If you’re not sure which award best fits your nominee, don’t worry! We’ll review each nomination for the best fit.
To submit a strong nomination, be sure to be as specific as possible about the nominee’s service and characteristics, as well as background information such as a volunteer, positions held, and what kind of impact they have had on others. The committee that reviews these nominations includes volunteers from throughout the council, and they are counting on you to provide complete and accurate information!
You'll have the opportunity to attach pictures, letters of support, or other supporting documentation to your nomination. These materials are not required (except as noted for the Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, and Thanks Badge II), but may provide for a stronger nomination.
GSUSA Awards- Girl Scouts of the USA has designed the guidelines for these awards, and they are awarded at councils across the country.
GSGI Awards - These awards, and their requirements, are unique to Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.
Volunteer of Excellence (GSUSA)
The Volunteer of Excellence award 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.
Rookie of the Year (GSGI)
The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes adult volunteers new to Girl Scouting and to Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. In addition to a certificate of appreciation, the honoree will receive a Greater Iowa Volunteer Name Badge.
Man of the Year (GSGI)
The Man of the Year Award recognizes an adult male member who has given extraordinary or uncommon service in his community or in the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa jurisdiction.
Teamwork Award (GSGI)
The Teamwork award recognizes 2 or more volunteers that exemplify what it means to work together as a team. In Girl Scouts, teamwork is an important skill we like our girls to achieve.
Appreciation Pin (GSUSA)*
The Appreciation Pin recognizes an adult member who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit, or delivery audience. This pin may be given to a volunteer or staff member for dedication in furthering the council's goals and goes beyond the expectations for the position. Two letters of recommendation are required.
Honor Pin (GSUSA)*
The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience which has had a measureable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to meet and surpass its mission-delivery goals. Two letters of recommendation are required.
Thanks Badge (GSUSA)*
The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement. The outstanding service performed by the nominee is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate. Nominations for this award are best submitted by more than one person from the service unit. Three letters of recommendation are required.
Thanks Badge II (GSUSA)*
The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge award recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefitting the entire Girl Scout Movement. Nominations for this award are best submitted by more than one person from the service unit. Three letters of recommendation are required.
*The Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, and Thanks Badge II require additional letters of support. One person must coordinate the nomination and secure the additional letters of support from others and attach all at once.
Years in Girl Scouts
There are two ways to showcase years in Girl Scouting.
- Years of Service Pins – Recognize adult members for years of active volunteer service, at 5-year intervals. These are provided to volunteers at the annual Circle of Excellence event (or upon request).
- Membership Numerals – Show the number of years a person has been a member of the Girl Scout organization, at 5-year intervals, including years as a girl member. These are available for purchase at GSGI shops or online.
