Recognition & Appreciation
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Giving and Receiving Recognition is an Important Component of the Volunteer Development System in Girl Scouting.
A card from the girls, a handmade gift, an e-mail message or a surprise party are ways to say “thank you” to adults in Girl Scouts. Adult Girl Scouts may also be nominated for Adult Awards throughout the year. Please remember to recognize the adults who are focused on making the Girl Scout experience fun, positive and available to girls and adults everywhere!
Tools and Guides for Adult Recognition and Nominations
- Tools and Tips to Help People Write Stronger Nominations
Girl Scouts of the USA Awards
Select an award category below to learn more and access the online nomination form! Nominations are due annually on November 11th.
Volunteer of Excellence 
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through 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.
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee
How Recipient is Recognized:
Presented by Service Unit & In Council publication
Submission Deadlines:
Due By: September 4th, November 4th, February 4th, April 4th, June 4th
Notified By: September 20th, November 20th, February 20th, April 20th, June 20th
President's Award
Requirements:
Recognizes the efforts of a community team or program delivery team for moving its assigned area or audience toward the achievement of the council's goals during a fiscal or membership year.
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee & Board of Directors
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Appreciation Pin
Requirements:
Recognizes an individuals exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on one geographic area of service, helping council to reach and surpass its mission.
1 endorsement
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee & Board of Directors
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Honor Pin
Requirements:
Recognizes an individuals exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.
1 endorsements
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee & Board of Directors
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Thanks Badge I
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual whose service to the organization has been truly outstanding and is so significantly over and above the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate. Additionally, the nominee's service must have benefited the total Council or the entire Girl Scout organization. The highest award given in Girl Scouting.
2 endorsements
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee & Board of Directors
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Thanks Badge II
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual who has already received the Thanks I Badge and who has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the entire council or the entire Girl Scout movement
2 endorsements
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee & Board of Directors
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Girl Scouts of Orange County Council Award
Select an award category below to learn more and access the online nomination form! Nominations are due annually on February 4th.
Opening Doors
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual who intentionally introduced Girl Scouting to an otherwise unserved or under-served area or group.
Approved By:
Adult Recognition Committee
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's annual recognition event in June & in Council publication
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Service Unit Awards
Select an award category below to learn more and access the online nomination form! Nominations are due annually on February 4th but please review criteria for additional due dates.
Spotlight Award
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual who previously received the Orange Owl and continues to give outstanding service to the Service Unit. A Service Unit may select one Spotlight winner per year.
PHOTO REQUIRED
Approved By:
Service Unit
How Recipient is Recognized:
Presented by the Service Unit
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Orange Owl
Requirements:
Recognizes an individual who has consistently given outstanding service to Girl Scouting in their Service Unit.
Approved By:
Service Unit
How Recipient is Recognized:
Presented by Service Unit
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Girl Scout Shining Star Award
Requirements:
Recognizes members or non-members who have assisted a troop or troops or a Service Unit without an official volunteer title or role.
Approved By:
Service Unit
How Recipient is Recognized:
Presented by Service Unit
Submission Deadlines:
November 11th (11-11)
Other Recognitions & Honors
Select an award category below to learn more and access the online nomination form! Nominations are due annually on February 4th
Numeral Guard Pin
Requirements:
Recognizes total years of membership, girl and adult, in any Girl Scout council at 5 year intervals. Girl Scouts of Orange County will provide pins for tenure achievements of 25 years or more, in five year increments (25 years, 30 years, etc.), if you are attending the annual Recognition Event. If you are unable to attend for 5 to 25 year pins, you may purchase them in the Shop.
Approved By:
Earned
How Recipient is Recognized:
Council's Annual Meeting in March (25+ years)
Submission Deadlines:
February 4th
Endless Impact Award
Leading the Journey, Leaving a Legacy.
Requirements:
The Endless Impact Award recognizes an extraordinary troop volunteer whose dedication has helped guide Girl Scouts through the full leadership journey—from Kindergarten Daisies to 12th Grade Ambassadors.
This award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting commitment to a single troop, offering consistent support, mentorship, and leadership across all 13 years of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Their impact goes beyond participation—they help girls grow in confidence, character, and courage year after year.
Approved By:
Earned
Nominees may be current or past troop volunteers who have played a meaningful role in supporting a troop throughout its entire Girl Scout journey, including:
- Troop leaders or co-leaders
- Approved troop volunteers who contributed to the troop’s long-term success
Nomination Requirements:
- Completed nomination form
- Endorsements–At least one endorsement must be from a Girl Scout in the troop (not their own child)
This award may be earned more than once.
Submission Deadline:
November 11th
Award Symbolism
The Endless Impact Award reflects the depth and meaning of this level of service:
- Green represents the enduring spirit of Girl Scouts
- The arch symbolizes strength, protection, and guidance for those in its care
- The tree represents steady leadership as the troop grows and matures
- The roots, formed by interlocking hands, reflect connection, support, and community
- Thirteen leaves honor each year of dedication—from Daisy through Ambassador
At its core, the award is a tribute to Endless Impact—the lasting influence a volunteer has on the girls they serve, extending far beyond their Girl Scout years.
Yep! There's a Badge for That.
Check out this shareable Girl Scout Volunteer Digital Badge made just for you! The owner of this badge is dedicated to fostering emotional, intellectual, and physical growth among girls in our communities!
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