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Volunteer Recognitions

Volunteer Recognition

Girl Scouts isn’t possible without our amazing volunteers! Every day, Girl Scout volunteers are helping girls discover their true potential by providing the environment they need to pursue the interests, causes, and leadership roles that matter most to them. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, girls forging their own trails, making memories, and making positive changes in their communities.

Girls Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s volunteer recognition program is an opportunity for girls, parents, and service units to recognize special volunteers in your community! Any girl, parent, or volunteer can submit a nomination.

The recognition program is comprised of earned awards and nominated awards. Earned awards will be presented at the Service Unit level each fall, typically at the first Service Unit meeting of the year to acknowledge accomplishments from the prior year and welcome volunteers back to another great year of Girl Scouting! Nominated awards are presented at the Council level during our Annual Meeting & Recognition event. Nominated awards include National awards, as well as, Council and Regional awards.

You can also recognize volunteers throughout the year through our volunteer-of-the-month program! Nominations submitted through this program will also be considered for annual recognition. Use this helpful guide to understand what awards a nominee is qualified to receive.

Volunteer Achievement Pins

Nominations open from July 11 - August 11, 2023.

Candle Pin - 1st Year Troop Leader

The Candle Pin recognizes first year Troop Leaders for stepping up to make a difference in the lives of girls and for completing the required training for new Troop Leaders.

Requirements:

  • 536 GSKH Intro to Troop Management (ITM) (online)
  • 536 GSKH Financial Management (online)
  • 536 GSKH Safety Wise (online)

At least 5 months of troop leadership between August and May of the current membership year and the intention to continue leadership in the following membership year. Troop Leaders who begin their first year after February 1 will not be eligible for the Candle Pin until the following membership year.

Request Pin Here

Green Angel Pin - 3rd Year Troop Leader

The Green Angel Pin recognizes third year Troop Leaders for their continued passion for building girls of courage, confidence, and character. This is demonstrated by their ongoing leadership and completion of additional training.

Requirements:

  • 536 GSKH Intro to Troop Management (ITM) (online)
  • 536 GSKH Financial Management (online)
  • 536 GSKH Safety-Wise (online)
  • 536 GSKH Outdoor Camping (in person with overnight) or 536 GSKH Cabin Camping (in person)
  • Current 536 GSKH First Aid/CPR/AED (in-person) or Current 536 GSKH First Aid (online/in-person) (and someone in troop has current in-person CPR/AED Training)

Completion of 3 years of troop leadership with the intention to continue leadership in the following membership year.

Troop Leaders who did not earn the Candle Pin are still eligible for the Green Angel Pin by completing the required training by the end of their third year of troop leadership.

Request Pin Here

Sunflower Pin – 5th Year Troop Leader

The Sunflower Pin recognizes fifth year Troop Leaders for their continued passion for building girls of courage, confidence, and character. This is demonstrated by their ongoing leadership and completion of additional training, and engagement with their troop, service unit, and council.

Requirements:

  • 536 GSKH Intro to Troop Management (ITM) (online)
  • 536 GSKH Financial Management (online)
  • 536 GSKH Outdoor Basics (online)
  • 536 GSKH Safety-Wise (online)
  • 536 GSKH Outdoor Camping/Outdoor Leadership 101/201 (in person with overnight) or 536 GSKH Cabin Camping/Outdoor Leadership 101 (in person)
  • Current 536 GSKH First Aid/CPR/AED (in-person) or Current 536 GSKH First Aid (online/in-person) (and someone in troop has current in-person CPR/AED Training)
  • Completion of 5 years of troop leadership with the intention to continue leadership in the following membership year.

In addition to the required trainings above, the Sunflower Pin requires three of the six experiences listed below:

  • Completed a travel/overnight application and an approved trip with girls.
  • Attended an Ignite Leadership Training (online, in person, or overnight).
  • Have held (or currently hold) a leadership position in Service Unit. *
  • Have served (or currently serve) on GSKH Council or Service Unit committee.
  • Have served as Troop Cookie Manager or Cookie Product Manager for Service Unit.
  • Have served as the Troop Fall Product Manager or Fall Product Manager for Service Unit.

*View Service Unit Roles and other information.

Troop Leaders who did not earn the Candle Pin or the Green Angel pin are still eligible for the Sunflower Pin by completing the required training by the end of their fifth year of troop leadership.

In MY22, any Troop Leader with five or more years of leadership and completion of the required trainings may request an Sunflower pin. Beginning in October 1, 2023, the Sunflower pin will only be awarded to fifth year troop leaders.

Request Pin Here

Juliette's Pearls - 10th + Year Troop Leader

In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts and funded the organization by selling her string of pearls. Troop Leaders who have journeyed the Girl Scout path alongside their graduating Girl Scouts are eligible to receive a string of pearls, cuff links, tie pin or watch in honor of their commitment.

Requirements:

  • Ten or more years of troop leadership
  • Leadership in four or more Girl Scout program levels
  • One or more graduating high school senior in the troop

This award is funded by the Service Unit or Troop. Connect with your Service Unit Manager to find out if your Service Unit provides this award to Troop Leaders. Service Units select the vendor and price limit. If your Service Unit does not fund this award, girls in the troop may vote to purchase a string or pearls, cuff links, tie pin or watch for eligible Troop Leaders as a valid troop expense up to $50.00 per leader.

 

Nominated Awards

Nominations due December 15 each year.

Volunteer of the Month - GSKH Award

True recognition of one’s contributions should take place immediately and frequently.  Help us to recognize the outstanding contributions of our volunteers by letting us know throughout the year the great things a volunteer has done to provide leadership to those around them.

Eligible Roles: any Troop, Service Unit, or Council level volunteer role.

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for their role)
  • Displays excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout Mission

The Volunteer of the Month will receive an award pin, a certificate of appreciation, and recognition in our online publications and social media. In addition, all nominations will be considered for applicable annual awards.

Nominate someone for Volunteer of the Month between December 16, 2022 - October 29, 2023.

Volunteer of Excellence - GSUSA Award

The Volunteer of Excellence recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the GSLE 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.

Eligible Roles: Troop Support Volunteer, Troop Leader, Event or Camp Volunteer, Community-Based Program Volunteer.

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check
  • Works directly with girls in a troop, camp, or other activity
  • Helps girls with Girl Scout curriculum – books, badges, and awards
  • Displays excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout Mission
Young Alumna Shining Star - GSKH Award

Girl Scouts is the premier leadership program for girls and where can we find better evidence of what Girl Scouting is all about than in our Young Alumna?!  This award is for Girl Scouts who make the transition from girl to adult member and continue to be involved in the movement beyond high school, providing leadership to the next generation of G.I.R.L.s.

Eligible Roles: any Troop, Service Unit, or Council level volunteer role.

Requirements:

  • At least 2 years of girl membership in the Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador program level
  • At least 2 years of adult membership since graduation in any GSKH volunteer role
  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Displays excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout Mission
Appreciation Pin - GSUSA Award

The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the GSLE. This service, which has had measure­able impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the goals of the area.

Eligible Roles: Service Unit Manager, Finance Coordinator or Committee Member, Communications Coordinator, Community Coordinator, Events Coordinator, SU Product Sales Organizer, or other volunteer role at the Service Unit level; Council level volunteer positions.

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Helps the Council make an impact in one or more communities, Service Units, or regions
  • Displays excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout Mission
Regional Recognition - GSKH Award

The names of these awards honor individuals who have made significant impact on regional communities and/or the former councils that make up the current footprint of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. Current volunteers who embody the legacy of these individuals and former councils are eligible to receive these awards.

Eligible Roles: any Troop, Service Unit, or Council level volunteer position.

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Provides outstanding service above and beyond expectations in one or more regions
  • Often has received the Volunteer of Excellence and/or Appreciation Pin, but not required

Fanestil Award

  • Typically awarded in the East region in the Flint Hills legacy council footprint

Meierhoff Award

  • Typically awarded in the East region in the Bluestem legacy council footprint

Wheatbelt Award

  • Named for the Wheatbelt legacy council based out of Hutchinson
  • Typically awarded in the South Central region in the Wheatbelt legacy council footprint

Wiedemann Award

  • Named for Gladys Wiedemann
  • Typically awarded in the South Central region in the Golden Plains legacy council footprint
Treasured Time - GSKH Award

This award recognizes volunteers who continue to give their time and talents to Girl Scouts.  Whereas most awards require narration or evidence of a specific contribution, nominations for the Treasured Time often can’t identify that “one thing” that really stood out about the nominee.  Rather, they are just always there when they are needed – a helping hand, an encouraging word, a spark of inspiration…. the glue that holds it all together year after year.

Eligible Roles: Any Troop, Service Unit, or Council level volunteer position

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Provides ongoing service in Girl Scouts, with 10+ years of leadership
President's Award - Service Unit or Committee

This special award is for an entire service delivery team or committee whose support of Girl Scouts leads to a significant impact in reaching council goals.

Requirements:

  • Members of the team or committee are current members with background checks, if required for their role
  • The team or committee has an identified purpose and goal in increasing or improving delivery of the Girl Scout Mission within their geographic region
  • The team or committee’s impact in their geographic region exceeds expectations and has significantly contributed to meeting one or more of the Council’s goals
Honor Pin - GSUSA Award

The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of deliver­ing the GSLE, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

Eligible Roles: Service Unit or Council level volunteer positions

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Helps the Council make an impact in two or more communities, Service Units, or regions
  • Displays excellent service in delivering the Girl Scout Mission
Thanks Badge I & II - GSUSA Award

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.

Eligible Roles: Service Unit or Council level volunteer positions

Requirements:

  • Current year membership and background check (if required for role)
  • Provides ongoing service in Girl Scouts
  • Displays leadership to provide an impact in Girl Scouts
  • Has served in a way that helps the entire Council or over Girl Scout movement
Juliette Gordon Low Achievement Award - GSKH Award

As the highest volunteer award available at Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, this honor goes to women who have lived the Girl Scout mission and embodied the principles of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low.

Requirements

  • Contributes in a significant and unique way to Girl Scouting within the Council
  • Leaves a continued impact on girls and adults
  • Exemplifies the Girl Scout Promise and Law
  • Documentation of the nominee’s contributions to Girl Scouting across the Council

This award requires three letters of endorsement. The nomination will be reviewed by the Volunteer Award Committee and approved by the Executive Committee of the GSKH Board of Directors.

Juliette Gordon Low Achievement Award honorees:

  • Shirley Mosher, 2014
  • Rosemary Smith, 2015
  • Sharon Bastian, 2016
  • Sandy Remsburg, 2018
  • Edith McQuade, 2020
Nomination for Awards

Nominate a Volunteer of the Month between December 16 - October 30.

For all other awards, use this nomination form to submit between October 30 - December 15.

Sample Nomination

Review this sample and nomination tips for inspiration when celebrating a volunteer.

 

Additional Awards

Year Pins - Individual Girl and Adult

Girls and Adults are eligible to wear year pins based on their years of membership. For adults, this is the sum of their girl and adult years. Troops may purchase five or 10 year pins for girls through the Girl Scout shop.

GSKH provides year pins in five year increments for all registered volunteers (including Troop Support, Troop Leader, Service Unit, and Council level volunteer roles). To ensure the correct year pin is provided, please update your girl and adult membership years in the MyGS Member Profile or by emailing the number of girl and adult member years to info@gskh.org by August 19.

These numeral guards will be celebrated alongside the Volunteer Achievement Pins at August or September Service Unit meetings each year.

Recognition for Community Member, Business, or Organization

Letters and Certificates will be available by September 1 and can either be sent directly to the awardee or to a Girl Scout representative for pick up at a Service Unit meeting or Council Office, who then will present the award directly to it's recipient.

Community Participation Letter

Letters are provided to community members, businesses, or organizations that support or provide assistance to a troop, group, or Council on at least one occasion.

Citizenship in Girl Scouts Certificate

Certificates are provided to community members, businesses, or organizations that support or provide assistance to a troop, group, or Council on two or more occasions.

Request Letters and Certificates from July 11 - August 19, 2022. Letters and Certificates will be available by September 1 and can either be sent directly to the awardee or to a Girl Scout representative who will present the award.

Request a letter or certificate today >>

 

 

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