Volunteer Awards
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Celebrating Our Volunteers
Girl Scouts is possible because of you! Each fall and spring, we celebrate your passion, commitment, and leadership with award ceremonies hosted either by your service unit or by Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. We welcome all GSOSW members to nominate volunteers for these special recognitions and honors!
Learn more about volunteer awards and requirements below. Questions? Contact answers@girlscoutsosw.org.
Nominate a volunteer for a Fall National Award!
Submissions are due by August 31.
Congratulations to our 2025 National Volunteer Award recipients!
We are thrilled to share the volunteers who were honored with National Volunteer Awards in the fall of 2025. Expand each award below to view the recipients!
Appreciation Pin 
Allison Shultz, SU05
Amanda Case, SU05
Annie Little, SU69
Bonnie Gray, SU65
Carrie Keith, SU09
Christine Jenkins, SU01
Erin Gwynn, SU14
Ginger Beck, SU17
Heather Bannick, SU10
Joanne Summers, SU14
Lynn Federico, SU14
Michelle Bailey, SU08
Nicole Banta, SU65
Nicole de Carteret, SU26
Robin Romer, SU14
Sara Allen, SU02
Sarah Wishert-Pfel, SU06
Tabatha McCord, SU26
Honor Pin
Autumn Joyner, SU26
Colette Smith, SU26
Jeanie Zamarippa-Lee, SU08
Megan Gallagher, SU08
Michele Becker, SU14
Thanks Badge
Irene Hunt, SU67
Sarah Nelson, SU13
Trisha Hendrickson, SU29
Caitlin Mitchel-Markley, SU06
Dawn Galli, SU02
Karen York, SU01
Michele Kohler, SU14
Thanks Badge II
Jamie Rivers, SU08
Volunteer of Excellence
Juli Buchanan, SU06
Melanie Cline, SU06
Tara Peck, SU06
Council Recognitions
These awards are given by GSOSW and presented to volunteers in the spring. Nominations are due by March 31.
Year Pins
These awards recognize dedicated volunteers for their years of service and are presented to volunteers in the spring.
National Awards
These awards are given by GSUSA and presented to volunteers in the fall. Nominations are due by June 30.
Awards for Gold Award Girl Scouts
These awards are given by GSOSW and presented to volunteers in the fall. Nominations are due by June 30.
National Awards
Volunteer of Excellence
This award recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the national portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members.
Criteria (developed by GSUSA):
- The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
- The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position.
- The candidate has performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls using the nation program portfolio, OR
- The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, MarComm).
- The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.
Submit two (2) letters of endorsement.
NEW! Download the National Volunteer Award Endorsement Letter Template to get a head start on your nominations. (Note: This Word document will download automatically. You may edit it using Word, Google Docs, or another compatible program.)
This recognition may be awarded multiple times in subsequent years, but it must be for different accomplishments or acts of service.
Appreciation Pin
This award recognizes an adult member who delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit or program delivery audience.
Criteria (developed by GSUSA):
- The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
- The candidate has provided outstanding service to a geographic area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council’s goals.
- The service goes beyond the expectations for the position.
Submit two (2) letters of endorsement.
NEW! Download the National Volunteer Award Endorsement Letter Template to get a head start on your nominations. (Note: This Word document will download automatically. You may edit it using Word, Google Docs, or another compatible program.)
This recognition may be awarded multiple times in subsequent years, but it must be for different accomplishments or acts of service.
Honor Pin
This award recognizes an adult member who has delivered outstanding service to two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences.
Criteria (developed by GSUSA):
- The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
- The candidate has provided outstanding service to two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers the council’s goals.
- The service goes beyond the expectations for the position.
Submit three (3) letters of endorsement.
NEW! Download the National Volunteer Award Endorsement Letter Template to get a head start on your nominations. (Note: This Word document will download automatically. You may edit it using Word, Google Docs, or another compatible program.)
This recognition may be awarded multiple times in subsequent years, but it must be for different accomplishments or acts of service.
Thanks Badge
This award recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total Girl Scout council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
Criteria (developed by GSUSA):
- The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
- The candidate has provided outstanding service that benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization.
- The service is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate.
Submit four (4) letters of endorsement.
NEW! Download the National Volunteer Award Endorsement Letter Template to get a head start on your nominations. (Note: This Word document will download automatically. You may edit it using Word, Google Docs, or another compatible program.)
This recognition may only be awarded once. To honor the candidate again, see below for Thanks Badge II.
Thanks Badge II
This award recognizes an adult member who has already received the Thanks Badge and who has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization.
Criteria (developed by GSUSA):
- The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
- The candidate has received the Thanks Badge.
- Since receipt of the Thanks Badge, the candidate has provided distinguished service by continuing to perform at the same high level for an extended period of time, OR increasing their sphere of influence, OR using their skills and talents to move into other fields of endeavor.
- The service benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization.
- The service is outstanding and is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate.
Submit four (4) letters of endorsement.
NEW! Download the National Volunteer Award Endorsement Letter Template to get a head start on your nominations. (Note: This Word document will download automatically. You may edit it using Word, Google Docs, or another compatible program.)
This recognition may only be awarded to an individual once.
Council Recognitions
Rising Star
This patch recognizes the service of a volunteer who is new to Girl Scouts and has hit the ground running. This adult volunteer has been with Girl Scouts for a short time but has made a big impact on their Juliettes/troop/group or service unit, fully embraced the Girl Scout movement with energy and passion, and has performed outstanding work within their first two years.
Has volunteered for fewer than 2 years.
Guiding Star
This pin recognizes a volunteer who reaches beyond their primary role and provides continuing support to other volunteer(s) or Girl Scouts. This leader inspires those around them and is a guiding example of an ideal Girl Scout volunteer.
Has volunteered for more than 2 years.
Owl Award
This pin recognizes a volunteer who provides learning opportunities for girls and/or adults in Girl Scouts. In the learning environment, the candidate promotes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) principles while displaying exceptional creativity, enthusiasm, leadership, and communication. This volunteer does not have to be a member of the GSOSW Trainer Corps.
Outdoor Enthusiast
This patch recognizes a volunteer who promotes and champions outdoor skill progression in Girl Scouts. This volunteer shares their passion and knowledge of the outdoors with girls and/or volunteers to elevate their awareness and the value of their outdoor experiences.
Volunteer has completed Outdoor Skills Training.
GSOSW Leadership Development Pin
This pin recognizes a volunteer who has completed the required training for a troop or group setting. The volunteer must have completed the following trainings:
- Leader Orientation* as provided by the Service Unit (*required for those who are in the Troop Leader position only. )
- Grade Level Training – previously in-person and/or currently online.
- Before You Leave the Meeting Place and Before Your First Overnight (Formerly Inside and out Part 1 and 2, Day Trips, and Indoor Overnights).
This recognition was previously sponsored by GSUSA but was dropped many years ago. GSOSW is committed to continuing this tradition by recognizing those training hours completed by our volunteers, who are committed to the leadership development of our girls.
Outstanding Community Supporter
This certificate recognizes outstanding contributions of time, location, and/or services to local Girl Scout troops/groups by an individual or business. This recognition is presented in the form of a certificate and can be awarded year after year for continued support. If you wish to recognize an individual or business for multiple years of service, you may indicate the number of years next to their name, and the certificate will be customized.
Year Pins
Years of Membership
The years of membership numeral guard is earned for the combination of both girl and adult years as a member of Girl Scouts, awarded in five-year increments. The pin is a number linked by a chain that can be attached to the Girl Scout membership pin. This optional pin can be purchased at any time, however the council provides Years of Membership recognition pins starting with 20 years at no cost. Please contact your service unit manager if you would like a 20+ year pin for yourself or another volunteer to be included on their annual #505 order form in the spring.
Please note that service units are responsible for maintaining membership records for their volunteers.
Years of Service
Girl Scouts of the USA offers recognition to registered adult members for years they have served as an active adult volunteer in Girl Scouts, awarded in five-year increments. This pin differs from the membership numeral guard in that it represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively provided service, whereas the numeral guard recognizes years of membership only. This optional pin can be purchased at any time, however, the council provides Years of Service recognition pins starting with 20 years at no cost. Please contact your service unit manager if you would like a 20+ year pin for yourself or another volunteer to be included on their annual #505 order form in the spring.
Please note that service units are responsible for maintaining service records for their volunteers.
Awards for Gold Award Girl Scouts
Golden Rose (paused 1/13/2025 per Allie Roberts)
This council award recognizes Gold Award Girl Scouts between the ages of 21 and 35 who have exhibited exemplary leadership and community service during their lifetime. Girl Scouts helps create female leaders in our communities and our world. The values that we instill in our girls are life-long. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that Girl Scouts can bestow, and the young women who receive this award demonstrate leadership and exemplary service to their communities. However, those values do not end with high school. Do you know a Gold Award Girl Scout between the ages of 21 and 35 who has made exceptional contributions to her community either inside or outside of the Girl Scout organization? You are invited to nominate an exceptional young alumna who has been a shining example of the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism from earning the Gold Award and throughout her life. A current Girl Scout membership is not required.
Criteria:
- The candidate is a Gold Award Girl Scout between the ages of 21 and 35.
- The candidate has exhibited an exemplary example of the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism from earning the Gold Award, Curved Bar or First Class Award and throughout her life.
- The candidate should demonstrate leadership and exemplary service to her community inside or outside of the Girl Scout organization.
Submit two (2) letters of endorsement. Letters should include 150-200 words explaining the reason for endorsing this person for the award, and should include when the candidate received the Girl Scout Gold Award, how the candidate's actions since earning the Gold Award have exemplified the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism, and how the endorser is familiar with the candidate's leadership and service.
This recognition may be awarded multiple times in subsequent years, but it must be for different accomplishments or acts of service.
Golden Lifetime (paused 1/13/2025 per Allie Roberts)
This council award recognizes Gold Award Girl Scouts, Curved Bar alumnae or First Class alumnae over the age of 35 who have carried the values of the Girl Scout Gold Award throughout their lifetime, exhibiting exemplary leadership and community service. Girl Scouts helps create female leaders in our communities and our world. The values that we instill in our girls are life-long. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that Girl Scouts can bestow, and the young women who receive this award demonstrate exemplary service to their communities and leadership. However, those values do not end with high school. Do you know a Gold Award Girl Scout, Curved Bar alumnae or First Class alumnae over the age of 35 who has made exceptional contributions to her community either inside or outside of the Girl Scout organization? You are invited to nominate an exceptional mature alumna who has been a shining example of the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism by earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, Curved Bar or First Class, and throughout her life. A current Girl Scout membership is not required.
Criteria:
- The candidate is a Gold Award Girl Scout, Curved Bar alumnae or First Class alumnae and is over the age of 35.
- The candidate has exhibited an exemplary example of the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism from earning the Gold Award, Curved Bar or First Class Award and throughout her life.
- The candidate should demonstrate leadership and exemplary service to her community inside or outside of the Girl Scout organization.
Submit two (2) letters of endorsement. Letters should include 150-200 words explaining the reason for endorsing this person for the award, and should include when the candidate received the Girl Scout Gold Award, Curved Bar or First Class Award, how the candidate's actions since earning their award have exemplified the Girl Scout values of leadership, service, community and volunteerism, and how the endorser is familiar with the candidate's leadership and service.
This recognition may be awarded multiple times in subsequent years, but it must be for different accomplishments or acts of service.
Help Review Award Nominations
Fall Awards - Volunteer Awards and Recognition Committee
For the awards presented in the fall, an appointed Volunteer Awards and Recognition Committee reviews all national and council nominations. The Awards Committee is made up of adult volunteers who are passionate about recognizing the hard work and dedication of Girl Scout volunteers, adult members, and partners from around the council. Committee members evaluate and review nominations at 4-5 meetings per year (by phone or in person as possible) and represent the committee at awards ceremonies. They also fulfill Spring Recognition nominations sent in by service units and meet virtually every month to touch base on awards planning. The committee is always happy to welcome new members and is currently looking for additional representation outside of the Portland area. To learn more or express interest, please contact answers@girlscoutsosw.org.
Spring Awards - Contact your service team
For the recognitions presented in the spring, nominations are reviewed by the service team to verify the service performed and confirm that the individual or group is in good standing (as outlined in GSOSW’s Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures). Service teams vary in when and how often they meet to approve recognitions before the deadline, so contact your service team if you are interested in helping with this process.
