Award for Troop Volunteers
Outstanding Leader Award
The Outstanding Leader pin was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA and recognizes troop leaders who serve in that role for at least two years and demonstrate outstanding achievements in implementing a girl-led program appropriate to the Girl Scout level; communication with troop, family, service unit, and council; and membership development (meeting or exceeding troop size agreed upon by the leader and service unit team in accordance with service unit’s membership goals).
| Focus of Service | Troop Leader |
| Impact of Service | Demonstrated outstanding achievements in the following areas:
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| Length of Service | At least two years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. If the leader previously received a Jan Verhage Spirit of Leadership award, the Outstanding Leader pin must be at least two years after that. |
| 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. |
Jan Verhage Spirit of Leadership Award
The Jan Verhage Spirit of Leadership Award was instituted by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital in 2010 in honor of Jan Verhage, the Executive Director of Nation’s Capital from 1985-2010. Jan’s commitment to the troop experience allowed many Girl Scouts to reach their full potential through our principals and tradition. Her legacy of selfless commitment has inspired many a youth and adult volunteer. To be honored with this award is to exemplify Jan’s outstanding courage, confidence, and character in leadership.
| Focus of Service | Troop Leader |
| Impact of Service | Demonstrated outstanding achievement in the following areas:
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| Length of Service | At least five years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. If the leader previously received an Outstanding Leader pin, the Jan Verhage Spirit of Leadership award must be at least five years after that. |
| Endorsements Required | 3 |
| 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. |
Volunteer of Excellence Award
Other Troop Committee Members: 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.
| 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 youth and adult members. |
| Length of Service | At least two years, which can include the current Girl Scout year. |
| Examples of Possible Candidates |
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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. |
