For Service Unit Volunteers
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Information for Service Unit Volunteers
As a key contributor to the council, you have many responsibilities that come with being a service unit volunteer. We have the resources to ensure you stay organized and have everything you need to be successful. Reach out to your Membership Support Specialist if you need additional support.
Council Resources:
- Service Unit Resources (Guidebook, Planning Packet, Finance Report, etc.)
- Volunteer Training
- Service Unit Positions & Descriptions
- Adult Awards (Council Level)
Council Connect 
Leadership Summit
2026 Leadership Summit - GSU SUperheroes Unite!
August 28-29, 2026 at Trefoil Ranch
Join us for our annual Leadership Summit for service unit volunteer networking, enrichment, and development. This is the perfect opportunity to meet other service unit teams and connect with each other as well as council staff.
New this year: Registration is individual (not group-based) with a required pre-event survey so we can better support each attendee’s logistical needs. Register early and complete your survey promptly to secure your spot. Reach out with any questions—we look forward to seeing you there!
Payment: Service units may cover registration costs after all members from the service unit have registered. Remaining registration fees will be added to the Service Unit Manager’s myGS account on August 10 for payment. Detailed instructions will be sent directly to SU Managers on how to complete payment.
(Service unit team volunteers only.)
Volunteer Evaluations
Service Unit Awards & Nominations
Show the volunteers in your service unit just how much you appreciate them with a Service Unit Award.
Requests must be submitted by the last Friday in March. Be sure to include the person(s) complete name, award name, your name as the nominator, and a brief explanation of why the person(s) deserves the award. The Emerald Award requires a nomination and a letter of endorsement; see the full awards description and criteria (PDF).
Anyone can submit an award nomination. Service Unit Awards, including Years of Service and Years of Membership, are reviewed by the Recognition Representative and Service Unit Manager (or Community Engagement Specialist if none is appointed). Learn how to write a strong nomination.
| Certificate of Appreciation | For service of exceptional quality from an individual or a group; great for first or one time contribution |
| Special Supporters Certificate | For honoring groups or individuals for ongoing or a second contribution |
| Noteworthy New Leader Certificate | For outstanding service by new Troop Leaders or Co-Leaders in their first two years in the role |
| Service Unit Family Award Certificate | For outstanding service by a Girl Scout family for their contributions to their service unit |
| Outstanding Volunteer Certificate | For recognizing continued dedication and contributions beyond a troop by a volunteer. |
| Emerald Award Certificate & Pin | For an adult volunteer whose service to their troop and/or service unit exceeds expectations |
Years of Service & Membership Pins
Currently registered Girl Scout adults can receive recognition for their years of volunteer service and years of Girl Scout membership at five-year intervals.
Years of Membership includes every year an individual has been a registered member (youth and adult years) and does not have to be consistent or consecutive. Pins for 50 or more years of membership are presented at our Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony.
Years of Service represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively provided service, is not based on membership years, and does not need to be consistent or consecutive. Pins for 25 or more years of service are presented at our Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony.
President's Volunteer Service Award
Girl Scouts and adult volunteers can receive the President's Volunteer Service Award for eligible service completed during a 12-month period (October 1 - September 30) for the annual awards and during their lifetime for Lifetime Achievement Award.
Submit the complete name of the person, as well as dates and brief descriptions of the hours completed by September 30.
This award will be presented by the service unit and/or by council at the end of the membership year. The President's Volunteer Service Award is awarded through GSU by Points of Light/AmeriCorps; it is not a council award.
| Age Group | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (5-10 years) | 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 |
