Honoring Excellence

Adult Awards & Recognitions

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTS AND HANDS OF GIRL SCOUTS, and we take pride in recognizing our members for their commitment, volunteer service, and exceptional contributions. The continued celebration of service depends on you to nominate adult Girl Scouts in your communities.

Any registered adult Girl Scout can nominate and receive Service Unit, GSSSC Council and GSUSA National awards. Thank you for the energy you bring to the Adult Recognitions Program.

Service Unit Member Earned Awards toggle arrow

GSSSC SUM Purchase Request Form for Member Earned Awards

GSSSC Member Earned Awards Outline

Years of Membership toggle arrow

Years of Membership Numeral Guard – Award Criteria:

Honors active adult members with five or more total years of membership, combining time both as a girl and an adult member.
Recognizes ongoing commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Additional Information:

Pins may be awarded during local Service Unit Recognition Events.
Service Unit Managers: Submit purchase requests by email to customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org or mail to Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, 8948 W Barnes St., Boise, ID 83709.

Years of Volunteer Service toggle arrow

Years of Volunteer Service Pin – Award Criteria:

Recognizes active adult members with five or more years of service as Girl Scout volunteers.
Honors ongoing dedication and commitment to supporting Girl Scouts.

Additional Information:

Pins may be awarded during local Service Unit Recognition Events.
Service Unit Managers: Submit purchase requests by email to customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org or mail to Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, 8948 W Barnes St., Boise, ID 83709.

**Purchase Request Form to be submitted to Council by Service Unit Manager

Purchase Request Form (Council will pay for pins)

Service Unit Member Nominated Awards toggle arrow

GSSSC Service Unit Awards Outline

Important Note: Nominations and Endorsements do not get sent to Council, these are approved by the nominee’s Service Unit Manager. Council will pay for two pins total per year per Service Unit.

To purchase the pins, submit the GSSSC SUM Purchase Request Form for SU Nominated Awards to Council or the pins may be purchased through the Retail Store.

(For example: the SU may ask Council to pay for one Rookie of the Year pin and one Outstanding Volunteer pin, or two Outstanding Leader pins, or any combination of two.)

The SU may purchase as many pins as it elects to award, in addition to the two pins Council provides.

Rookie of the Year toggle arrow

Rookie of the Year: This pin honors a first-year Troop Leader (at any grade level) who has:

Must be an active registered volunteer.
Successfully completed the basic leadership training.
Participated in at least two events or meetings beyond the troop level.
Demonstrated outstanding performance in helping girls develop courage, confidence, and character.
Consistently lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Pins may be presented to members at their local Service Unit Recognitions.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement.

Important Note: Nominations and Endorsements do not get sent to Council, these are approved by the nominee’s Service Unit Manager.

Outstanding Volunteer Pin toggle arrow

Outstanding Volunteer: This pin recognizes a volunteer other than a Troop Leader who:

Must be an active registered, trained volunteer.
Provided exceptional service in support of the Girl Scout mission.
Has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping girls develop courage, confidence, and character, and live by the Girl Scout Law.

Pins may be presented to members at their local Service Unit Recognitions Event.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement.

Important Note: Nominations and Endorsements do not get sent to Council, these are approved by the nominee’s Service Unit Manager.

Outstanding Leader Pin toggle arrow

Outstanding Leader: This pin honors an active troop leader who:

Must be an active registered member.
Has completed all required leadership training.
Consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in guiding girls.
Helped girls grow in courage, confidence, and character.
Exemplified the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Pins may be presented to members at their local Service Unit Recognitions Event.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement. Important Note: Nominations and Endorsements do not get sent to Council, these are approved by the nominee’s Service Unit Manager.

GSSSC SU Nominated Awards Nomination Form

GSSSC SU Nominated Awards Letter of Endorsement

GSSSC SUM Purchase Request for SU Nominated Awards

If you have questions about Adult Recognitions, contact our Customer Care at 208-377-2011 or email customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org

Council Awards toggle arrow

GSSSC Council Awards, GSUSA National Awards Outline

Betty Boyd Memorial Pin toggle arrow

Betty Boyd Memorial Pin: Named in honor of Betty Boyd, a devoted Girl Scout leader and trainer who championed girl-led planning and decision-making. This pin recognizes exceptional troop leadership.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered Girl Scout troop leader.
Must have minimum of three years in troop leadership role.
Service must be outstanding and recognized Council-wide.
Must have previously received at least one of the following Service Unit awards (Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Leader).

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Jo Jameson Memorial Award toggle arrow

Jo Jameson Memorial Award: Named in honor of Jo Jameson, who served Silver Sage Council for over 16 years in multiple leadership roles. This award recognizes outstanding service at the Council or Service Unit level.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Must have provided exceptional service at the Council or Service Unit level.
Must have served for at least 3 years in one or more of the following roles: Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Mentor, Service Unit Recruiter, Service Unit Day Camp Coordinator.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Jo McAtee VIP Memorial Award toggle arrow

Jo McAtee VIP Memorial Award: This award honors Jo McAtee, a dedicated Lifetime Member of the Silver Sage Council who served as a troop leader, master trainer, and association delegate. Jo was a recipient of both Thanks Badge I and Thanks Badge II, and she was known for her unwavering commitment to volunteerism and community service. The Jo McAtee VIP Memorial Award recognizes adult volunteers who demonstrate sustained, outstanding leadership and dedication at the Service Unit level.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts.
Must have provided continuous, consistent, and exceptional leadership to a Service Unit area.
Must have served in two separate leadership roles within the Service Unit.
Must have held these roles for a minimum of 4 consecutive years.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Outstanding Service to the Community toggle arrow

Outstanding Service to the Community: This award honors an active, registered adult Girl Scout who has provided significant and exceptional service to the broader community beyond their work with Girl Scouts. Their volunteer efforts must benefit external groups or organizations and reflect the values of Girl Scouting through community engagement and leadership.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts.
Must have provided outstanding service to a community group or organization outside of Girl Scouts.
Service must be significant, consistent, and impactful.
A second Letter of Endorsement is required from the community or organization where the volunteer serves.

Award Packet Requires: 1-Nomination and 2-Letters of Endorsement
The 2nd Letter of Endorsement is required from the community organization which the volunteer serves.

Oustanding Community Partner Award toggle arrow

Outstanding Community Partner Award: This award recognizes an individual or business that has provided ongoing, exceptional support to the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council. Their contributions, whether through time, financial support, or in-kind services, have significantly advanced the mission of Girl Scouting in the community.

Award Criteria:

May be awarded to an individual or business/community organization.
Must have demonstrated consistent support for the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council for more than 3 years.
Support may include one or more of the following: Contributions of time (volunteering, event support, etc.), Monetary donations, In-kind services or resources.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Millie Carey Board Member of Influence toggle arrow

Millie Carey Board Member of Influence: Named in honor of Millie Carey, a devoted Girl Scout volunteer of 67 years. This award recognizes extraordinary leadership and lasting dedication. Millie served as the state representative for the Green Hat Society and WAGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts), mentoring countless Gold Award recipients. This award honors a current board member who has made a significant impact on Girl Scouts and the broader community.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts.
Must be a current member of the Silver Sage Council Board of Directors and have served for a min of 3 years.
Must have at least 10 years of community volunteer service.
Actively represents Girl Scouts at Council and community events.
Exemplifies the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Outstanding Philanthropist Award toggle arrow

Outstanding Philanthropist Award: This pin recognizes exceptional service to Silver Sage Council.

Eligible contributions may include:

Soliciting in-kind donations, grants, or major gifts.
Engaging corporate donors, foundations, or endowments.
Recruiting members to the Juliette Gordon Low Society (planned giving).
Advancing education and engagement around the Girl Scout mission.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult or external partner.
Champions quality programs and experiences.
Demonstrates increased mission engagement and significant impact through philanthropic efforts of advocacy and/or financial contributions.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Diana Lawson Award toggle arrow

Diana Lawson Award: Silver Sage’s highest adult recognition, named for Lifetime Member Diana Lawson, who served the Council for over 55 years, including as Board Chair. She is a recipient of both Thanks Badge I and II and remains an active community volunteer.

Award Criteria:

Must be an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.
Minimum 5 years of Membership.
Must be a recipient of both Thanks Badge I and II.
Must demonstrate exceptional service beyond role expectations.
Publicly furthers the GS movement through visible, impactful community involvement.
Creates significant opportunities and positive outcomes for girls.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 3- Letters of Endorsement

Sandy Wilson Award toggle arrow

Sandy Wilson Staff Excellence Pin*: Named in honor of Sandy Wilson, who dedicated over 40 years of service to the Council in roles ranging from Cookie Manager, Receptionist, Store Clerk and Director of Human Resources/Business Services. Sandy and her family have also volunteered extensively, especially supporting Camp Alice Pittenger.

Award Criteria:

Must be a staff member with minimum 5 years of service.
Demonstrates exceptional commitment to developing others and advancing the success of the Council.
Provides service and leadership that benefit the entire Council beyond the individual’s tenure.
Consistently performs above and beyond job expectations.
Actively supports the achievement of Council goals and strategic learning initiatives.

*This award is limited to one recipient annually.

This award requires a Nomination Form and 3 Letters of Endorsement and must be approved by the Silver Sage Recongnitions Committee and the CEO.

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Awards Nomination Form 2026

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Awards Endorsement Form 2026

Girl Scouts of the USA National Awards toggle arrow

GSSSC Council Awards, GSUSA National Awards Outline

Volunteer of Excellence Pin toggle arrow

Volunteer of Excellence Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.
Delivers exceptional service beyond role expectations.
Supports and strengthens the Girl Scout Leadership Experience or Mission.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

Appreciation Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.
Provides outstanding service beyond role expectations.
Positively impacts multiple areas, service units, or program delivery audiences.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Honor Pin

Honor Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes an active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, whose exceptional service supports the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Service demonstrates measurable impact across two or more geographic areas, helping the council reach and surpass mission delivery goals,
Provides service that exceeds role expectations and advances council objectives.
Distinguished from the Appreciation Pin by the broader scope of influence and impact.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

Thanks Badge I Pin toggle arrow

Thanks Badge I Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes an Active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have made an exceptional measurable impact.
Service advances the mission delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
Contributions are significantly beyond expectations, representing the highest level of volunteer service.
Awarded only when there is no other recognition to honor the nominee’s impact.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 3- Letters of Endorsement

Thanks Badge II Pin toggle arrow

Thanks Badge II Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes an Active, registered adult member of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, who has previously received the Thanks Badge I pin.
Continues to provide exemplary leadership and service with measurable impact benefiting the entire Girl Scout Mission.
Demonstrates sustained, outstanding commitment beyond role expectations.
Represents continued excellence in advancing the goals and values of Girl Scouts

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 3- Letters of Endorsement

President's Award Pin toggle arrow

President’s Award Pin - Award Criteria:

Recognizes a service unit team, committee, or volunteer team for exceptional service.
Service surpasses team goals in supporting the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Results in significant, measurable impact toward the council’s overall goals and the Girl Scout Mission.
Demonstrates teamwork, leadership, and commitment beyond standard expectations.

Award Packet Requires: 1 – Nomination Form and 1- Letter of Endorsement

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Awards Nomination Form 2026

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Awards Endorsement Form 2026

2026 Adult Award Winners toggle arrow

Each year, with the help of volunteers and their peers, GSSSC recognizes volunteers for their tremendous work for the girls in our council. Thank you to everyone that attended our 2026 Girl and Adult Recognition events. Below are the recipients of the 2026 National and Council Adult awards. Congratulations to all who were honored!

NATIONAL AWARDS:

VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE:
Amanda Patrick - Boise
Angie Bos - Boise
Baylee Brower - Meridian
Bethany Hodges - Boise
Dan Hodges - Boise
John Betts - Boise
Rikki Watkins - Kuna
Serena Edson - Boise
Tami Porter - Nampa

APPRECIATION AWARD:
Heather Muhonen - Nampa
Lori Gotelli - Emmett

HONOR AWARD:
Chad Biggs - Boise
Christee Rubio - Emmett
Colleen Smith - Emmett
Stacy McCain - Boise
Veronica Bragg - Nampa

THANKS BADGE I:
Jessica Cafferty - Boise
Terilyn Crabtree - Emmett

PRESIDENT'S AWARD:
Service Unit 648 - Emmett:
- Colleen Smith
- Christee Rubio
- Elizabeth Smith
- Lisa Koester
- Lori Gotelli
- Lynne Crabtree
- Terilyn Crabtree

COUNCIL AWARDS:

BETTY BOYD MEMORIAL:
Stephanie Denham - Nampa

JO JAMESON MEMORIAL:
Cherish Young-Watkins - Soda Springs
Frances Montgomery - Boise
Sabrna Bonn - Mountain Home

JO MCATEE MEMORIAL:
Stefanie Jones - Idaho Falls

MILLIE CAREY BOARD MEMBER OF INFLUENCE:
Erin Todd "Jet" Hansen - Boise
JoAnn Lighty - Boise
Julia Hilton - Boise
Rainbow Maldonado - Pocatello

OUSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:
Jen Barnhart - Nampa

OUSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Adrienne Esposito - Boise
Brie'sta (Kasey Thomason & Brie Thomason) - Mountain Home
Delta Dental (Shaina Cales & Amanda Hamilton) - Boise
DL Evans Banks (Michael Evans & Mandi Goodwin) - Boise
EmpoHer Outdoors (Kristina Schmid) - Boise
Idaho Hispanic Foundation (Mari Ramos & Elia Lopez) - Nampa
Linden Park School (Heather Jarrell - Principal) - Idaho Falls
Matt Walling (DJ Mateo) - Boise
Pet Haven - Nampa
Peppershock Media (Rhea Allen, CEO) - Boise
Reese Connect (Bailey Reese) - Boise
St. Marys Church - Emmett
Teton Counseling (Owner Travis Bybee) - Idaho Falls
Twin Falls Reformed Church Twin Falls

OUSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST:
Dot Beller - Swan Valley
Jane Ludwig - Boise

SANDY WILSON AWARD:
Terri Mudd - Nampa

Resources for girls and families to recognize their troop volunteers toggle arrow

Our troop volunteers are the heart of the Girl Scout experience. They generously give their time, energy, and talents to create safe, welcoming spaces where girls can grow in confidence, discover new skills, and build lifelong friendships. From planning meetings and adventures to cheering girls on as they try something new, our volunteers make it possible for Girl Scouts to be a place of fun, learning, and belonging.

We invite Girl Scouts and their families to take a moment to recognize and celebrate these incredible volunteers. A note of thanks, a word of appreciation, or a small gesture of gratitude goes a long way in honoring the dedication behind every badge earned and every memory made. Join us in saying thank you to the volunteers who make Girl Scouts such a meaningful and unforgettable journey for our girls by using some of the resources below.

Thank you cards:

Activities:

NOTE: Submitting your nominations and endorsements via the online form is highly encouraged and the most efficient. If you do not have computer access or need a paper form, see the below for a Paper Nomination Form and Paper Letter of Endorsement.

Note: We strongly recommend completing the online version of the nomination and endorsement forms for easier processing.

Silver Sage Award Recipients List 2025

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Award Nomination Form

GSSSC Council and GSUSA National Award Endorsement Form

Still need help? Check out the handouts below!

GSSSC Council Awards, GSUSA National Awards Outline

GSSSC Member Earned Awards Outline

GSSSC Service Unit Awards Outline

Writing a Strong Endorsement

Adult Awards & Recognitions FAQ toggle arrow

Who can nominate a volunteer for an award?

Anyone can! That’s right, parents/caregivers, girls, volunteers and even a community member may nominate a volunteer for an award. The nominator needs to know how the volunteer has impacted Girl Scouts or the community, the award criteria, and be willing to coordinate the nomination packet.

What is the difference between a nominator and an endorser?

Nominator:

A nominator needs to know of the volunteer’s service and is the coordinator of the nomination packet pieces. Each award nomination requires endorsements. The nominator is the coordinator of the people who complete the endorsement forms and is the main contact for the nomination if there are questions or missing pieces. Included in the nomination form is also information for endorsement. They also ensure all pieces of the nomination packet are submitted online before the year designated due date. Only one nominator is needed for each award.

Endorser: An endorser knows the volunteer’s service and can speak to the impact of the work. An endorser completes the endorsement form related to the award for which the volunteer is being nominated. They provide specific information about the volunteer’s service ensuring that it meets the award criteria and shows how the volunteer’s service impacted girls, volunteers, and/or the community. Different awards have different required numbers of endorsers. This is a separate person from the nominator. A nominator cannot be counted as one of the required endorsers.

When and where are awards given to volunteers?

Volunteers are recognized with both GSSSC Council and GSUSA National awards in front of their peers at the annual Volunteer Recognition event. This event is planned and implemented by Council staff. Dates and locations can vary each year.

Why does the volunteer need to be a registered member of Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts is a membership organization, and this means that, to be considered, being a registered volunteer in any role is required. In the GSUSA Blue Book of Basic Documents, it states “to participate in Girl Scouts you must be a member.” Volunteers are participants; therefore, they must be a registered member to qualify for any nominated award or earned recognition.

The award criteria states that the volunteer must be a member in good standing. What does this mean?

Any volunteer receiving an award must be following the council’s policies and guidelines. As an award recipient, they are being held up as a role model. Good standing status: the volunteer has met all eligibility for being an appointed volunteer, including being a registered member and a current background check on file (if their role requires one). The volunteer has no outstanding cases or concerns related to their service.

How are award recipients chosen?

A volunteer selection committee with representation from all regions across the council reviews nomination packets, and makes a decision based on how the nomination information presented fits the criteria for the award. The committee remains anonymous, and keeps all information surrounding the review process confidential. If you would like to serve on this short-term volunteer committee, please email recognitions@girlscouts-ssc.org.

What is the difference between a Girl Scout Membership Pin and the Years of Service Pin?

These two appreciations are earned recognitions by volunteers. They do not require a nomination or endorsement. The volunteer wishing to receive any of these two pins needs to complete the online request form.

Membership Year Pin—this is a numeral guard that recognizes both girl and adult membership years. Pins are given in 5-year intervals. Volunteers may submit this form themselves, or a Service Unit may submit the form if they are presenting the pin to the volunteer at a ceremony. Volunteers receiving 40+ year pins can be recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation event held by Council. To be recognized at the event, pin requests must be received by the year designated due date.

Years of Service Pin—this pin recognizes years of service as a volunteer, and is given in 5-year intervals. Volunteers receiving 20+ year pins can be recognized at the annual Volunteer Recognition event held by Council. To be recognized at the envet, pin requests must be received by the year designated due date.

Can a staff member nominate or endorse a volunteer for an award?

The philosophy of Girl Scouts–Silver Sage Council award process is that the volunteer appreciation awards should be driven by volunteers, and all decisions related to the selections of awards is made by volunteers. This means that volunteers are nominated and endorsed by volunteers, the review of awards packets and the decision for awarding recognitions is done by volunteers. The only time a staff member should be nominating or endorsing a volunteer is when there are not enough other volunteers who know the volunteer’s service, or the service was done in such a way that it would be difficult to complete the nomination packet without their endorsement. Candidates that fall into this category include (however, not limited to): program facilitators, learning facilitators, board members, and council-wide volunteers.

If you have questions about Adult Recognitions, contact our Customer Care at 208-377-2011 or email customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org.

Council Finder

Adult Volunteer Recognition

Honoring Excellence

Adult Awards & Recognitions

NATIONAL AWARDS:

COUNCIL AWARDS: