Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin was instituted in 1976 by GSUSA. It honors outstanding service performed by the volunteer which benefits at least one service unit or an association and which contributes to the goals and objectives of the council.
| Focus of Service | Benefits at least one service unit or an association |
| Impact of Service | Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. Recognizes a volunteer’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with impact on one geographic area of service. |
| Length of Service | At least three years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. |
| Examples of Possible Candidates |
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| Endorsements Required | 3 |
| Approval Required | Council Recognition Panel |
Presentation |
Provided by council. Presented at an association or service unit event, or other appropriate local event. |
| General Requirements | Must have a current Girl Scout membership. Must not owe any debt to council. |
Sustained Service Pin
The Sustained Service Pin was established by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital in 2017 and is given to an individual who has continued to volunteer at the service unit or association level an additional three years after receiving the Appreciation Pin.
| Focus of Service | Benefits at least one service unit or an association |
| Impact of Service | Demonstrated outstanding leadership in the following areas:
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| Examples of Possible Candidates | Same as for Appreciation Pin but must be 3+ years after receiving the Appreciation Pin. Does not have to be the same service but must continue to benefit at least one service unit or an association. |
| Length of Service | At least three years after receiving the Appreciation Pin. |
| Endorsements Required | 3 |
| Approval Required | Council Recognition Panel |
| Presentation | Provided by council. May be presented at the council annual recognition event, an association or service unit event, or other appropriate local event. |
| General Requirements | Must have a current Girl Scout membership. Must not owe any debt to council. |
Nation's Capital Pin
The Nation's Capital Pin was introduced by the Council in 1975 and is unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. It recognizes dedication and significant service in support of outstanding program for Girl Scouts.
| Focus of Service | Benefits at least two service units |
| Impact of Service | Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. |
| Examples of Possible Candidates |
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| Length of Service | At least three years (which can include the current Girl Scout year) in one or more adult position/s. |
| Endorsements Required | 4 |
| Approval Required | Council Recognition Panel |
| Presentation | Provided by council. May be presented at the council annual recognition event, an association or service unit event, or other appropriate local event. |
| General Requirements | Must have a current Girl Scout membership. Must not owe any debt to council. |
Honor Pin
The Honor Pin was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA. It recognizes outstanding service performed by the candidate which benefits at least two service units and which contributes to the goals and objectives of the council.
| Focus of Service | Benefits at least two service units |
| Impact of Service | Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. |
| Examples of Possible Candidates |
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| Length of Service | At least four years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. |
| Endorsements Required | 4 |
| Approval Required | Council Recognition Panel |
| Presentation | Provided by council. May be presented at the council annual recognition event, an association or service unit event, or other appropriate local event. |
| General Requirements | Must have a current Girl Scout membership. Must not owe any debt to council. |
Volunteer of Excellence Award
The Volunteer of Excellence Award was instituted in 2013 by GSUSA, replacing the Outstanding Volunteer award. It is awarded to an adult in a position other than leader, or in addition to leader, whose outstanding service benefits the troop, service unit or association. When used to recognize service at the SU or association level, carefully consider if one of the awards listed above would be a better fit.
| Focus of Service | Benefits the troop, service unit or association in a capacity other than troop leader. A troop leader who also serves in other positions is eligible, but endorsements should focus on the roles other than troop leader. |
| Impact of Service | Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. Recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the National Program Portfolio or in support of the Council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. |
| Length of Service | At least two years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. |
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| Endorsements Required | 2 |
| Approval Required | Association Recognition Committee |
| Presentation | Purchased by association or service unit. Presented at an association or service unit event, or other appropriate local event. |
| General Requirements | Must have a current Girl Scout membership. Must not owe any debt to council. |
