Volunteer Recognition

GSGC Volunteers are truly exceptional, embodying unwavering dedication and heartfelt commitment to the mission and values of Girl Scouts. Through passion and selfless contributions, Girl Scout Volunteers create lasting impacts on the lives of girls and their communities. To honor their extraordinary service, GSGC proudly recognizes and celebrates volunteer achievements each year through the Annual Adult Awards and Recognition Process.

Explore the details of each award below and submit your nominations to recognize the remarkable contributions of our volunteers.

Note: We are reopening the award cycle for the 2027 Membership Year from March 12th, 2027-June 30th, 2027

Celebrate our 2025 Award Recipients

Celebrate the volunteers who go above and beyond what is expected! View our 2025 Adult Recognition Award recipients.

VIEW HERE

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Awards

Community Trailblazer toggle arrow

Community Trailblazer: To recognize the exceptional support of community partners, whether individuals or organizations, who go above and beyond to eliminate barriers to Girl Scouting in their local communities. This award honors their dedication and contributions that significantly enhance the Girl Scout experience, making it accessible and enriching for all.

Compass Award toggle arrow

Compass Award: To recognize volunteers who provide exceptional one-on-one mentorship to other volunteers or Girl Scouts pursuing various paths within Girl Scouting, such as Higher Awards. Unlike troop leadership, which typically involves guiding a group, mentorship is a focused, intentional relationship that nurtures individual growth and helps mentees reach their next level of success in their Girl Scout Career.

Rising Star Award toggle arrow

To recognize first-year Girl Scout volunteers who demonstrate early leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to delivering a positive Girl Scout experience. This award honors volunteers who show exceptional promise and engagement early in their Girl Scout journey.

Endless Impact Award toggle arrow

To recognize volunteers who have supported girls across multiple Girl Scout program levels, demonstrating sustained and adaptive leadership as girls grow and progress.

Golden Gateway Award toggle arrow

To recognize a volunteer whose actions led to meaningful, measurable, or clearly demonstrated change that advanced the Girl Scout mission. This award centers on outcomes and the difference made because of the volunteers’ efforts and is not constrained by geographic location or level of impact (i.e. Troop, Community, or Council level).

GSUSA Formal Awards

Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

Volunteer of Excellence: Honors volunteers who have provided exceptional service while partnering directly with girls at every age to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of mission delivery to girl and adult members.

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Appreciation Pin: Recognizes volunteers whose service exceeds the expectations of their position and has made a meaningful impact within a specific geographic area of the council.

Honor Pin

Honor Pin: Awarded to volunteers for service that is above and beyond the expectations for the position held that has made an impact on two or more geographic areas within the council's jurisdiction.

Thanks Badge I toggle arrow

Thanks Badge I: Celebrates volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the Council or Girl Scout organization, making a sustained impact over the past four years.

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Thanks Badge II: Presented to Thanks Badge I recipients who have continued their outstanding service for at least three additional years, further strengthening the mission and work of Girl Scouts.

Membership Numerals (Tenure Pin) toggle arrow

Tenure Pin: Adults may submit an application for a tenure pin. Total number of years (both girl and adult) registered with GSUSA count toward Tenure Pin awards. Pins are awarded in 5-year increments.

President’s Volunteer Service Award (Temporarily Paused) toggle arrow

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA): Recognizes individuals who are committed to a high level of volunteer and service. These individuals work tirelessly to help solve some of the toughest challenges facing their communities, and our nation. As an official certifying organization, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council members are eligible to receive this special award in recognition of their annual volunteer service. Girl Scouts and adults that meet the requirements for the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Lifetime Achievement award level will receive the PVSA award package which will include a custom letter from the President, a certificate and a pin.

**The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is on a temporary pause, as decided by AmeriCorps effective May 27, 2025, and is no longer issuing awards at this time. We will provide any updates regarding the PVSA program as they become available. For additional information, please visit the PVSA website: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/**

Ready to submit PVSA hours? Girl Scout members will report their volunteer service hours using this form. The form must be uploaded by October 10th, 2025.

Years of Service Pin toggle arrow

Years of Service Pin: Recognizes volunteers for their total number of active volunteer service to Girl Scouts. This award is open to all actively registered Girl Scout Volunteers and is available in five-year increments.

volunteer appreciation guide, volunteer awards playbook

Volunteer Appreciation and Adult Awards Playbook

Your guide to volunteer recognition awards and how you can nominate a volunteer today!

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Volunteer Gratitude E-Cards: Send Your Thanks Today!

Spread the love with our Volunteer E-Cards! Show your appreciation to the incredible volunteers who make Girl Scouts possible. Choose from a variety of heartfelt designs to say 'thank you' for their dedication, support, and passion. Let’s celebrate their amazing contributions today!