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Nominate a Volunteer for a Spring Recognition
Girl Scout volunteers are truly committed to facilitating amazing experiences for our Girl Scouts. One of the most meaningful ways to show your appreciation for a Girl Scout volunteer is to nominate them for a Spring Recognition. These council awards are given each spring to recognize service performed between April 1 and March 31. The nomination period for 2026 is now open!
Nominating a volunteer is easier than ever. Anyone can submit nominations: volunteers, family members, youth Girl Scouts, and more. Here's how to do it.
- Submit the GSOSW Spring Council Recognition Nomination JotForm, OR
- Email your service team manager with the following information:
- First and Last Name
- The specific recognition you are nominating them to receive. See below for details about all the awards!
- Why are you nominating them? Tell us what makes their efforts stand out.
- If you are unsure of your service team's contact information, please email answers@girlscoutsosw.org.
Nomination timelines vary by service unit and are typically due by the end of March. Please reach out to your service team manager for specifics.
💚 Brighten a volunteer's day any time of year by saying thank you with these Volunteer Appreciation Resources, including free e-cards, printable thank-you cards, and more!
Spring Council Recognitions
Rising Star
The Rising Star 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
Owl Award
The Owl Award 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.
Leadership Development
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)
- Before You Leave the Meeting Place (Formerly Inside and Out Part 1)
- Before Your First Overnight (Formerly Inside and Out Part 2)
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
The Outstanding Community Supporter 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.
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.
