Girl Scouts isn’t possible without you.

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 are 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, which are presented at the council level during our Annual Meeting & Recognition event. Earned awards are based on volunteer service and completion of training or experiences. Nominated awards include national awards as well as council and regional awards. Nominees are required to have a current year membership and background check, if required by role.

Check out this helpful guide to determine which award is the right fit. Volunteers are also recognized throughout the year with the volunteer-of-the-month program. Nominations submitted through this program will also be considered for annual recognition.

Volunteer Achievement Pins

These awards are earned by completing criteria as defined within each pin description. Applications for pins achieved in the 2025-2026 membership year is open August 1 - September 15, 2026. The application form for these awards will be available during this time and the awardees will be honored during the Annual Meeting on November 7, 2026.

Volunteer Achievement Pin Application

Young Alumna Shining Star toggle arrow

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 girls.

Eligible Roles: any troop, service unit or council level volunteer role.

Requirements:

At least two years of girl membership in the Cadette, Senior or Ambassador program level.
At least two years of adult membership between graduation and age 30.
At least two years of service in any GSKH volunteer role.
Current year membership and background check.

Candle Pin - First Year Troop Leader toggle arrow

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:

Complete new leader training in gsLearn.
- As of August 2024, the name of this learning path is "536 GSKH New Leader Onboarding" with a combination of national and local course modules.
- Prior names of this training include "536 1st Step, Required Training for Troop Leaders" or a 3-part series available online or in-person "Intro to Troop Management, Safety-Wise, Financial Management."
Attend "Heartland Essentials" in-person or virtually (for first year leaders beginning August 2024 or after).
At least five 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 a pin today >>

Green Angel Pin - Third Year Troop Leader toggle arrow

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:

Complete new leader training in gsLearn.
- As of August 2024, the name of this learning path is "536 GSKH New Leader Onboarding" with a combination of national and local course modules.
- Prior names of this training include "536 1st Step, Required Training for Troop Leaders" or a three-part series available online or in-person "Intro to Troop Management, Safety-Wise and Financial Management."
Become certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
- In-person courses available through GSKH in partnership with American Safety & Health Institute.
- We also accept certification courses through other vendors as long as there is an in-person CPR skills test. Submit a copy of certification to info@gskh.o rg.
- Medical professional exceed this requirement. Submit credentials to info@gskh.o rg.
Complete outdoor skills training.
- Prerequisite in gsLearn: 536 GSKH Outdoor Basics.
- Plus, your choice of in-person course:
  - Outdoor Camping (in-person with overnight)
  - Cabin Camping (in-person)
Completion of three 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 a pin today >>

Sunflower Pin - Fifth Year Troop Leader toggle arrow

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:

Complete new leader training in gsLearn.
- As of August 2024, the name of this learning path is "536 GSKH New Leader Onboarding" with a combination of national and local course modules.
- Prior names of this training include "536 1st Step, Required Training for Troop Leaders" or a three-part series available online or in-person "Intro to Troop Management, Safety-Wise and Financial Management."
Become certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
- In-person courses available through GSKH in partnership with American Safety & Health Institute.
- We also accept certification courses through other vendors as long as there is an in-person CPR skills test. Submit a copy of certification to info@gskh.o rg.
- Medical professional exceed this requirement. Submit credentials to info@gskh.o rg.
Complete outdoor skills training.
- Prerequisite in gsLearn: 536 GSKH Outdoor Basics.
- Plus, your choice of in-person course:
  - Outdoor Camping (in-person with overnight)
  - Cabin Camping (in-person)
Completion of five 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:

Plan and facilitate an overnight experience with your troop, either through a reservation at a GsKH-owned property or with an approved travel application for an overnight at other locations.
Attended an Ignite Leadership Training (online, in-person or overnight).
Hold a leadership position in a service unit.*
Serve on a GSKH council or service unit committee (ex: Silver Award, Gold Award, Volunteer Recognitions, Haunted Stroll, SU Event, SU Finance).
Serve as a Troop Cookie Manager and/or Troop Fall Product Manager.
Complete one or mroe specialty trainings such as Teambuilding/Traverse Wall, USA Archery or Small Craft Safety.

*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.

Request a pin today >>

Juliette's Pearls - Tenth Year or More Troop Leader toggle arrow

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 per leader.

Nominated Awards

Volunteer Achievement Awards are a way to recognize volunteers for their contributions to the Girl Scout organization. The next round of nominations is open August 1 - September 15, 2026. The awardees will be honored during the Annual Meeting on November 7, 2026.

Complete the Volunteer Award Nomination Form there.

The Volunteer Awards Flowchart will help you decide which achievement award to choose.

In addition, we offer a Volunteer of the Month award with nominations accepted throughout the year.

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

Volunteer of the Month toggle arrow

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 by 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 today.

Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

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

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

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, service unit 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 by 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 toggle arrow

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 by 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 toggle arrow

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 by role.
Provides ongoing service in Girl Scouts, with 10 or more years of leadership

President's Award toggle arrow

GSKH Award

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 by 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 by 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 toggle arrow

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 by 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 toggle arrow

GSKH Award

As the highest volunteer award available at Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, this honor goes to a person who has 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
Carol Foster-Ruff, 2022