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: Implementing a girl-led program appropriate to Girl Scout level. Communication with troop, family, service unit, and council Membership development (meeting or exceeding troop size agreed upon by the leader and service unit team in accordance with service unit’s membership goals)
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: Empowers Girl Scouts to create and/or participate in meaningful program opportunities. Inspires service to the community. Leverages resources and programs available through the council and national offices. Supports council goals with membership recruitment and growth.
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.

Troop Service Award

The Troop Service Award celebrates dedicated volunteers who have contributed to one or more Girl Scout troops in a role other than Troop Leader, embodying the spirit of teamwork and commitment. This award, marked by interlocking gears symbolizing collaboration within the Troop Committee, acknowledges the efforts of volunteers who work together to empower Girl Scouts.

Focus of Service	Troop Committee Roles
Impact of Service	Demonstrate outstanding service supporting at least 1 Girl Scout Troop in at least 1 Troop Committee role, not Troop Leader: Troop Money Manager, Troop Cookie Manager, Troop Fall Product Manager, Troop SHARE Chair, Cookout/Campout, Driver/Chaperone, Cookout Campout Qualified Adult, First Aider
Length of Service	Two years or two years after receiving the Volunteer of Excellence
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.

Questions for Endorsements

1. Please tell us what the nominee has done to deserve this award.

2. Please give some specific examples of how the nominee has empowered Girl Scouts and/or adult volunteers to take on a leadership role, expand their horizons or make a difference in the community. 3. Please indicate if the nominee had a specific impact on a troop, a group of troops, a service unit, two or more service units, an association, two or more associations, or on Girl Scouts and/or adults throughout our council. If possible, include your best guess of the number of Girl Scouts/families/adult volunteers that were impacted.

4. Tell us a personal story about something the nominee did that impressed you.

5. What is your best guess as to the length of time the nominee has spent in this service

Make nominations here: https://gscnc.jotform.com/AVD/nominate