RECOGNITIONS | girlscoutssf

Adult Recognitions and Awards

Girl Scout Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization!

Whether troop parents who shop for a troop camping trip, drive girls to or from their adventures, become CPR and First Aid or Camping Certified, run the troop product sales, keep track of troop paperwork or the Troop Leaders who do all of the above, and more, nothing can happen without these dedicated and hard-working dinamos and showing them appreciation is a must.

Each year in the spring our Service Unit holds a Leader Appreciation Event. Invitations go out to all registered Troop Leaders. Troops should absolutely do something to thank their special troop volunteers as well!

April 22nd is official Girl Scout Leaders Day. Make time to thank the special Girl Scout Leaders and Mentors in your life! For some great Girl Scout thank you ideas, check out the Girl Scouts Norcal Appreciation Pinterest board.

Ways to recognize your troop volunteers

The best ways to say thank you to your troop volunteers are often the most simple to do. A handmade card or gift from the girls, photo keepsakes, a gift card for a dinner or a movie night are all great ways to say thanks. Recognitions can be done at any troop event, meeting, or end of year ceremony. When the recipeint is recognized it will make the expression of gratitude more memorable.

Council and National Level Awards

To nominate a special vounteer for a National Award check out the Awards and Recognitions page of the GSNC website. National awards are presented by the council at special recognition events held in the fall. Nomination and Letter of Endorsement forms are due to council by June 30th.

Service Unit Recognitions

There are several awards and insignia for truly significant service that the Service Unit can present to volunteers. Anyone can nominate someone for a Service Unit Award! Just check the info below for the award that best fits the volunteer you'd like to honor and click the link to fill out the online nomination form. Awards are presented at our annual Appreciation Event in May. The deadline for nominations is March 1st.

To nominate someone for any of the Service Unit Awards, click here for the online nomination form.

Volunteer of Excellence (GSUSA pin)
- Description: Recognizes volunteers 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.
- Criteria:
  - Is an active, registered and screened adult Girl Scout.
  - Succesfully completed a term of service and requirements for the position.
  - Perform beyond expectations for the position to support the council's mission delivery golas or deliver GSLE to girls using the National Program Portfolio.
  - Actively recognize and practice inclusive behavior.

Green Angel (GSNorCal patch)
- Description: Recognizes an adult volunteer who brought Girl Scout program to his/her Service Unit in the most creative or innovative way for the year.
  - Examples include a special service project, unique sponsorship, etc.

Rookie of the year (GSNorCal certificate)
- Description: Recognizes an outstanding NEW troop leader who has done a fantastic job with his or her troop, girls and adults throughout his or her first year.
- Criteria:
  - leader must have completed council required trainings for new leaders
  - must be a registered adult Girl Scout with an approved volunteer screening on file with council
  - must have had attended or had someone else from the troop attend at all leader meetings from the time the troop began through the remainder of the current GS year.

Family of the year (GSNorCal certificate)
- Description: Recognizes a family who has contributed outstanding service, such as supporting their troop, camps, special events, product sales, or fulfilling other significant roles.ear.
- Criteria:
  - All types of families are eligible, including single parents, guardians, etc.

Father of the year (GSNorCal certificate)
- Description: Recognizes the most outstanding father or male guardian who was always there when the troop or service unit needed him.

Community Partner (GSNorCal certificate)
- Description: Recognizes groups or individuals within the community who have had a positive impact on the service unit by volunteering, providing in-kind or financial donations, or providing other outstanding support to Girl Scouts.