Volunteer Recognition & Awards

The Heart of What We Do Starts with Volunteers

Girl Scout volunteers are the driving force behind our mission. From troop leaders who empower girls to parent volunteers and event planners, they make it possible for girls to grow into confident, caring leaders. Without them, Girl Scouts wouldn’t be the leading organization for girls’ leadership development.

Volunteer nominations for MY26 are currently closed. Check back in the fall for the next round of volunteer nominations!

Volunteer Recognition Opportunities

Click on the photos below to learn more about each recognition.

Service Unit Level Volunteer Awards

Year-Round Recognition: Can be awarded at any time throughout the year

GSHPA & GSUSA Volunteer Awards

Annual Recognition: Nominations open from the fall through the end of January

Membership & Service Milestones

Numeral Guards & Volunteer Years of Service Pin

Service Unit Level Volunteer Awards

Purpose

This recognition celebrates volunteers who go above and beyond to provide girls with an exceptional Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

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Outdoor Champion: This volunteer supports their Girl Scouts and/or fellow volunteers in embracing exciting opportunities and activities in an outdoor setting, such as a camp or nature center. They may host an encampment, develop an outdoor program, or even mentor other volunteers in outdoor opportunities.
Rising Star: First or second year leader who made a splash! Might be someone who has embraced training opportunities, has been super engaged at the Service Unit level, often says YES to opportunities to help, and/or participate, etc.
Recruitment Pro: This is awarded to a volunteer or a troop who is committed to GSHPA recruitment efforts, Service Unit recruitment efforts, and the promotion of Girl Scouting in their communities. They find ways to tell the Girl Scout story whenever possible and seek out promotional opportunities.
Leader Among Leaders: Troop leaders who continually exemplify the Girl Scout Promise and Law. They treat their fellow leaders with respect, kindness, and compassion. They help to foster an open and welcoming Service Unit environment, and they offer extra help to new leaders who need guidance.
Meaningful Mentor: This award is given to a volunteer who is an exceptional mentor to girls. This volunteer not only promotes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience but also serves as a role model and someone for their girls to look up to. This volunteer provides girls with new and meaningful opportunities and experiences.
Girl Empowerment: This leader empowers their girls to take the lead of their Girl Scout experience. Places an emphasis on the girl-led portion of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Troop of Distinction: This troop is exemplifying leadership and service by giving back to others in their community through take action and service projects.
Reaching Higher: This leader has expert knowledge of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. They promote higher awards in their troop or Service Unit. They encourage their girls to lead their projects, while supporting them along the way. They also exemplify the principles of the higher award model.
Service Unit Certificate of Appreciation: This award acknowledges volunteers for their dedication to Girl Scouts. Service Units can present this award throughout the year as a thank you to volunteers.

Who Can Nominate toggle arrow

These awards highlight outstanding volunteers who make a difference in delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Nominations can be submitted by another volunteer, a family member, or a Girl Scout. Each Service Unit may determine how often and in what way these awards are presented.

Resources

Click on the links below to download and customize the specific award.

GSHPA & GSUSA Volunteer Awards

Purpose

The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) awards honor volunteers whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a measurable impact on the Girl Scout Movement. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the values of Girl Scouting—building girls of courage, confidence, and character—and who go above and beyond to support girls, volunteers, and the broader community.

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GSHPA Awards

Juliette’s Daisy Pearl (White): Honors volunteers who exceed expectations within their troop role, creating supportive and engaging spaces where girls thrive and grow.
Juliette’s Foundation Pearl (Yellow): Recognizes volunteers who create spaces where girls build courage, confidence, and character through meaningful, girl-led experiences.
Juliette’s Guiding Pearl (Gray): Celebrates volunteers under 30 who mentor girls with commitment, care, and authenticity, serving as inspiring role models for the next generation.
Juliette’s Savannah Pearl (Green): Honors volunteers who exceed expectations in Service Unit leadership, strengthening the Girl Scout network through collaboration and encouragement.
Juliette’s Legacy Pearl Dark (Blue): Girl Scout traditions and cultures are created by legacies. Honors volunteers who help on a council level to create and sustain programming that leaves an impact on the Girl Scout Mission and GSHPA Strategic Plan.
Juliette’s Welcome Pearl (Light Blue): Recognizes volunteers whose dedication and warmth bring new girls and volunteers into Girl Scouts, helping our membership and community grow.
Juliette’s Pillar Pearl (Multi-Color): Honors volunteers who consistently embrace all Four Pillars of Girl Scouting—STEAM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship—creating well-rounded experiences that spark curiosity, build courage and confidence, and foster community spirit.
Heart of PA: Awarded to volunteers actively giving outstanding service that benefits the entire council.

GSUSA Awards

Volunteer of Excellence: The Volunteer of Excellence recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service in support of mission delivery to girl and adult members at a troop level.
Appreciation Pin: The Appreciation Pin recognizes an active Girl Scout volunteer’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had a measurable impact on one service unit, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.
Honor Pin: The Honor Pin recognizes an active Girl Scout volunteer’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had a measurable impact on two or more service units, allowing GSHPA to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.
Thanks Badge: The Thanks Badge honors an active Girl Scout volunteer whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of GSHPA or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
Thanks II Badge: The Thanks Badge II recognizes a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role significantly above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Who Can Nominate toggle arrow

Any member of the Girl Scout community—including volunteers, parents or caregivers, and girls—may submit a nomination for GSHPA and GSUSA awards. Nominators should be familiar with the nominee’s contributions and able to describe how their service has positively impacted the Girl Scout experience. Nominations open in the fall of each year and close at the end of January.

Resources

Membership & Service Milestones

Pins

Numeral Guard Pins reflect total years of registered membership (girl or adult) and can be purchased our Girl Scout shop.
Years of Service Pins recognize active adult volunteer service with GSUSA and can be requested using this form.

Mission Moments

Mission Moments aren't just for the girls. We want to hear the impact of our volunteers as well!

SUBMIT