dedication: The nominee's service should demonstrate an ongoing commitment to empowering girls and promoting the values of the Girl Scouts program.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 3 Letters of Endorsement
- Including one letter from a member of GSOFCT Leadership team, Executive team, or a member of the Board of Directors.
Guiding Light Pin
The Guiding Light Pin recognizes an adult who is committed to providing support, guidance, mentorship and/or professional development or training opportunities to other Girl Scouts of Connecticut volunteers.
Criteria:
- Has displayed a positive attitude influence in dealing with volunteers
- Are an expert in subject matter and/or council policy as it applies to volunteer learning opportunities
- Have performed service as a mentor or facilitator over an extended period of time or have been instrumental in the development and use of new educational programs
- Serves as an exceptional role model, mentor, coach or trainer whose guidance enables others to realize their full potential in Girl Scouting
- Shares their passion and vision for the Girl Scout movement in a way that lights the flame in others to better serve our youth members
- A minimum of 2 years of service with GSOFCT is required
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement
- Including one Endorsement from a GSOFCT staff member
Heritage Pin
The GSOFCT Heritage Pin honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication and service, over many years, to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut or any Legacy Council (any of the five councils that merged to create Girl Scouts of Connecticut in 2007). This award recognizes someone whose efforts have left a lasting impact on the organization and its members. This recognition may be awarded posthumously.
Criteria:
- Outstanding Volunteerism: The nominee must have been actively involved with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for at least 20 years, contributing to the organization in various meaningful roles.
- Significant Contribution of Time & Skills: The recipient should have provided significant service by dedicating time and expertise to enhance the programs and initiatives of GSOFCT.
- Long-Lasting Impact: The nominee's contributions should have created a lasting positive impact on the organization and its members, continuing to benefit GSOFCT over time.
- Inspiration & Leadership: The recipient should be a role model within the Girl Scout community, inspiring others through their leadership and commitment to the organization’s values.
- Area of Service: The entire council footprint of GSOFCT and or the entire Girl Scout organization nationwide.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- Recommended: Previously received the Thanks Badge.
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement
Outstanding Service Unit Team Member
The Outstanding Service Unit Team Member Pin recognizes a volunteer on the service unit team who has performed at a level that raises the bar with their exceptional contributions and innovative approach to their role, outperforming the expectations outlined in the position description.
*Cannot receive in consecutive years for the same role.
Criteria:
- Consistently assists the Service Unit beyond the anticipated standard of their role, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment. *See the glossary in the Volunteer Recognitions Guide for descriptions of service unit roles when making a nomination.
- The nominee has completed appropriate training for the position held.
- They have worked collaboratively with the whole Service Unit team.
- They have completed 2 years in their role on the Service Unit team.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement, one from MES
Spirit of the Dragonfly
The Spirit of the Dragonfly Recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies the Girl Scout Mission, lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and demonstrates a commitment to providing Cadette, Senior, and/or Ambassador Girl Scouts with the opportunity to develop through guidance, coaching in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Criteria:
- Has served as a co-leader working alongside older girls for at least 7 years.
- Has provided a variety of opportunities that foster a growth mindset and align with the benefits described in the 5 Leadership Outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving).
- Encourages girls to advocate for themselves, others, and the community at large on issues that are of concern to them through Take Action and Community Service projects.
- Has made a significant impact on the number of girls earning their highest awards.
- Delivers diverse program opportunities that results in an increase of older girl participation and consistent girl retention throughout the life of the troop/group.
- Demonstrates mastery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through their activities within the four pillars: Outdoor, STEAM, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship, as well as earning badges and completing Journeys.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement, including one from a Girl in the troop.
Pride of the Trefoil
The Pride of the Trefoil is to a current or past troop volunteer who shared the gift of their time and talents to help a troop effectively participate in all 13 years of our Girl Scout Leadership Program, continuously from kindergarten Daisies through 12th grade Ambassadors. The recipient(s) can include co-leaders and any other approved troop volunteers who helped the troop to prosper throughout the entire troop experience.
Criteria:
- The Volunteer started with kindergarten Daisies and has maintained an active, registered membership until the graduation of the troop in 12th grade.
- The graduating troop members demonstrate mastery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through their activities within the four pillars: STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, and Outdoors, as well as earning badges and completing Journeys.
- Participation in the fall Treats & Reads Program and Cookie Program.
- Attended service unit and council-sponsored programs.
- Participated in outdoor and camping activities.
- Completed all appropriate leader trainings.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement:
- One from a Girl in the troop and one from their MES or a council staff member.
Council Staff Appreciation
The Council Staff Appreciation Pin Recognizes the outstanding service by a staff member that goes beyond the expectations of the employee’s job description. The employee will have provided strong support and guidance to volunteers, has enhanced our members’ ability to serve girls through their actions, or has created a process or service that greatly benefited a volunteer’s ability to accomplish our mission. The recognition is in honor of exceeding the expectation of their staff role and does not take into consideration any volunteer role they may have.
The employee may only receive this recognition once every 3 years. This recognition can be presented to a maximum of 5 staff per year.
Criteria:
- Must be a registered member of GSOFCT and an employee in good standing.
- Has demonstrated their commitment to our mission through their interactions with volunteers and other staff.
- Has gone above and beyond what is normally expected in their position, regardless of if they work directly with volunteers or provide behind-the-scenes support.
- Participates in council-sponsored events and service unit activities if applicable.
- Supports the GSOFCT product sales programs.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 1 Letter of Endorsement from a volunteer
Philanthropy & Leadership Pin
The Philanthropy & Leadership Pin honors individuals who have made a profound and enduring impact on Girl Scouts of Connecticut through their long-term dedication in multiple areas, including philanthropy, volunteerism, inspiring others, and upholding Girl Scout traditions and history.
Only one pin is presented annually.
Criteria:
- Philanthropy: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to charitable giving and community service, including notable lifetime giving contributions.
- Volunteer Engagement: Engages actively in various volunteer roles, such as participation in task forces, regional advisory committees, or the Board of Directors. Contributes to the planning and execution of events and programs.
- Inspire Giving: Inspires others to give back through their own example and efforts, encouraging a culture of generosity and support for the organization.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination from Executive Team, Board of Directors, or Fund Development Team.
Membership Numeral: 20 years +
The Membership Numeral Pin recognizes the total years of registered membership in Girl Scouts at five-year intervals. The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout member for the duration being awarded. Years as a girl member plus years as an adult member are combined and counted toward this recognition.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
Please note: Both Membership Numeral and Volunteer Years of Service Pins of 20 years or more are presented presented at the Annual meeting 5, 10, and 15 years are presented at the Service Unit level.
Volunteer Years of Service: 20 years +
The Volunteer Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member registered with Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for her/his years of active volunteer service at 5 or 10-year intervals. This pin represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively held a volunteer role and provided service.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
Please note: Both Membership Numeral and Volunteer Years of Service Pins of 20 years or more are presented presented at the Annual meeting 5, 10, and 15 years are presented at the Service Unit level.
Product Sales Champion
The Product Sales Champion Pin recognizes a volunteer who has continued to provide exemplary service in the troop’s Fall Product or Cookie Manager role, resulting in measurable effects that benefit the troop.
Criteria:
- Has held the Fall Product Manager or Cookie Manager role for a minimum of 2 years
- Has completed the Fall Product Manager or Cookie Manager training
- Submitted Initial & Final Orders by the deadline
- Developed a communication plan with the troop
- Has maintained accurate financial inventory, and M2 or Ebudde records throughout the sale
- Has met and/or exceeded their troop sales goal
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- 2 Letters of Endorsement with one from their MES, SUM or SU PSM
Juliette Gordon Low Society Member Pin
The Juliette Gordon Low Member Pin recognizes those that want to extend their involvement with the Girl Scout Movement for generations to come by leaving a gift in their will.
Criteria:
- To become a member, leave a gift to Girl Scouts of Connecticut in your will or estate plan. Interested in becoming a member or have questions? Contact donate@gsofct.org for more information.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- No nomination required
Membership Numeral: 5-15 years
The Membership Numeral Pin recognizes the total years of registered membership in Girl Scouts at five-year intervals. The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout member for the duration being awarded. Years as a girl member plus years as an adult member are combined and counted toward this recognition.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions
Please note: Both Membership Numeral and Volunteer Years of Service Pins of 20 years or more are presented presented at the Annual meeting. 5, 10, and 15 years are presented at the Service Unit level.
Volunteer Years of Service: 5-15 years
The Volunteer Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member registered with Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for her/his years of active volunteer service and at 5 or 10-year intervals. This pin represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively held a volunteer role and provided service.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions
Please note: Both Membership Numeral and Volunteer Years of Service Pins of 20 years or more are presented presented at the Annual meeting. 5, 10, and 15 years are presented at the Service Unit level.
Rising Star: New Leader
The Rising Star: New Leader Pin recognizes a new leader who has made a significant contribution to their troop and/or Service Unit.
Criteria:
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
- Is in their first or second year as a new troop leader
- Fulfills the Co-Leader responsibilities
- Has completed all new leader trainings as required
- Attends and participates in Service Unit meetings and events regularly
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Outdoor Pillar Pin
The Outdoor Pillar Pin recognizes a volunteer who has delivered outstanding outdoor (adventure and skill building, through camping experiences) programming and education opportunities to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience.
Criteria:
- The nominee has provided outstanding service in a way that furthers the outdoor programming and education opportunities of girls and/or adults.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Entrepreneurship Pillar Pin
The Entrepreneurship Pillar Pin recognizes a volunteer who has delivered outstanding entrepreneurship (goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics, and people skills) programming and education opportunities to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience.
Criteria:
- The nominee has provided outstanding service in a way that furthers the entrepreneurship programming and education opportunities of girls and/or adults.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
STEAM Pillar Pin
The STEAM Pillar Pin recognizes a volunteer who has delivered outstanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) programming and education opportunities to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience.
Criteria:
- The nominee has provided outstanding service in a way that furthers the STEAM programming and education opportunities of girls and/or adults.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Life Skills Pillar Pin
The Life Skills Pillar Pin recognizes a volunteer who has delivered outstanding life skills (civic engagement, healthy living, global citizenship, communication skills, and more) programming and education opportunities to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience.
Criteria:
- The nominee has provided outstanding service in a way that furthers the life skills programming and education opportunities of girls and/or adults.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Helping Hand
The Helping Hand Pin recognizes a volunteer for providing a “helping hand” to a troop, service unit, or council. Praises any type of noteworthy contribution by a volunteer in any role.
Criteria :
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Stepping Up
The Stepping Up Pin recognizes a volunteer who continues to to “step up” and providing outstanding service to a troop, service unit, or council. Praise any type of noteworthy contribution by a volunteer in any role.
Criteria:
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- Has previously received the Helping Hand Pin
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Lead the Way
The Leading the Way Pin is awarded for any type of noteworthy contribution by a volunteer who has shown exceptional leadership qualities supporting the Girl Scout mission. Awarded for leadership so outstanding in nature that it merits recognition by the service unit.
Criteria:
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Distinguished Leader
The Distinguished Leader Pin is awarded for any type of noteworthy contribution by a Co-Leader who has shown exceptional leadership qualities supporting the Girl Scout mission.
Criteria:
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
- In a Co-Leader role
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Distinguished Volunteer
The Dinstinguished Volunteer Pin is awarded for any type of noteworthy contribution by a Volunteer who has continuously provided exceptional service to support the Girl Scout mission.
Criteria:
- Is a currently approved, registered member of GSOFCT in good standing
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Family Appreciation
The Family Appreciation Pin is presented to a family member of a currently registered member who has provided outstanding volunteer service to a troop, Service Unit, GSOFCT, or a Juliette Girl Scout.
Criteria:
- Has at least one active, registered Girl Scout family member for the year of the nomination
- Provides outstanding volunteer service, beyond normal expectation within a troop, Service Unit, or to a Juliette
- Has contributed to the mission by coordinating and/or supporting in Service Unit &/or council events
- Must have a current active GSOFCT membership
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Daisy's Dream: Troop Award
The Daisy's Dream Award recognizes troops for providing quality Girl Scout experience that builds girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character who make the world a better place. Successful recipients will be able to demonstrate that their troop utilized the three processes: Girl-led, Learn by Doing, and Collaboration, engaged with all four pillars, and developed leadership skills through badge work and the completion of a journey to address an important community need.
(May only be awarded up to 10% of troops within each service unit per year)
Criteria:
- History of being consistently open and willing to accept new girls
- Active girl participation in all aspects of troop business
- Have involved adults supporting the troop aside from co-leaders, i.e., troop helper, cookie manager, etc.
- Participate in the fall Treats & Reads program and the cookie program
- Completed a Journey or Higher Award
- Gone overnight camping
- Hosted &/or supported a SU event
- Provided community service to support a cause in their region
- Attended council programming
- Troop has been active for a minimum of 3 years
- All youth and adults must have active GSOFCT memberships
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
The Way of the Juliette
The Way of the Juliette is presented to a Girl Scout who is an Independently Registered Member (IRM), also known as a “Juliette,” and has distinguished herself by earning badges, completing a Journey, and engaging in community service. The recipient of this pin will have participated in GSOFCT activities, including product sales and programming, and engaged all aspects of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the 4 pillars.
Criteria:
- Is currently an Independently Registered Member
- Has completed a Journey and a Higher Award
- Has participated in the fall Treats & Reads Program and Cookie Program
- Has demonstrated competence with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
- Has attended three of more GSOFCT council-sponsored programs
- Has engaged in badge or journey activities within all four program pillars: STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, & Outdoors
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Community Participation Certificate
The Community Participation Certificate is presented to an individual, business, or community group that supports the Girl Scout mission by partnering with a Juliette Girl Scout, Troop, Service Unit, or Council. Their contributions may include providing meeting or cookie booth locations, guest speakers, programming opportunities, supplies, badge support, training, grants, or assistance with highest awards and service projects.
Criteria:
- Providing spaces, resources, or financial support.
- Offering program opportunities or expertise.
- Assisting with badge earning and highest awards.
- Supporting Service Unit or Council initiatives.
Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements:
- 1 Nomination
- Endorsements not required for SU Level Recognitions.
Volunteer Recognitions Guide
All the information you need from how the Nomination Review Process works, descriptions for each award and criteria for eligibility, to how to write a strong nomination, and more! This comprehensive guide is all you need in one easy reference!
PRINT OR DOWNLOAD A COPY or reference the digital version below.
