We have amazing, out-of-this-world volunteers serving girls across our 41 counties. Because of you, our girls reach for the stars and learn that being a Girl Scout is awesome. To recognize this dedication and service, there are several ways parents, girls, and fellow volunteers can say thank you! Preview our Nomination Form here to know what to expect before nominating a volunteer.

Nominate a Volunteer

Council Awards and Recognitions

Council level adult awards and recognitions honor our volunteers for their outstanding service and contributions to our council, girls, and the entire Girl Scout Movement. Council-level adult recognitions and awards formally honor the outstanding contributions and exemplary years of service of our volunteers to the council and the Girl Scout Movement.

Nominations may be submitted by a volunteer’s peers, service unit team members, council staff, and even the girls themselves! The Adult Recognitions Task Group reviews all nominations and endorsements and selects each year’s award recipients from among the nominations received. The awards are then presented during the Adult Award and Recognitions Luncheon following the Annual Meeting in March.

Nominating a volunteer is easy with our Council Level Adult Awards and Recognitions Guide, our online Council Level Nomination Form, and our GS-NCCP Council Award Endorsement Form.

Thank you for choosing to nominate a GS-NCCP Girl Scout volunteer! We know that our volunteers are truly amazing and deserve recognition for their dedication and commitment to our council. We appreciate you taking the time to share how much their support has shaped Girl Scouts in our council and the world around us!

UPDATE: Beginning this year, each council level award may be received only once. Individuals who previously received an award will not be eligible for that same award again. Past award receipts can be found: Council Level Adult Awards Hall of Fame

With the exception of the Community Partner of Excellence Award, EVERY council level volunteer award requires at least one nomination and two endorsements for a complete nomination packet which is required be eligible for consideration by the Adult Recognitions Committee to receive a GS-NCCP Award.

The Community Partner of Excellence Award only requires one nomination. Certificates for this award are presented at the local level.

All forms should be carefully completed with SPECIFIC, DETAILED facts and information reflecting the nominee's service for the 2025-2026 program year to best assist the Adult Recognition Committee with awarding nominees for their outstanding contributions. Please keep in mind that the committee reviewing all nomination packets only knows and can use the information provided in the nominations and endorsements, so please include as much information as possible of the volunteers impact.

Tips for Writing a Strong Award Nomination:

Behavior - What did the volunteer do? Describe the specific actions, leadership qualities, and behaviors that made the nominee exceptional. Focus on how they went above and beyond their role, supported others, demonstrated the Girl Scout Law, or showed initiative and innovation.
Results- What was accomplished? Explain the outcome of their efforts. Include measurable achievements, when possible, such as the number of girls served, volunteers mentored, events coordinated, etc. using specific details.
Impact - Why did it matter? Share the lasting difference their contributions made. Describe how their work positively impacted girls, volunteers, families, the community or the overall Girl Scouts mission, and how those efforts created meaningful and sustainable change.

NOTE: Remember the nomination is for the 2025-2026 Girl Scout year. The Adult Recognitions Committee is only able to review the information submitted within the nomination and endorsement forms. Please be as specific and detailed as possible, including examples, results, and the impact of the nominee's contributions to help the committee make an informed decision.

A copy of your completed nomination form will be emailed to you. As the Nominator, please then forward this completed Nomination form to both endorsers you have selected. This step is extremely important to ensure your nominee receives a completed packet and is therefore eligible for consideration for a GS-NCCP Council Level Award. As previously stated, nomination packets MUST have one nomination and two endorsements to be considered a complete nomination packet.

Council Award Descriptions

Chief Executive Officer's Award for Service Units toggle arrow

Criteria

Information for selection is shared with area teams each year.

Who to Consider

Service Unit Teams

Distinguished Service Award toggle arrow

Criteria

Girl Scout adult members who have shown dedication and distinguished service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their area/county.

Who to Consider

Registered Girl Scout Adult Members

Community Partner of Excellence toggle arrow

Criteria

GSNCCP Community Partner or Community Organization/group who has shown dedication and support to GSNCCP troops, service unit area or council.

Who to Consider

Community Partners
Community Groups

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award toggle arrow

The GS-NCCP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council award is given to the adult member, community partner, group or sponsor who exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding leader; celebrating and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion to make the world a better place.

This award will honor Girl Scout volunteers who works passionately to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for all girls and/or adult members. These individuals embrace the Girl Scout Promise, Law and Mission. They support and actively engage in initiatives that promote acceptance and respect for others regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, physical or developmental ability or any protected category.

Recipients will be awarded a GS-NCCP engraved plaque and certificate.

Criteria

To be considered for the GS-NCCP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Award a nominee must show outstanding commitment by meeting two or more qualifications listed below.

Significantly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as cultural competency developments in one or more geographic areas.
Address key areas of diversity, equity and Inclusion in recruitment, retention, and/or alternative program delivery and events in one or more geographic areas.
Committed to understanding similarities and differences, building relationships, and promoting a dialogue of acceptance and respect amongst girls and/or volunteers.
Impact forwards GSNCCP council initiative to increase awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maximize the potential of all people by fostering diversity in Girl Scout troops and events in one or more geographic areas.

Who to Consider

Registered Girl Scout Adult Members
Community Partners
Community Groups
Community Sponsors

Girl Scouts of the USA Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Criteria

Active Girl Scout adult members who have shown exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and whose service has had a measurable impact on one geographic area; service helps reach and surpass the goals of the area.

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member
Service Unit Team Members
Facilitators
Co-Leaders

Girl Scouts of the USA Honor Pin toggle arrow

Criteria

Active Girl Scout adult members who have shown outstanding service and who contribute to and impact the achievement of the Girl Scout Mission in two or more geographic areas, service units, or program delivery audiences.

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member
Service Unit Team Members
Facilitators
Co-Leaders

Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge toggle arrow

Criteria

Active Girl Scout adult members whose outstanding service results in outcomes that benefit the entire council or Girl Scout Movement, and is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award would be appropriate. It recognizes an individual whose on-going commitment, leadership, and service has an exceptional, measurable impact on the Girl Scout Mission.

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member
Service Unit Team Members
Facilitators
Co-Leaders

Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Criteria

Active Girl Scout adult member who has previously received the Thanks Badge and whose outstanding service to GS-NCCP and/or the entire Girl Scout Movement continues to demonstrate exemplary, measurable service.

Who to Consider

Only Previous Thanks Badge Recipients

Leading the Way toggle arrow

Criteria

Active Girl Scout adult members whose outstanding service is inspiring to those around them and an example of an ideal Girl Scout volunteer.

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member
Service Unit Team Members
Facilitators
Co-Leaders

How it Works

Council nominations and endorsements for the 2024 Adult Awards and Recognitions Luncheon are now open! For consideration, all packets must be complete with one nomination and two endorsements. Nominations will open June 2025 and nominations and endorsements are due September 30th, 2026.

Tips for Nominations & Endorsements for Council Awards

Tips for Nominations and Endorsements for Council Awards toggle arrow

Tips for Nominations and Endorsements for Council Awards

All nominations require one nomination and two endorsements; one person should complete and submit the nomination and two additional individuals should complete and submit the endorsements.
All nominators and endorsers will need the nominee’s name and contact information.

All nominations and endorsements should reflect the nominee’s service for the previous program year.

Nominations and endorsements must be submitted by September 30.

Tips for Writing Nominations and Endorsements toggle arrow

Sample nominations

Sarah has served in many capacities on the service unit team including daisy consultant, event director, adult recognitions coordinator, and now as service unit manager. I am nominating her for the Appreciation Pin because of her many contributions as the area’s current service unit manager.
Teresa volunteers to organize events for the entire area, making the registration process smooth and easy and the events fun for all! This year she organized three new events: World Thinking Day, a Juliette Low Birthday party, and a county-wide Teen Camporee. This year’s Teen Camporee hosted over 150 girls from 3 different areas!
Lisa coordinated three journey workshops for leaders with 90 percent of the troop leaders in our area participating in these well-organized events
Lauren has assisted at three back-to-school nights to promote Girl Scouts to new families and has written several articles for our local paper in order to highlight the Girl Scout activities and programs in our area. Her efforts have helped to recruit new girls and families in our area and have helped build community engagement that supports the entire Girl Scout Movement.

In order for the Adult Recognitions Task Group to consider nominees for an award, nominations and endorsements should be clear, descriptive, and inclusive of all of the contributions of the nominee. All nominations or endorsements should include the following information:

Nominations and Endorsement Forms toggle arrow

Council Level Nomination Form

Council Level Endorsement Form

Area Level Recognition

Area Award Descriptions and More

Sponsorship Certificate toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any Girl Scout member(s) or community partner, organization or group who have provided materials, space or services to troop(s) at no charge to the troop, or Girl Scout event/program.

Who to Consider

Registered Girl Scout Adult Members
Community Partners
Community Groups

Sponsorship Certificate (template)

This is a templated certificate available for download.

Certificate of Appreciation toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any Girl Scout adult member that has volunteered their time to serve the girls and/or other volunteers of the council.

Who to Consider

Troop Committee Members
Cookie Moms/Dads
Troop Treasurers
Co-Leaders

[This list is not inclusive of all possible award recipients]

Certificate of Appreciation (template)

This is a templated certificate available for download.

New Leader Award toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes all new Girl Scout co-leaders.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Completed one year of service as co-leader
Participated in fall product or cookie sale
Complete required onboarding trainings:
- Successful Leader Learning Series (gsLearn)
- Volunteer 360 ( gsLearn)
- Volunteer Tool Kit (VTK) Tutorial Videos (gsLearn)
- Troop Banking (gsLearn)
- New Co-Leader LIVE! virtual or In person

Who to Consider

New Troop Co-Leaders

Service Unit Award toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any member of the area or service unit that has contributed significant service in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Contributed to reaching council goals as they relate to the position

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

Leadership Achievement Award toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes exemplary service of troop co-leaders.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Completed 2 years of service as a troop co-leader
Completed FA/CPR training
Completed outdoor skills training
Shown proficiency in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Participated in cookie sale
Completed 1 troop service project
Promptly presents awards to girls

Who to Consider

Troop Co-Leaders

Valuable Volunteer Award toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any area or service unit team member who has provided satisfactory service and leadership to the council and the Girl Scout Movement.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Served one service year in service unit team position

Who to Consider

Any Area and Service Unit Team Members
Event Directors
Area Cookie Program Coordinators
Media Coordinators
Adult Facilitators
Service Unit Managers
Organizers

Juliette "Daisy" Low Honor Pin toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any area or service unit members who have provided outstanding leadership and service to the council and the Girl Scout Movement.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Served in a leadership role 5+ consecutive years
Strive to enhance volunteer development

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

Mainstay Award toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes any Girl Scout adult member’s exemplary achievements towards council goals and objectives in the county/area.
Eligible candidates:

Have made significant achievements toward council goals and objectives in a county/area for 5+ years
Have contributed to their entire county/area and the growth and development of girls

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

*Only one Mainstay Award per area a year. Contact Volunteer Experience Team for approval of additional nominees.

Girl Scouts of the USA Volunteer of Excellence toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any activity or program to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Completed full term of service
Has performed beyond the expectations for the position to deliver GSLE using the national program portfolio or has supported the council’s mission-delivery goals

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

*Cannot be a prior Main Stay Award recipient

Year Pin

Description & Criteria

Recognizes total girl and adult years in Girl Scouting.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Available in 5 year increments

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

Years of Service Pin toggle arrow

Description & Criteria

Recognizes total adult years as a volunteer with active service to Girl Scouting.
Eligible candidates:

Must be a registered member
Available in 5 year increments

Who to Consider

Any Registered Girl Scout Adult Member

Required Training for Area Level Awards toggle arrow

Several area level awards require position-specific training. When considering nominees for awards, please review training records for the individual to the best of your ability with the understanding that training records may be lost or misplaced. We encourage area recognition coordinators and others involved in the selection process to consider the overall importance of recognizing and showing thanks and appreciation to our volunteers whose training records may not be able to be verified and to not let this be a deterrent to recognizing one for their service.

Additional Area Level Awards toggle arrow

You may find that you have many deserving individuals in your area that you’d like to applaud. We encourage you to show your thanks and appreciation in fun ways too. Here are some suggestions for other ways to recognize volunteers in your area that are fun and yet still meaningful.

Rising Star Award: May be used to recognize first or second year volunteers who have fully embraced the Girl Scout Movement with energy and passion.

Spirit Award: For those outstanding volunteers who are known in the community for exemplifying the true spirit of Girl Scouting by being a positive role model and creating awareness for Girl Scouts.

Outdoor Enthusiast Award: You might present a “gold shovel” (or water bucket) to recognize volunteers who embrace the spirit of outdoor adventures.

Area Level Award Nominations and Endorsements toggle arrow

Most area level awards require at least one nominator and one endorser, with the exception of the Mainstay Award and the GSUSA Volunteer of Excellence Award. The Mainstay Award and GSUSA Volunteer of Excellence Award both require one nominator and two endorsers. All nominations and endorsements must be submitted to the ARC, recognitions committee, or membership director to be considered.

To complete nomination and endorsements, please view the following: Important things to include in area level nominations and endorsements:

· nominee’s position(s) in Girl Scouting;

· any completed training(s) for positions in Girl Scouting;

· description of the service and why/how it is considered "above and beyond expectations";

· impact nominee’s service has on the girls, council goals, and the Girl Scout Movement.

How to Order Area Awards toggle arrow

Complete the council Recognitions Order Form.

Submit completed Recognitions Supply Request Form to the council Girl Scout shop at least TWO weeks in advance.
Contact your membership director to request printed certificates from the council for Certificate of Sponsorship, Certificate of Appreciation, and Juliette “Daisy” Low Honor Certificate; be sure to include the award recipient’s name, service unit/troop number and/or Girl Scout event where service was provided.

Area Level Appreciation Events toggle arrow

Each area is encouraged to host an annual celebration where volunteers are recognized with both personal and council recognitions and awards. These events acknowledge the service and contributions of co-leaders, volunteers, service unit team members, and community partners and organizations. Typically, area level appreciation events are hosted at the end of the program year in May.

Coordinated by the Area Recognitions Coordinator and the recognitions committee, the timing and type of appreciation events are different across the council. Area appreciation events can begin as early as April and may even be held as late as June – there’s no required time to host your event. It’s also ok to be creative with the type of event you hold. Some areas host catered banquets, while others celebrate with festive potlucks. Here are some helpful things to remember when planning your area level appreciation event:

Plan early - get your date, time, location, and theme scheduled in advance!
Coordinate roles and responsibilities with your recognitions committee and membership director
Begin promoting area level nominations as early as November
Remember to place your order for area level awards and recognitions from the council shop at least TWO weeks in advance
Remember to contact your membership director to request printed certificates from the council at least THREE weeks in advance
Promote event at area meetings and via social media sites, if applicable.

ENCORE! GS-NCCP's Peer Appreciation Program

Surprise a fellow Girl Scout volunteer with our online ENCORE! recognition program! We believe our volunteers are awesome and want to "Take Note!" of their amazing contributions to Girl Scouts! Send a special heart of thanks to cheer on your peers and recognize a job well done! When you thank a volunteer, you will add a leaf to the Tree of Thanks.

Shine the spotlight on a Girl Scout volunteer! Email our Volunteer Services team with a volunteer who deserves to be recognized and we'll do the rest! Volunteer Spotlights are featured on our social media channels and are a fantastic way to publicly applaud volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of our girl and adult members.

President's Volunteer Service Award

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program remains temporarily paused due to recent federal budget cuts and staffing reductions. Unfortunately, no new awards can be issued at this time. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Please know that your service and dedication continue to make an incredible difference. Community involvement is at the heart of Girl Scouting, and we are grateful for the impact you bring to our movement and your communities.

We will share any updates as they become available. In the meantime, more information can be found on the PVSA website.

Honor Your Troop Leader

Behind every Girl Scout is a great Girl Scout Leader! Show your appreciation for adult leadership and invest in girls by making a donation in your troop leader’s name! Your contribution will go towards building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Your honoree will be notified of your gift via a personalized card from the council.

Girl Scouts-North Carolina Coastal Pines Hall of Fame

There is no way to completely express our thanks and appreciation to our many amazing volunteers who serve to make the Girl Scout experience possible, which is why we are recognizing them in our Council Hall of Fame, a listing of our distinguished honorees since 2008.

Questions about Adult Awards and Recognitions?

Contact Elaine Penny at epenny@nccoastalpines.org