Information for Volunteers

Adult Recognitions

Recognition is given to acknowledge service. Volunteers who serve Girl Scouting do so because of their interest and concern for girls and because they derive personal satisfaction from what they do. A volunteer’s greatest reward may be the expression of joy on a child’s face, a sincere word of thanks or a note of appreciation. However, when an individual gives unusually exceptional service, appreciation is shown in special ways. Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina honors outstanding volunteers annually with Adult Recognition awards.

Award Nomination Forms

All nomination forms for Adult Recognitions can be found in the Forms section of this website under Membership/Training - Recognitions, as well as in the "Forms" section of The Leader's Notebook.

Types of Awards

Trainer's Pin:
The Trainer’s pin recognizes adults who are currently appointed trainers who actively participate in the delivery of council training programs. It has three levels: apprentice, experienced, and master trainer.  Senior Girl Scouts may be candidates for the apprentice level. 

Certified Trainer Name ID:
A name ID pin recognizes trainers who have completed Train the Trainer. 


Numeral Guards:
Numeral Guards are awarded to eligible adults in increments of five years.  Please indicate on your Adult Recognition Registration form what numeral guard you qualify for. Numeral Guards are presented at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.


Leadership Development Pin:
The Leadership Development Pin recognizes adult Troop Leaders and Assistant Leaders who demonstrate competence and continuous improvement and participate in training that increases their skills in working with girls. The Leadership Development Pin, is earned by completing basic criteria, depicts a brown owl on a yellow background.  The pin has five holes to which various colored leaves may be attached when earned for advanced criteria. Use the Leadership Development Pin Application located in the "Forms" section of The Leader's Notebook.

Criteria:

- The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout adult who subscribes to and believes in the principles expressed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the aim and purpose of the Girl Scout organization. The candidate has completed one year as a volunteer.
- The candidate has completed Orientation and Age-Level Training.
- The candidate has participated in at least two meetings or events beyond the troop level (service area or council).
- The candidate has completed training in first aid and camping or has secured an adult resource person who has successfully completed such training or its equivalent.

Approval:

1. By February 15, candidate completes and submits Leadership Development Pin Application to the Charleston Service Center, attention: Adult Development Specialist.
2. If all requirements have been met, Leadership Development Pin and/or leaves will be presented to applicants at the Adult Recognition Luncheon

Leaf Requirements:
Use the Leadership Development Pin Supplement Application located in the "Forms" section of The Leaders Notebook

1. The candidate is an active, registered Girl Scout adult who subscribes to and believes in the principles expressed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the aim and purpose of the Girl Scout organization.
2. The candidate completes and submits Leadership Development Pin Supplement Application to the Charleston Service Center, attention:  Adult Development Specialist.
3. The candidate has completed the basic pin requirements and at least ten (10) additional contact hours beyond the basic leadership, first aid and camping courses required to earn the pin.  The contact hours may be completed at one or a combination of workshops, courses and/or training events to acquire cumulative hours of training.

10 Contact Hours (1 CEU): 50 Contact Hours (5 CEUs): 250 Contact Hours (25 CEUs):

One (1) green leaf* One (1) silver leaf** One (1) gold leaf

*After receiving five green leaves, the candidate may turn them in for one silver leaf.  **Five silver leaves may be turned in for one gold leaf.

Best Practices:
The Best Practice initiative is designed to recognize extraordinary programming for girls at the Troop and Service Area level.   There are four categories: Community Action, Educational Adventures, Special Celebrations and Girl Scout Spirit. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes ($50.00, $25.00 and $10.00) will be awarded. Submit your nomination to the North Charleston Service Center by February 15 for review by the Volunteer Recognition Committee. The nomination forms are located in the Forms Section of the “Leaders Notebook”. Please do not submit a repeat event or program.

The nomination forms for all of the following adult recognitions are located in the "Forms" section of The Leader's Notebook.
Nominations and endorsement letters will not be accepted by fax or e-mail; they must arrive at the North Charleston Service Center together by February 15 of each year.


Rookie of the Year:
The Rookie of the year recognizes the time, effort, and dedication put forth by leaders and/or assistant leaders during their first year of service.

Criteria:

1. Registered first year Girl Scout leader or Assistant leader
2. Volunteer Application and three reference letters on file with the council
3. Completed “Introduction Into Girl Scouting”, Orientation and Age-Level Training
4. At least 10 girls, a Leader, Assistant Leader and 3 committee members registered in the troop
5. Completed one additional training or workshop (i.e. Ceremonies, First Aid/CPR, Troop Camper)
6. Participated in at least one council product sale (except Daisy Girl Scout Leaders)
7. Participated as a troop in one council event
8. Participated in a least one service project
9. Attended at least three (3) service area meetings

Nomination:
Rookie of the Year form is submitted that includes documentation of the nine requirements (see above), which shows how the service performed has benefited girls. Submit this form to the North Charleston Service Center by February 15. Each service area can select and submit two (2) Rookie of the Year nominations per year.

Approval:
Each service area should have an established Recognition Committee who will receive the nominations and make a selection and submit for recognition. Each service area should plan a presentation at their April service area meeting.

Outstanding Leader:

1. Registered Girl Scout Leader or Assistant Leader
2. Completed Introduction Into Girl Scouting, Orientation and Age-Level Training (as needed) and has demonstrated competence in girl-adult partnership, communication, membership development, pluralism and program delivery
3. Exceeded expectation as outlined in the volunteer description
4. Completed all council and national forms on time
5. Attends service area meetings
6. Maintains ongoing communications with families of troop members

Nomination:
An application is submitted that includes a description of candidate’s leadership skills, which outlines how the service performed has benefited girls. Two letters of endorsement from troop members or their families describing the outstanding leadership qualities of the candidates and how the girls have benefited is submitted. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not returned by February 15.  Each Service Area should select and submit two (2) nominations per year.

Approval:
Each service area should have an established Recognition Committee who will receive the nominations and make a selection and submit for recognition. Each service area should plan a presentation at their April service area meeting.


Outstanding Volunteer:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult
2. Gives service in a capacity other than as a Girl Scout Leader
3. Completed appropriate training for position
4. Service goes beyond the expectation of the position

Nomination:
An individual or group submits an application of the candidate’s accomplishments. Two letters of endorsement describing the outstanding qualities of the candidates must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not returned by February 15. Each service area can select and submit two (2) nominations per year.


Clara Keithler Award:
The Clara Keithler award is presented to one council volunteer for outstanding operational support. Clara Keithler was a volunteer for over 30 years with Girl Scouts of Carolina Low Country.  She was a volunteer who was always there to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

1. Registered Girl Scout volunteer
2. Actively worked on a service team or a council committee for at least 3 years
3. Service goes beyond expectations

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact.  Two letter of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not returned by February 15th.

Approval:
The Adult Recognition Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board.  The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel. The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.


Appreciation Pin:
The Appreciation pin recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, Service Area, or program delivery audience.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout volunteer
2. Provided outstanding service to a geographic area, Service Area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council’s goals
3. Service goes beyond the expectations for the position

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact.  Two letter of endorsement must accompany the applications.  Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not completed and returned by February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognition Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board.  The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel. The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.


Honor Pin:
The Honor pin recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service to two or more geographic areas, Service Areas, or program delivery audiences.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult volunteer
2. Provided outstanding service to two or more geographic areas, service areas or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council’s goals
3. Service goes beyond the expectations for the position

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact. Three letters of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not completed and returned by February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognitions Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board. The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel. The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.


Palmetto Pin:
The Palmetto pin recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service benefiting the entire council.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult volunteer
2. Provided outstanding service to the entire council in a way that furthers the council’s goals
3. Service goes beyond the expectations for the position

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact. Three letters of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not completed and returned by February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognitions Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board. The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel.  The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.


Volunteer of the Year:
The Volunteer of the Year recognizes service by an individual to the entire council.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult volunteer
2. Service benefits the total council jurisdiction
3. Service is outstanding and goes beyond the expectations of the position

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service rendered.  Three letters of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not competed and returned by February 15.


Thanks Badge:
The Thanks Badge recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the community over a substantial length of time.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult volunteer
2. Service benefits the total council jurisdiction
3. Service is outstanding and goes beyond the expectations of the position

Nomination:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact. Four letters of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not completed and returned by February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognitions Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board. The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel. The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval


Thanks Badge II:
The Thanks Badge II for Continuing Service recognizes an adult member who has already received the Thanks Badge and who has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement.

Criteria:

1. Registered Girl Scout adult volunteer
2. Received the Thanks Badge
3. Since receipt of the Thanks Badge, has provided distinguished service by
   a) continuing to perform at the same high level for an extended period of time, or
   b) increasing her/ his sphere of influence, or
   c) using her/ his skills and talents to move into another field or endeavor
4. Service benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout Movement
5. Service is outstanding and is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate

Nominations:
An individual or group familiar with the services performed submits an application that documents the service and its scope and impact. Four letters of endorsement must accompany the application. Applications without the letters of endorsement will be returned to the person(s) submitting the application and will not be considered for review if not completed and returned by February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognitions Committee reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and sends that information to the Board. The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel. The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.


President's Award:
Award recognizes the efforts of the Service Team to move it’s Area toward achievement of the council’s goals during a fiscal or membership year.

Criteria:

1. Team members are registered adult Girl Scouts
2. All team members have completed appropriate training
3. The service area has met or exceeded 75 percent retention of its membership for the year
4. The service area has maintained communications with community organizations
5. Council forms and reports have been completed and submitted on time

Nomination:
Members of the Service Team submit an application for the award documenting completion of the criteria and their results. Deadline for nominations is February 15.

Approval:
The Adult Recognitions Committee reviews the information and recommends approval or denial to the Council Board of Directors. The Council Board of Directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognition panel.  The nominator will be notified of approval or disapproval.