Volunteers Awards and Recognitions

Nominations for the 2025 awards are closed. Thank you for recognizing the adults who make a difference in the lives of our Girl Scouts by nominating someone you know for an award at the council or service unit level.

2025 Award Nominees

Appreciation Pin

Andrea Gonzalez
Anne Hill
Courtney McGrady
Cynthia Lisama
Jennifer Epright
Lauren Smith
Matthew Epright
Shawna Rosa

Cookie Award

Connie Tamayo
Jamie Anderson

Fall Product Award

Erin Hilligas

Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award

Linda Wightman

Get Outdoors Award

Jason Stern
Samantha Newbern

Share Award

Selena Ellis-Vizcarra

Volunteer of Excellence Award

Anne Burnett
Stephanie Kwiatkowski

View the awards below to determine the best fit for the volunteer you would like to nominate in 2026.

Council-Level Awards

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

The Appreciation Pin recognizes adults who have delivered outstanding service to one or more service unit areas.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Has provided outstanding service to a service unit area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
Service goes above and beyond the expectations for the position held

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Appreciation Pin nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Recognition

Square golden pin depicting the Girl Scout logo

Cookie Award toggle arrow

The Cookie Award recognizes service unit cookie team members (e.g. cookie coordinators, booth coordinators, and rewards coordinators), cookie cupboard volunteers and volunteer regional managers who surpassed their position duties by increasing sales and/or providing extraordinary service to girls and/or volunteers.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Notable work performance that went above and beyond the responsibilities of the position held during the cookie program
Provided outstanding service related to the success of the cookie program by increasing sales and/or providing excellent customer service to girls and/or volunteers
Role benefits multiple Girl Scouts San Diego girls and/or volunteers at a service unit, regional or council level

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Cookie Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Personalized silver plate with the Girl Scout logo

Fall Product Award toggle arrow

The Fall Product Award recognizes service unit Fall Product team members (e.g. Fall Product coordinators and rewards coordinators), Fall Product volunteers and volunteer regional managers who surpassed their position duties by increasing sales and/or providing extraordinary service to girls and/or volunteers.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Notable work performance that went above and beyond the responsibilities of the position held during the Fall Product program
Provided outstanding service related to the success of the Fall Product program by increasing sales and/or providing excellent customer service to girls and/or volunteers
Role benefits multiple Girl Scouts San Diego girls and/or volunteers at a service unit, regional or council level

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Fall Product Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Personalized glass candy jar

Family Award toggle arrow

The Family Award recognizes service benefiting the entire council, beyond the troop and service unit level, over a period of time, by more than one member of a family.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult members in good standing
Assisted in furthering the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility, and/or program participation
Service goes above and beyond their position expectations and serves the entire council past the troop and service unit level

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Family Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Personalized plaque with the family’s name and Girl Scout logo

Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award toggle arrow

The Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes one Girl Scout volunteer each year who has given Girl Scouts San Diego above and beyond service for 25 plus adult years.

Candidate Criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Been an Adult member for 25 or more years (does not include girl years)
Notable work performance that went above and beyond the responsibilities of a GSSD Volunteer
Provided outstanding service related to the success of the Girl Scouts as a whole (girls, adults, peers, council) touching on every area

Nomination Process

Use the online form to submit the Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award nomination with three endorsements.
Endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Nomination and endorsement will be given to the recognitions task group for review.

Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognition specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of Recognition

Sterling Silver Bow and Arrow necklace
Personalized plaque located at GSSD Balboa Campus, with award title and name plates to be added annually

Friendship Award toggle arrow

The Friendship Award recognizes individuals, groups, organizations or businesses outside of Girl Scouts that have supported the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego by providing superior service and/or assistance to the entire council.

Candidate criteria

Supported the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego through superior service, contributions or assistance
Assisted in furthering the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls, increase diversity, membership, visibility, and/or program participants

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Friendship Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Personalized plaque with Girl Scout logo

Get Outdoors Award toggle arrow

The Get Outdoors Award recognizes adults who worked beyond their own troop or service unit to inspire a love for the outdoors in more girls and volunteers.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Contributed in one of the following areas: Outdoor Adventure, Outdoor Skills, or Environmental Action
Work contains a level of sustainability and/or opportunity for those who benefitted to carry it forward
Special consideration given to candidates who help girls who normally wouldn’t have outdoor opportunities such as those new to Girl Scouts or from park-poor areas of the council
Service goes above and beyond the expectations for the position held

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Get Outdoors Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Recognition

Get Outdoors enamel pin

Honor Pin

The Honor Pin is presented for outstanding service to two or more service unit areas or program delivery audiences.

Candidate criteria

Served a broader area and had a larger impact on girls and the organization as a whole than someone nominated for an Appreciation Pin
Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Provided outstanding service to at least two service units or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
Service went above and beyond the expectations of the position held

Nomination process

Use the online form submit the Honor Pin nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Green enamel pin with a gold-tone trefoil design circled by a laurel wreath

Philanthropist Award toggle arrow

The Philanthropist Award recognizes organizations or individuals outside of Girl Scouts that strengthen the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego through generous philanthropic support.

Candidate criteria

Substantial and sustained philanthropic commitment to Girl Scouts San Diego

Nomination process

Girl Scouts San Diego volunteers may recommend an organization or individual to council staff.
Council Fund Development team will submit final nominations.

Approval

The Fund Development team reviews all nominations and approves honorees. The Fund development team will notify the volunteer recognitions specialist and the candidates of their acceptance.

Recognition

Personalized plaque

President's Award toggle arrow

The President’s Award recognizes the efforts demonstrated by an entire service unit to enhance Girl Scouting in its community during a membership year.

Candidate criteria

Service Unit team works together with staff to develop a year plan
Service Unit team completes objectives in volunteer training, membership growth, girl programing, and team building

Nomination process

Complete the tracking sheet and submit to your service unit support specialist at serviceunits@sdgirlscouts.org.

Approval

Service unit support specialist reviews application tracking sheet with a member of the service unit team to confirm completion
Staff submits application to manager for final approval

Form of recognition

Presented annually

Share Award toggle arrow

The Share Award recognizes adults who have built awareness and support for the Share program which helps keep Girl Scouting available and affordable for all.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Demonstrated evidence of action by giving others encouragement and motivation toward philanthropy in Share and involvement in Girl Scouting
Service went above and beyond what is expected for the position held

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Share Award nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Square silver pin depicting the Girl Scout logo and the word Share

Thanks Badge toggle arrow

The Thanks Badge recognizes adult members whose truly outstanding performance has benefited the entire council, and 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.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout member in good standing
Service was broader and had a larger impact on girls and the entire organization than for the Appreciation Pin or Honor Pin
Provided outstanding service that benefited the entire council and furthers the council's overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
Service went above and beyond what is expected for the position held

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Thanks Badge nomination with three endorsements.
Endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Gold-filled enamel disc that can be used as a pin or worn on a ribbon

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

The Thanks Badge II recognizes adult members who have already received the Thanks Badge and have continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the entire council, providing further exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefitting the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Candidate criteria

Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
Already received the Thanks Badge
Service was broader than for a Thanks Badge award and had a continued impact on all girls and the entire organization
Service went above and beyond the expectations for the position held
Since receipt of the Thanks Badge, has continued outstanding service by:
- Increasing her/his sphere of influence to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation and/or
- Continuing to use her/his skills and talents to benefit the entire council supporting the overall mission

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Thanks Badge II nomination with three endorsements.
Endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Similar to the Thanks Badge, it has a blue band inside a gold band and red stone in the center

Volunteer of Excellence Award toggle arrow

The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls 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.

Candidate criteria

Active Girl Scout volunteer in good standing
Successfully completed a term of service and the requirements for the position
Performed above and beyond expectations for their position
Performance has supported the 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
- Council support service (such as IT, customer service, marketing, property, etc.)
Actively recognizes, understands and practices the values of inclusive behavior

Nomination process

Use the online form to submit the Volunteer of Excellence nomination with two endorsements.
Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.

Approval

Form of recognition

Silver circular pin with the Girl Scout logo

Service Unit-Level Awards

Service unit awards recognize contributions from local leaders and community partners and are presented at the service unit’s end-of-year recognitions event.

Awards of Distinction toggle arrow

Awards of Distinction recognize adult volunteers who have completed appropriate training and carried out the duties and responsibilities for their positions.

Spirit Award toggle arrow

This award recognizes non-member individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses that offer service or non-monetary support to your service unit.

Find the nomination packet for the Spirit Award, then submit to your service unit recognitions chair.

Community Recognition toggle arrow

Each month, ABC 10 recognizes a local world-changer through the ABC 10 San Diego Monthly Leadership Award. Nominate an outstanding volunteer for a chance to be recognized throughout our San Diego community! Please email media@sdgirlscouts.org when you nominate so we can share it, too.

Celebrate Your Milestones Year-Round

Membership Numeral Guard toggle arrow

Celebrate your membership with Girl Scouts! The Membership Numeral Guard was designed to wear with your membership pin to represent your ongoing journey with Girl Scouts, beginning with your girl years through today.

These pins are available in increments of five years (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) and can be requested at any time of year by recognitions chairs planning an event, or by individuals ready to celebrate her/his time as a Girl Scouts member.

You may purchase your five or ten year pin at the GSSD shop. Pins 15 and beyond are provided free of charge by council.

Volunteer Service Badge toggle arrow

Celebrate your volunteer service with Girl Scouts! The Volunteer Service badge was designed to wear on your Girl Scout adult uniform representing your volunteer service with Girl Scouts.

These pins are available in increments of five years (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) and can be requested at any time of year by a recognitions chair planning an event, or by an individual ready to celebrate her/his time as a Girl Scout volunteer.

You may purchase your 5 or 10 year pin at the GSSD store. Pins 15 and beyond are provided free of charge by council.

Legendary Leaders Circle toggle arrow

The Legendary Leader’s Circle is a distinguished group that honors troop leaders and co-leaders who’ve ushered girls through the Girl Scout experience from their youngest years to Ambassadors. Their commitment and love has helped create generations of amazing women.

If you fit this description, fill out this survey now!

Service Unit Recognitions Chairs

Service unit recognitions chairs celebrate adult volunteers and girls in their area by planning yearly celebrations and finding other creative ways to celebrate volunteers year-round. If you'd like more information on becoming a service unit recognitions chair, contact your service unit manager or email customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

Send an E-card to a Rockstar Volunteer toggle arrow

Send an E-card to a Rockstar Volunteer

Take a moment to recognize the volunteers who mean a lot to you—super troop leaders, terrific parent helpers, outstanding service unit team members, and all the rest! Send an e-card to a volunteer who has inspired you.

Choose from various designs, including volunteer appreciation, camp mascots, cookie-themed cards, holiday cards, and more. We update our selection seasonally.