Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Program & Volunteer Awards Guide Fall/Winter 2024/2025

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Program & Volunteer Awards Guide Fall/Winter 2024/2025

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Greetings from our CEO As the Girl Scout Membership Year begins on October 1, I am thrilled to welcome new girls and troops to our vibrant community. This time of year always brings to mind the excitement of the first day of school—a moment filled with anticipation, where new friendships are forged, and endless possibilities lie ahead.

Girl Scouts stands as the premier girl-led organization dedicated to nurturing leadership skills through hands-on activities, community service, and outdoor adventures. Our mission is to empower girls, building their courage, confidence, and character, so they are equipped to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

The four pillars of Girl Scouts—Outdoors, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship, and STEM—are the foundation of our programs, badges, and camps. Each one is designed with a singular purpose: to prepare girls for a lifetime of leadership and success.

We are delighted that you have chosen to embark on this incredible journey with us. Together, we will create unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

We are thrilled you are joining us for an exciting year of Girl Scouts!

Yours in Girl Scouting, Patty Craven, CEO Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest

Organizations World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) A global association supporting the female-oriented and female-only Guiding and Scouting organizations in 152 countries.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) A national organization supporting the work of 111 councils across the United States for more than 112 years.

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest - Southern New Mexico & West Texas An Independent 501(c)3 non-profit chartered by GSUSA operating under the direction of local staff and board members, which oversees all service units, troops, and independently registered girls (a.k.a. “Juliettes”) within a given geographic area.

Service Units

Troops

Individually Registered Girls

Volunteers who create a sense of community and support troop volunteers within a given geographic area.

Groups of girls led by volunteers who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Also known as “Juliettes,” are individually registered Girl Scouts who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience but are not in a troop.

Table of Contents 2 | Using This Guide 3 | Programs at a Glance 6 | Registration Information 7 | Monthly Challenges 8 | Fun in Fundraising 9 | Highest Awards 1 1 | Travel Opportunities 12 | Volunteer with Girl Scouts 13 | All About Fall Project 14 | Girl Scout Volunteer Award Guide 15 | Adult Recognition 16 | Council Award Requirements 17 | How to Write a Nomination 18 | GSUSA Awards/Numeral Guard & Years of Service Pin 19 | GSDSW Council Awards 20| GSUSA Award Descriptions 21 | GSDSW Council Awards Descriptions 23 | Service Unit & Troop Awards 24 | President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) 25 | FAQ’s

Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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Using This Guide Girl Scout programs follow the four pillars of Girl Scouts (Life Skills, Outdoors, STEM, Entrepreneurship). Each GSDSW program includes a date, location, and Girl Scout level (i.e., Brownie).

Daisies

Grades K - 1

A Girl Scout Daisy has screen-free fun, makes new friends, and learns about her world. Fun, friendship, and hands-on learning activities await first and second year Girl Scouts.

Juniors

Grades 4 - 5

Juniors learn important life skills like what to do in an emergency, hone creative problem-solving skills, exercise leadership qualities, and fine-tune social skills by going on adventures with friends!

Seniors

Grades 9 - 10

A Girl Scout Senior declares her dreams, spreads her wings, and helps her community. As a Senior, you’ll explore careers, pack your bags for amazing adventures, and learn to lead.

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Brownies

Grades 2 - 3

Brownies learn how the world works, fall in love with the great outdoors, and share their interests with a small group of true friends. They try new things, gain social skills, and have a blast; they're excited to discover all they can do and be.

Cadettes

Grades 6 - 8

Cadettes explore activities focused on discovery, confidence, and practical skills that will help them be their best selves in a year of going, seeing, and doing! You’ll think big, consider different perspectives, and make awesome memories with friends.

Ambassadors

Grades 11 - 12

A Girl Scout Ambassador thinks about her life goals, chases her dreams, and creates change. As an Ambassador, you’ll explore your personal goals, prepare for college, and even travel the world!

Programs At-A-Glance Our programs explore all four pillars of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

Each program listing includes the date, location, and Girl Scout grade level (i.e., Brownie 2-3).

D Daisy K - 1 B Brownie 2 - 3 S Senior 9 - 10

A

J Junior 4 - 5

Ambassador 11 - 12

C Cadette 6 - 8

A

Adult 18 +

August 2024 Date Aug. 17 Oct. 19 29

Event

Location

Archery Club (weekly)

Las Cruces, NM

Fall Product Program begins

Council-wide

Girl Scout Level B J C S

A A

*3rd grade Brownie

D B J C S

A

A

September 2024 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

Sept. 3 Oct. 15

Archery Club (weekly)

10

Intro to Glass Fusing

El Paso, TX

J C S

13 - 15

Girl Scouts Love State Parks (on your own)

Council-wide

D B J C S

A

A

14

Girl Scouts Love State Parks (council event)

Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans, TX

D B J C S

A

A

Sept. 14 Oct. 19

Archery Club (weekly)

Midland, TX

B J C S

17

Intro to Glass Fusing

El Paso, TX

J C S

27 - 29

Volunteer Conference

Camp Mitre Peak, TX

A

El Paso, TX

B J C S

A A

*3rd grade Brownie

A A

A A

*3rd grade Brownie

A A

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Programs At-A-Glance

October 2024 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

1

Gold Award Training

Virtual

S

A

A

5

It’s Your Skin

El Paso, TX

C S

A

6

Outdoor Training

Midland, TX

A

16

Full Moon Hike

White Sands National Park, NM

D B J C S

Archery Club Camp

Camp Mitre Peak, TX

25 - 27

B J C S

A

A

A A

*3rd grade Brownie

November 2024 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

1 -3

He & Me

Camp Mitre Peak, TX

J C S

10

Fall Product Program Ends

Council-wide

D B J C S

16

Outdoor Training

El Paso, TX

A

A

A A

A

December 2024 Date

4

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

3

Gold Award Training

Virtual

S

7

Ceremony of Honors

El Paso & Odessa, TX

D B J C S

A

A

8

T.W.Y.G. Dutch Oven Cooking

Midland, TX

D B J C S

A

A

11

Yule Stories from Around the World

Virtual

D B J C S

A

A

14

Reality Fair

El Paso & Midland, TX Las Cruces, NM

J C S

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A

A

A

A

Programs At-A-Glance

January 2025 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

5

Outdoor Cooking

El Paso, TX

A

19

Cookie Season begins

Council-wide

D B J C S

A A

February 2025 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Level

4

Gold Award Training

Virtual

S

10

New Troop Leader Seminar

El Paso

A

TBD

Camp CEO

Camp Mitre Peak, TX

S

A A

A

March 2025 Date

Event

Location

Girl Scout Birthday Party

El Paso & Midland, TX Las Cruces, NM

Girl Scout Week (on your own)

Council-wide

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Terra Trooper Science Day

18 19

8 9 - 15

Girl Scout Level D B J C S

A A

D B J C S

A A

Midland & Odessa, TX

D B J C S

A A

Terra Trooper Science Day

Roswell & Carlsbad, NM

D B J C S

A A

Terra Trooper Science Day

Hobbs, NM

D B J C S

A A

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Registration Information How to Find and Register for Events Our events can be found on our Event Calendar on our council website page https://bit.ly/GSDSW_events or www.gsdsw.org - Discover - Activities - Event Calendar.

We use Doubleknot as our registration platform. We encourage you to create a Doubleknot account so you have a record of your registrations. After you have registered for a program or event, you will receive a confirmation email from Doubleknot. Check your spam folder!

Please be sure you have all the correct information needed for each girl or adult before you register, as you cannot make any changes after registration has been completed. This includes dietary information, buddy requests, t-shirt sizes, and other special circumstances or information for the event. Unfortunately, staff cannot change this information once it is submitted.

Fees

Cancellations

Event fees are charged to cover the cost of events and are due at the time of registration. Registration fees can be paid individually, through troop funds, or with Desert Dollars.

If using Desert Dollars, please complete the Desert Dollar submission form and mail to: Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest 225 E. Idaho, Ste. 9 Las Cruces, NM 88005

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If an event is cancelled by council, the person listed on the registration form as the troop or parent contact will be notified by phone or e-mail.

For troop registrations, it will be the responsibility of the troop contact person to notify all girls registered for the event.

Or contact info@gsdsw.org to make other arrangements. Opportunity funds may be available; contact info@gsdsw.org.

Cancellations initiated by the council or program partner will result in a full refund of fees paid in the same manner as it was received (i.e. Desert Dollars).

Registration Deadlines

Event Etiquette

Please be mindful of event registration deadlines! Early registration is encouraged, as many events fill quickly. Fees may increase past the registration deadline, or spots may not be available.

If you are registering for your troop or multiple people, it is imperative to register early!

It is important to have directions to the event venue and plan on arriving with enough time to walk to check in before the start time. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the event and the weather. Wear your Girl Scout uniform. Let girls take the lead, while all adults should be nearby to supervise. Allow girls to do the activities with minimal adult intervention. Sometimes event leaders need extra help to manage activities. If you have extra adults or self-sufficient girls, consider asking how they can help. Be sure to thank your event leaders for sharing their time and skills with you.

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Monthly Challenges

Monthly Challenges are fun, free activities girls and troops can do to earn a fun patch to wear on their vest or sash. Many troop leaders do the Monthly Challenge as a meeting activity.

Once you do the activity, complete a short online report with a photo of the girl doing the challenge, and the fun patch will be mailed to you 3 - 4 weeks after the end of the challenge.

While the current Monthly Challenge is posted on our website (https://bit.ly/MC_gsdsw), here is preview of the Monthly Challenges coming up.

September State Park Visit Research a local state park to plan your next adventure. Then visit that park to live your adventure.

October Bring a Friend Girl Scouts is about fun and making friends so share the fun and bring a friend to a troop meeting to show her what Girl Scouts is all aobut!

December Armpit Fudge It sounds weird, but you just have to make it to see how cool it really is!

February Origami The art of folding paper goes back centuries. What can you make?

March Dancing Through the Decades Each decade has its own style of dances. What decade dance will you learn?

November Photo Scavenger Hunt See the world through your camera lens to find the answers to the scavenger hunt riddles.

January Art Museum Visit There are many hidden gems in your hometown that showcase art. Visit one today!

April Arbor Day Arbor Day is all about trees - planting, caring for, enjoying. How will you celebrate trees?

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Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest puts the FUN in FUNdraising!

Join us in strengthening our community and growing our Girl Scout family with an exciting array of fundraising events. Coming up in January, Cookies and Cocktails in Las Cruces, New Mexico; in February, Cookie Classic Golf Tournament in El Paso, Texas; and in April, Women of Distinction in Midland, Texas.

Mark your calendars and help us spread the word!

Make sure you watch our social media and website to save your spot and support our council!

Cookie Classic GOLF TOURNAMENT

2nd Annual

Cookie Classic GOLF TOURNAMENT

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Friday, February 28, 2025 Lone Star Golf Club 1510 Hawkins Blvd.

El Paso, TX 79925

Highest Awards Bronze, Silver, and Gold Reagan A. Love Knots GSUSA 2024 Gold Award Scholarship Awardee I wanted to raise awareness and help educate my community and beyond on how to minimize the number of plastic bags flying around and getting stuck in our trees. The concept of my project is simple: tying a knot in your plastic grocery bags will keep them from filling with air and spreading across our community. I worked with Keep Midland Beautiful to develop a video that is used to educate our community and state. After meeting with troops across our council, holding my own park cleanup, and using the power of social media, I was able to reach many people across my area. Love Knots was featured in the Midland Reporter Telegram and on NewsWest9.

Bronze Award

Silver Award

Gold Award

The Girl Scout Bronze Award adventure is big; in fact, this award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts, and those who earn it set themselves apart through their perseverance and grit.

Earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award involves completing a Journey, and then spending a minimum of 20 hours from creating a team to completing the project. You’re a Girl Scout, which means you will earn your award with courage, confidence, and character, and make the world a better place.

The Silver Award takes it from idea to action: Find an issue; explore the community and think of how that issue affects the community; choose a project that can lead to lasting change, then develop the project and make a plan and put it into action. Reflect, share the story, and celebrate.

This award showcases passions and highlights skills.

Dedicating more than 80 hours to her project, the Gold Award Girl Scout leaves a legacy to benefit her community and the world.

More than a community service project, the Gold Award is a Take Action project that looks at the root cause of an issue and then puts into place a solution that leaves a legacy with her council and her community.

Trifecta Award The Trifecta Award is a GSDSW award given to a Girl Scout who has completed her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

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How to earn your Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards Silver Award

Bronze Award Girls must be in 4th or 5th grade (or equivalent).

Be a registered Girl Scout.

Have completed a Junior Journey before they can begin work on a Bronze Award project.

Leader and girls (parents are encouraged), take the GSDSW Bronze Award training in gsLearn.

The Bronze Award Project is a team effort by a group of Juniors, usually from a single troop, but not required (up to 20 girls).

The project's objective must be to benefit the local community and/or Girl Scouting in some way.

Each girl must contribute 20 hours to the project.

The project is to be girl-led, but, unlike the Silver and Gold Awards, adults may be on hand to assist and guide.

In our council, at this time, the approval of the Bronze Award is done by the troop leader. This will be updated for council approval in the future.

Girls must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade (or equivalent).

Be a registered Girl Scout.

Have completed a Cadette Journey before they can begin work on a Silver Award project.

Girls and leaders must take the GSUSA Silver Award training in gsLearn. Parents are encouraged to also take the training.

The Silver Award Project is done individually or in a small team (up to 4 girls).

The project's objective must be to benefit the local community and/or Girl Scouting in some way.

Each girl must contribute at least 50 hours to the project.

The project is to be girl-led, but adults can advise and assist when necessary.

Girls submit their proposal online for approval. In our council, it is recommended that the girls submit 2–3 ideas for a Silver Award project to the council for approval before they start work on the award.

Gold Award Girls must be in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (or equivalent).

Be a registered Girl Scout.

Complete two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or complete one Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador journey and have earned the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Girl and leader (and recommended parents), Take GSDSW’s Gold Award training.

The Gold Award Project is done individually. The project's objective must be to benefit the local or worldwide community and/or Girl Scouting in some way.

The girl must contribute at least 80 hours to the project.

The project is to be girl-led with the aid of a project advisor (subject matter expert) and GSDSW Gold Committee mentor.

Successfully conduct a proposal and final interview.

A note about sustainability of the Highest Award Projects: The guidelines are tools to help examine the underlying root cause of issues, develop sustainable project plans, and measure the impact of Highest Awards projects on their communities, target audiences, and themselves. There is progression from one level to the next - Juniors reflect on how their projects could be continued, Cadettes reflect on and put a plan in place for continuation, and Seniors and Ambassadors work to ensure their Gold Award project is sustained beyond their involvement.

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Travel Opportunities with GSDSW June 2025 - Iceland 8 days with WorldStrides Late June 2025 El Paso, TX to Reykjavik, Iceland Swim in the Blue Lagoon, hike to waterfalls and black sand beaches, visit folk museums, and bake bread in a geothermal beach! https://bit.ly/Iceland_2025

July 2025 - Savannah, GA 5 days with GSDSW! Visit the birthplace of Girl Scouts, walk through the city market enjoying fresh pralines, explore Tybee Island, and more!

El Paso, TX to Savannah, GA

Summer 2026 - Harry Potter in the UK Join GSDSW and explore the world of wizardry while visiting the World Scout Centre Pax Lodge in London! This trip is for troops or adult accompanied girls that are Cadettes - Ambassadors.

For these trips you can use Desert Dollars! For more information about these trips, please email info@gsdsw.org.

Girl Scout Destinations Destination are the ultimate travel opportunities for Girl Scouts! Destinations are GSUSA sponsored group travel. Decide where you want to travel to, then complete an application.

Destinations are individual travel for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Scholarships are available to girls who been accepted to a GSUSA Destination trip.

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Volunteer with Girl Scouts

Service Unit Volunteers Service unit volunteers are the network of support throughout your community. They empower troop leaders and troop volunteers to be the role models that Girl Scouts need and connect them with the resources for unforgettable troop experiences.

Troop Volunteers Troop volunteers help Girl Scouts become stronger, kinder, and braver than they ever thought possible. Troop leaders, volunteers, and other roles, like Cookie Chair, engage regularly with their Girl Scouts and guide them through activities like earning badges, exploring the outdoors, or running their own businesses through the Girl Scout cookie program.

Short-Term Volunteers If you want to get a snapshot of Girl Scout life, you can find short-term volunteer opportunities at the troop or council level. Be a trainer, help with large events, support fundraisers, and more!

The best part is that there is no one “type” of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.

Contact info@gsdsw.org for more information on volunteering with us.

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All About Fall Product The Fall Product Program is a simple, fun introduction to Girl Scout product sales!

Families and friends support a girl’s troop by renewing their favorite magazine subscriptions, subscribing to new magazines, or ordering nuts and candy.

Goal Setting

Business Ethics

Girls set fall product sales goals individually and with their team.

They create a plan to reach those goals, and develop cooperation, team-building skills, and self confidence along the way.

Girls are honest and responsible at every step of the fall product program. Business ethics are developed here to reinforce the positive values they are developing as Girl Scouts.

The GSDSW Fall Product Program is an optional council-sponsored program that combines educational activities with money-earning opportunities for the troops.

The fall program is directed toward family and friends – those closest to Girl Scouting - and enables troops to earn start-up money by selling nuts, chocolates, and magazine subscriptions

Money Management

Decision Making

Girls learn to budget for their goals, take fall product orders, handle customers’ money, gain practical life skills, and financial literacy.

Girls help decide how the team will spend their fall product money, furthering their crucial thinking and problem-solving skills.

People Skills Girls learn to talk to, listen to, and work with all kinds of people while selling fall product. These experiences help them develop healthy relationships and conflict resolution skills they will use throughout their lives.

Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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Girl Scout Volunteer Award Guide

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Adult Recognition It is nice to be recognized for good things. When people recognize us, it feels like they care we are here and they value our contributions.

People volunteer for all sorts of reasons, but most volunteers want to do a good job and to make a positive difference. When volunteers know their time and energy are appreciated and that we all value them, they commit themselves to Girl Scouts. They want to know their service is helping the greater good, making the world a better place.

That means our recognition is one of the most powerful ways we can retain the invaluable women and men who volunteer for Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest.

Three Keys to successfully recognizing volunteers are:

Do it well.

Make it meaningful.

Do it often.

Best Practices Doing a "good job" and putting in many hours is certainly worth thanks, it does not necessarily indicate performance above and beyond the expectations of the position being held.

Focus on Service Focus refers to the areas or groups benefiting from the service. In many cases, a volunteer works with a troop, and/or coordinates Service Unit events, and/or participates on a councilwide committee or task group. To help determine which award is appropriate, review award descriptions and criteria on pages 10-24.

Impact of Service When you consider impact, consider both the number of years in a position and the results of a person's service. Length of time in a position, while always deserving of appreciation, does not necessarily justify an official award. The results of service are more important than length of service, but often it takes some time in a position before the person can achieve truly outstanding results or meet the requirements of the award.

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Council Award Requirements Nomination deadline: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Award Presentation Council level awards are presented at the annual Ceremony of Honors held in December of each year. Awardees are notified that they will be honored, but the awards are kept secret until the presentation at the event!

Who Can Submit Nominations Girl Scout Volunteers Girl Scouts Community Members Council Staff Nomination Criteria for all Awards Service performed was between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024 (except for the PVSA).

The candidate was an active, registered Girl Scout member for the year of nomination in good standing.

The candidate can be involved at any level of volunteering, from parent helpers to service unit team members, to council volunteers.

The candidate encourages each of our members and shows progression as a leader in their role.

The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusivity. They live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law in word and deed.

The service performed is above and beyond the expectations for the position held.

How to Submit a Nomination Review all award descriptions and requirements in the Girl Scout Volunteer Award Guide.

Fully complete and submit the Nomination Form (linked in each award description) Nomination Review Process The Adult Recognition Committee is comprised of volunteers and staff from throughout GSDSW territory. They review each nomination and endorsement and compare the information presented about the volunteer with the criteria established for each award. They only know what is presented in the completed nominations.

Upon review, they will: Approve the candidate for nominated award or, Approve the candidate for a different award or, Deny the award. In a case where there is no indication given that the candidate's service met the award criteria, the nomination could be denied.

The committee decisions are sent to the GSDSW Board of Directors for final approval.

Upon final approval, you will be notified regarding the status of your nomination.

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How to write a Nomination Be Specific: The form asks you to describe a service provided that meets the qualifications of the award, be very descriptive.

Uninformative Example Sally Jones should receive the award because she is always organized and is great with parent volunteers. We are all very fond of her and are willing to be under her leadership.

Informative Example Sally Jones should receive the award because she is a great example of adult volunteer leadership to both girls and adults. Under her leadership, ten parents are actively volunteering with troop functions. She recently delegated event preparation details to us while she was out of town for a few weeks.

Because she sends regular troop volunteer emails about the bank account status, upcoming adventures, year-to-date troop goals progress, and continuing volunteer needs, we feel informed and organized to step up to the leadership challenge! Sally is always showing thanks for our support to the troop. When she came back from her trip, she showed thanks to us at the Service Unit meeting by organizing a potluck in recognition of her troop volunteers who provide her with endless support.

Other troop leaders at the meeting were taking notes on all of her great ideas!

Avoid using only “feel good” statements: Provide concrete facts rather than opinions.

Uninformative Example Mary Smith is really good with cookies with her Cadette troop. When she took over as Service Unit Cookie Chair when the previous volunteer resigned, it was a successful sale.

Informative Example When the Service Unit Cookie Chair resigned, Mary Smith volunteered to help. She has worked with the cookies for several years and was able to adapt to the service unit level. She processed 19,000 packages of cookies without any errors. Through skillful management techniques, her service unit achieved 100% troop participation, and increased cookie sales by 40%.

Show Results: How is the service measurable?

Uninformative Example Brenda Garcia provided an excellent training to our volunteers.

Informative Example Brenda Garcia not only provided excellent Medic First Aid training to the volunteers in the area, she was called upon last minute when the assigned trainer became ill. Because of her volunteer service, 20 new recruits had a chance to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

If you have any questions about nominating someone, please contact us at info@gsdsw.org ATTN: Awards Nomination deadline: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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GSUSA Awards

Honor Pin

Volunteer of Excellence Pin Appreciation Pin Thanks Badge

Thanks Badge II

Numeral Guard & Years of Service Pin The Numeral Guard is a longevity recognition for an individual for their total years of registered membership, including years as a girl and as an adult member.

Numeral Guard

The Years of Service Pin is a longevity recognition for an adult volunteer's dedication to Girl Scouting.

Years of Service Pin

Years do not need to be consecutive.

Pins are available in five-year increments.

Individuals track their total years. GSDSW does not automatically distribute pins.

Please submit a request form to receive your pin(s): https://bit.ly/yrspins2023_24 18

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GSDSW Council Awards

Fall Product Champion

Cookie Champion

Family Award

Man Enough to be a Girl Scout Award

Outdoor Enthusiast

Girl Scout of the Year

Girl Scout Support Award

Honor Troop

Regional Leader of the Year

President's Award

Nomination deadline: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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GSUSA Awards APPRECIATION PIN The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual's exemplary service in support of delivering GSLE. This service, which has had measurable effect on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/AppPin2023_24

VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes a volunteer who has contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway and who has contributed outstanding service in support of the council's mission delivery to girl and adult members with membership development, community relations, volunteer support, governance, or fund development.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/VolEx2023_24.

HONOR PIN The Honor Pin recognizes an individual's exemplary service in support of delivering GSLE, which has had measurable effect on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/HonPin2023_24.

THANKS BADGE The Thanks Badge recognizes an individual's exemplary service in support of delivering GSLE, which has had measurable effect on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Service performed is so significantly above expectations that no other award is appropriate.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here https://bit.ly/Thx2023_24.

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THANKS BADGE II The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge award recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable effect that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Service performed is so significantly above expectations that no other award is appropriate.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/ThxII2023_24.

GSDSW Council Awards COOKIE CHAMPION AWARD The Cookie Champion award recognizes an adult member who has continued to provide exemplary service in the Troop Cookie Coordinator or Service Unit Cookie Chair role, resulting in a measurable effect that benefited the troop, service unit and the council. Candidate must have served in the Troop Cookie Coordinator or Service Unit Cookie Chair role for at least two Girl Scout membership years.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/CookieChamp2023_24.

FALL PRODUCT CHAMPION AWARD The Fall Product Champion award recognizes an adult member who has continued to provide exemplary service in the Troop Fall Product Coordinator or Service Unit Fall Product Chair role, resulting in a measurable effect that benefited the troop, service unit, and the council. Candidate must have served in the Troop Fall Product Coordinator or Service Unit Fall Product Chair role for at least two Girl Scout membership years.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/FallProd2023_24.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST The Outdoor Enthusiast recognizes an adult member who has delivered outstanding outdoor education to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience.

Candidate has delivered outdoor educational opportunities that span at least two Girl Scout membership years.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/OutEnth2023_24.

FAMILY AWARD The Family Award is presented to a family that supports Girl Scouts with outstanding volunteer service. The service given must be beyond normal expectations, members of the family have provided continuous service for at least two years with GSSDW, and benefits two or more service units with the council.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/Fam2023_24.

Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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GSDSW Council Awards GIRL SCOUT SUPPORT AWARD The Girl Scout Support award is presented to a parent, grandparent, or caregiver (not troop leader or co-leader) who has gone above and beyond in their service to a troop or to an individually registered member.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/GSSup2023_24.

REGIONAL LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD The Regional Leader of the Year is presented to a leader who provides girls with exceptional leadership opportunities though exemplary implementation of the girl-led model. The leader must have served in a troop leadership position for at least five consecutive years. .

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/RegLeadYr2023_24.

MAN ENOUGH TO BE A GIRL SCOUT AWARD This award recognizes our male volunteers that have gone above and beyond in service of Girl Scouts, whether a dad, grandfather, uncle, older sibling, or guardian.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/ManEnuf2023_24.

GIRL SCOUT OF THE YEAR Awarded to a registered Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout. Exemplifies through both words and actions the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service. She upholds the mission of Girl Scouts and has held leadership positions in both Girl Scouts and the community.

Nomination: Submit nomination form here: https://bit.ly/GSYr2023_24.

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Service Unit & Troop Awards PRESIDENT'S AWARD The President's award recognizes the efforts of a service unit team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering GSLE surpassed team goals and resulted in significant and measurable impact toward reaching the council's overall goals.

Additional Criteria: All members of the service unit team were active, registered Girl Scout members, in good standing, for the year of nomination and completed appropriate trainings for their positions.

Delivered Girl Scout program to the membership resulting in the retention of at least 75% of the troops and troop leaders from the previous year.

Overall girl membership for the service unit reached or surpassed the council goals.

Service Unit maintains ongoing communications with each troop leader using methods that serve the needs of each leader as well as with individually registered girls within the service unit.

Cultivated contacts in the community through scheduled talks to civic groups, sponsorship agreements, approved media coverage and community profile updates.

Council required reports are submitted on time.

Service Unit encourages adult participation in fund development and has increased annual giving support to the council.

Composition of the adult Girl Scout members reflects the diversity of the community.

Nomination: Submit nomination form and supporting documentation here: https://bit.ly/PresAward2023_24

HONOR TROOP The Honor Troop is a guide for troops to ensure a well-rounded year of Girl Scouting. Use this as a tool to lead your troop successfully and ensure girls are exposed to diverse girl-led leadership opportunities. There is a series of mandatory requirements along with the troop’s choice from a set of additional troop requirements.

Nomination: The Honor Troop Application completed and submitted, along with supporting documentation needed to info@gsdsw.org.

Fall/Winter 2024/2025

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President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest is proud to be a certifying organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). The PVSA recognizes United States citizens and lawfully admitted, permanent residents of the United States who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. It is a national award led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light. https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/ Volunteer Eligibility United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Must be at least five years old.

Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards).

Eligible Service: Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others.

Eligible Service Does Not Include: Donating funds Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity) Religious instruction or proselytizing Conducting worship service Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service Serving only family members Nomination: Submit a spreadsheet listing hours completed to info@gsdsw.org

Hours Required to Earn Awards in Each Age Group

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Age Group

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Lifetime Achievement

Kids (5-10)

26-49 hours

50-74 hours

75+ hours

4,000+ hours

Teens (11-15)

50-74 hours

75-99 hours

100+ hours

4,000+ hours

Young Adults (16-25)

100–174 hours

175–249 hours

250+ hours

4,000+ hours

Adults (26+)

100-249 hours

250–499 hours

500+ hours

4,000+ hours

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FAQ’s Q: We worry that if we give out too many recognitions, their significance will be "watered down." How do we Maintain Quality?

A: We should celebrate having growing numbers of people who deserve recognition. Take pride in having many to recognize. Girl Scout adult recognitions are not a competition.

There should be no limit to the number of awards given.

Q: What about recognizing people more than once. Should you give the same recognition to a person more than once?

A: It is great to celebrate people whose continuing service and commitment make a difference in Girl Scouting. Rather than giving a duplicate award, consider personalizing a certificate, gift or service. This would be appropriate when someone deserves repeated recognition at the same level, for example, as an Appreciation or Honor Pin recipient.

Q: How does a person decide which recognition to wear?

A: If an adult has received more than one special recognition (e.g., Volunteer of Excellence & Appreciation pins), typically the highest award received is the one worn on the uniform.

People with numerous pins usually retire the remaining ones with honor, either placing them in a scrapbook, framing together with other mementos.

Q: Is there a hierarchy for the awards?

A: We recognize that volunteers do amazing work and should be recognized when that work occurs. A volunteer can earn any award at any time during their Girl Scout volunteering career*, as long as they meet the criteria outlined for the award. However, we recommend that the awards are built upon, like we scaffold for the girls. For example, we might suggest the Appreciation Pin and then the Volunteer of Excellence. (*The only exception is the Thanks Badge II, which requires the candidate to have previously earned the Thanks Badge.)

Q: What happens if I miss the nomination deadline?

A: The deadline is a hard deadline due to the timing of approvals and the Ceremony of Honors. Unfortunately, that volunteer will not be recogonized.

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Southern New Mexico & West Texas 9700 Girl Scout Way El Paso, Texas 79924

Our Customer Care team is always happy to help with program and membership questions. info@gsdsw.org (915) 566-9433 www.gsdsw.org