Informal recognition

A simple thank you, a compliment on Facebook or a card are just a few ways you can let a volunteer know that what they do matters.

• Fun ways to recognize volunteers with inexpensive items
• 100 Ways to say Thank You
• The Candle: A thank you for GS Leaders on Leader’s Day April 22

Formal adult award nomination applications

Volunteers, girl members and/or their families may nominate someone for an award.

NEW in 2012! All adult awards will be distributed at a local event established by each service unit or another venue as determined by the nominator and/or award recipient. There will no longer be recognition at the council level.

Note: There are a number of changes to this year’s Adult Award program. We recommend you review the following:

Adult Awards Frequently Asked Questions

2012 Adult Awards Descriptions

• Appreciation Pin: This pin recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had measurable impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.
• Honor Pin: An Honor Pin recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals. 
• Thanks Badge I: This badge is the highest honor in Girl Scouts. It honors a registered adult Girl Scout 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 entire Girl Scout Movement.
• Thanks Badge II: This badge recognizes a previous Thanks Badge award recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement is honored with this badge.
• Outstanding Leader Award: Retiring as of June 2012. This award recognizes a troop leader or assistant leader whose performance in working with girls is outstanding.
• Outstanding Volunteer Award: Retiring as of June 2012. This award recognizes a volunteer in a position other than (or in addition to) leader whose service benefits the entire service unit beyond expectation.
• Volunteer of Excellence: NEW! The Volunteer of Excellence 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 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.
• Commitment to Inclusiveness: This award recognizes a volunteer or group of volunteers who have carried out a unique and innovative project, or delivered outstanding service and leadership, in the areas of inclusiveness.
• Extraordinary Events: This award recognizes service units who have implemented events that exceed standards of quality and serve as models for future innovative programming.
• Heart in Hand (Council Level): The Heart in Hand–Council level award is a River Valleys’ award that recognizes outstanding service that benefits the council or multiple service units. This award may be given to a Girl Scout member, non-member or community organization who has given a significant amount of time and energy to Girl Scouts.
• Heart in Hand Award (Service Unit Level): The Heart in Hand–SU level pin is a River Valleys’ award that recognizes outstanding service (other than that of a leader, co-leader or assistant leader) that has benefited a troop or service unit. This award may be given to a Girl Scout member, non-member or a community organization who has given a significant amount of time and energy to Girl Scouts.
• Service Unit Award for Excellence Level I: This award recognizes a service unit’s accomplishments in moving toward River Valleys’ goals and objectives the previous membership year.
• Service Unit Award for Excellence Level II: This award recognizes a service unit’s accomplishments in moving toward River Valleys' goals and objectives the previous membership year.

Years of service and years of membership

• Years of Service: This pin recognizes an adult member for years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals. You can purchase 5–15 year pins in a River Valleys Shop. No form/proof needed. River Valleys provides 20+ year pins to those volunteers who are interesting in receiving. A letter is mailed to eligible volunteers (eligibility is based on the number of years provided on your annual membership form or lifetime member update) with options on how to receive your pin if interested.
• Membership Numerals: These recognize tenure in Girl Scouting. Numeral guards are available in five-year intervals to recognize total girl and adult membership years. You can purchase 5–20 year numerals in a River Valleys Shop. No form/proof needed. River Valleys provides 25+ year pins to those volunteers who are interested in receiving a pin. A letter is mailed to eligible volunteers (eligibility is based on the number of years provided on your annual membership form orlifetime member update) with options on how to receive you pin if interested.