Celebrate the volunteer in your life.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Whether in the form of a simple thank you for a small job well done or a formal commendation for years of faithful service in a key position of an organization, such acknowledgement is a signal that she or he is noticed and appreciated—that she or he is recognized.

Recognition is a way to encourage and celebrate successes. Recognition or appreciation of volunteers in Girl Scouts could happen in many ways.

Appreciation ideas toggle arrow

Well-run leader meetings that show consideration for busy schedules
Pairing a new person with an experienced one as a resource and support
Welcoming and greeting people at meetings–calling them by name
Sending an occasional hand-written thank-you note, holiday, or birthday card
Presenting awards throughout the year–not just at the end of the year
Saying “Thank You” often and sincerely
Refreshments, fun table favors, and inspirational words at leader meetings
Asking for ideas and suggestions; including volunteers in decision-making where possible

Most people think of pins, plaques, and other awards when considering how to recognize the work someone has done. The presentation of these awards takes place at our Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. Typical awards given at this time include:

Numeral Guards and Years of Service Pins
Position Bars
Volunteer of Excellence Award

Looking for a way to thank the volunteer or Girl Scout in your life?

Send them an ecard with a personalized message! Just select your card below to get started.

If your Girl Scout would like to write an appreciation card to her Girl Scout volunteers, choose from these cards. She can fill it in and give it directly to her favorite volunteers. Maybe the troop cookie parent was super helpful or one of the troop co-leaders made your Girl Scout feel confident enough to try something new. These fill-in cards will help your Girl Scout say thank you!

Gift Voucher

Give the gift of Girl Scouts! Use this voucher for a membership, program, or event—an adventure the recipient will love!

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Adult Recognitions Handbook

Offers ideas and information about creating a culture of appreciation in your troop, service unit, and our council.

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Adult Recognitions and Appreciation Awards

To learn more about each award, please refer to the Adult Recognitions Handbook called Saying “Thanks.”

Please use the links below to access the appropriate forms for each award.

Service Unit Level Awards toggle arrow

Requires service unit review and approval.

Girl Scout Member Years and Years of Service Survey toggle arrow

If you would like to receive a pin to represent the number of years you have been a member and/or a volunteer (in 5-year increments), please complete this survey and notify your local adult recognitions coordinator.

Green and Growing Award toggle arrow

If you have been a troop leader for less than two years and would like to earn the Green & Growing award, you can download and print this card or get a hard copy from your volunteer support specialist to track your training and participation.

We all grow at our own pace, but some folks put focused effort into learning as much as they can to support their troops, so we want to recognize that hard work with our Green and Growing Award! Learn more about this award here.

Volunteer of Excellence Award toggle arrow

The Volunteer of Excellence is a service unit award; service units do not have to submit a nomination to Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME). Nominations should be done within the unit/team. This award can be presented at any time of year. Please contact GSME to order the pin for this award.

Here is a writeable certificate service teams can fill out and print to recognize Volunteers of Excellence.

Soaring through the Ranks Award toggle arrow

The Soaring through the Ranks Award is a service unit award; service teams will determine if a volunteer meets the qualifications for the award and will recognize the volunteer at a service unit meeting or event.

Board-Approved Awards toggle arrow

Requires state-wide committee review and board approval. The deadline for nominations is the first Thursday of February.

Individual Awards toggle arrow

Appreciation Pin
Nominate a volunteer you know who goes above and beyond working with two or more troops. You will need to have two other people, not related to the nominee, to write letters of endorsement.

Nomination Form

Honor Pin
Nominate a volunteer you know who goes above and beyond working with two or more service units. You will need to have three other people, not related to the nominee, to write letters of endorsement.

Nomination Form

Thanks I /Thanks II Badge
Nominate a volunteer you know whose service goes above and beyond, significantly impacting the entire council or the Girl Scout movement. You will need to have four other people, not related to the nominee, to write letters of endorsement.

Nomination Form

Commitment to Excellence Award
Nominate a volunteer who has received the Appreciation Pin or Honor Pin and continues to go above and beyond working with that level of service and scope. You will need to have three other people, not related to the nominee, to write letters of endorsement.

Nomination Form

The Juliette Gordon Low Spirit Award
Nominate a volunteer who has served for 25 or more years at a level above and beyond expectation for the role. You will need to have four other people, not related to the nominee, to write letters of endorsement.

Nomination Form

Team or Committee Awards toggle arrow

Excellence in Collaboration Award
Service teams and committees may apply for this award to recognize their collaborative, creative, and earnest service to Girl Scouts in Maine.

Application Form

The President’s Award
The President’s Award recognizes the successful efforts of a service team in meeting specific goals during a membership year.

Application Form

Adult Recognitions Coordinators

Fill out the Adult Recognitions Order Form.

COMPLETE FORM