Volunteer Recognition Awards

Volunteers Make the Magic Happen!

Their generosity, courage, and heart light up every corner of Girl Scouts—and our girls see it, feel it, and are inspired by it every day. From the behind-the-scenes masterminds to the bold and brilliant leaders paving the way, our volunteers are the driving force behind the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for more than 12,000 girls we serve across our council.

Troop leaders, service unit team members, committee champions, outdoor trailblazers, and incredible community partners—each one brings something unique to the table, and together, they make everything possible. They’re not just volunteers; they’re adventure guides, safety superheroes, detail ninjas, and the loudest, proudest cheerleaders you’ll ever meet.

Every campfire built, every badge earned, every moment of discovery—it’s all thanks to them. So let’s celebrate the extraordinary people who show up, lift up, and make Girl Scouts unforgettable.

Thank you.

The Awards

Identify which awards your nominees can qualify for!

DECISION TREE

Compass Award toggle arrow

Honors a seasoned volunteer (5+ years) who broadens perspectives, inspires confidence, and provides steady guidance for new volunteers to grow and succeed at the troop or service unit level.

Dedicated Leader Award toggle arrow

Recognizes an adult volunteer whose exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have strengthened troop experiences, fostered impactful programming, and built a collaborative, inclusive, and thriving GSHNJ/ Girl Scout community.

Guiding Star Award toggle arrow

Recognizes a troop volunteer whose 10+ years of steady guidance—from early levels through Ambassadors—has shaped girls’ experiences and created a lasting legacy of support and inspiration.

Plaque of Appreciation toggle arrow

Recognizes a high degree of service and support to a troop, group, or service unit by an individual, group, business, or organization outside of the Girl Scout movement.

Rookie of the Year Award toggle arrow

Recognizes a volunteer who has completed one year in their role, whose energy, enthusiasm, initiative, and dedication have made an exceptional impact on the GSHNJ/Girl Scout community.

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Celebrates outstanding service within a single service unit, recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond to strengthen their local Girl Scout community.

Honor Pin

Awarded for exceptional service that extends across two or more service units, this recognition highlights a volunteer’s broad impact on GSHNJ’s mission.

Presidents Award toggle arrow

Recognizes a Service Unit Team whose exceptional efforts exceeded goals and delivered measurable impact in program delivery, membership retention and growth, fund development, or community visibility.

Thanks I

Recognizes volunteer service that benefits all of GSHNJ or the entire Girl Scout movement and goes above and beyond in the role.

Thanks II

Honors a Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide outstanding volunteer service benefiting GSHNJ or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

Celebrates a volunteer whose outstanding service and commitment have directly enhanced the Girl Scout experience, creating meaningful opportunities that positively impact girls, inspire fellow volunteers, and leave a lasting mark on the community.

Volunteer Service Award toggle arrow

Celebrates the combined years of active adult volunteer service in a Girl Scout or Girl Guide organization, recognizing milestones in five-year increments. Volunteer service of 15+ years is recognized at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Dinner.

Tenure Award toggle arrow

Honors an individual’s total years of membership, combining both youth and adult participation in any Girl Scout or Girl Guide organization, with recognition given in five-year increments. Membership tenure of 20+ years is recognized by GSHNJ with a letter and membership tenure pin mailed to the member’s home.

Council Finder

Volunteer Recognition Awards

Recognizing a volunteer’s dedication strengthens our Girl Scout community. Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate their achievements!