Additional Awards

Girl Scouts has many ways to recognize your leadership, community service, and other accomplishments. Check out these other options below to see if you're eligible – or begin working to become eligible now!

Community Service Bars: As a Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador, you are eligible to earn a total of three Community Service bars. When you volunteer at least 20 hours to a community organization, you can earn the Community Service Bar.
Junior Aide Award: Juniors can earn this award by making and completing a plan to guide Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, or bridging Brownies on one of their journeys. Requirements for earning this award can be found in the Junior Handbook.
Leader in Action Award: Cadettes can earn a Leader in Action (LiA) award by assisting a Brownie group on any of their National Leadership Journeys.
National Young Women of Distinction: The National Young Woman of Distinction (NYWOD) is an honor given yearly to ten Senior and Ambassador Girl Scout Gold Award recipients nationally whose final projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge that related to a national and/or global issue.

Girl Scouts who would like their councils to consider nominating them as a National Young Woman of Distinction must submit an application using Go Gold Online. Councils then select their top three Gold Award recipients. GSUSA then ensures a rigorous review process, during which each application is reviewed at least three to five times: first by GSUSA staff, then by an external panel of trusted partners, and finally through an intense, in-house staff review of the top candidates. Once the list is narrowed down through this review process, GSUSA's internal NYWOD team selects the top ten.
Presidential Volunteer Service Award: This award recognizes Girl Scouts for their community service efforts over a 12-month period. It is a Presidential honor, initiated by President Bush in 2003, to recognize the valuable contributions of volunteers across the nation that serve others through their volunteer activities. To have GSCTX order your award, please fill out the Volunteer Service Award Log form and return to GSCTX. Troops and Service Units are welcome to also order awards directly from the Presidential Volunteer Service Award website.
Service to Girl Scouting Bars: As a Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador, you are eligible to earn a total of three Service to Girl Scouting bars. If you choose to volunteer at least 20 hours to Girl Scouts, you can earn the Service to Girl Scouting bar.
Silver, Silver and Gold, & Gold Torch Awards: As a Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador, you are eligible to earn a total of three Torch awards, which recognize Girl Scouts who act as leaders in their communities.
Teen Mentor Awards: All materials for Program Aide Training for Program Aides (PAs) and Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) are now available online (links below)! We know our older Girl Scouts have full schedules and we’re thrilled to offer girls the opportunity to pursue these leadership opportunities at their own pace.

Cadette Program Aide Award
As a program aide, you will have the opportunity to work directly with younger girls. An adult volunteer or staff member will supervise you as you share your experience and develop your leadership skills.

PA Trainer Manual
PA Completion Sheet

Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) Award
This award is for girls who would like to mentor a Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, Junior or Cadette group outside of the camp experience.

VIT Trainer Manual
VIT Leadership Journal
VIT Completion Sheet