Appreciation is an ongoing, everyday process for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Showing appreciation for one another is a good way to show respect, to relate to each other's strengths, and to build mutual commitment. Recognitions are tangible reminders of rewarding relationships between people and Girl Scouting. The adult recognition system is designed to be a valuable component of every council's volunteer support system. It offers tangible, visible awards, with criteria and requirements, forms, and step-by-step guidelines.

Whom do we recognize?             Anyone!

Where do we recognize them?         Anywhere!

When do we recognize them?     Anytime!

Even when a volunteer is already aware that she/he is doing a good job, it is important to feel that others think so too. Each year adult volunteers are awarded for their service at our Adult Recognition Dinner held in April.

Girl Scouts - Sybaquay Council Adult Recognition System has Three Award Types:

Service Unit Recognitions are approved and recognized by the service unit team. Awards are:

• Outstanding Leader Award for outstanding performance in working with girls by a troop/group leader, assistant leader or coordinator. The Outstanding Leader Award pin depicts a leadership torch against a yellow background.

• Outstanding Volunteer Award for excellence in service to a geographic area or program audience, by an adult member in a position other than a troop/group leader. The Outstanding Volunteer Award pin depicts a white chain and gold trefoil against a red background; it differs significantly from the Appreciation Pin only in the level of approval required.

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• Council-Level Recognitions are submitted and reviewed by the Adult Recognition Committee and subject to approval by Sybaquay Council's Board of Directors. Awards are:

• Sybaquay Bronze Charm is an award unique to Girl Scouts - Sybaquay Council. It recognizes outstanding service to at least one geographic area/service unit or program delivery audience by an adult member in a service unit position.

• Appreciation Pin is a Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) award that recognizes outstanding delivery to at least one geographic area/service unit or program delivery audience by an adult member.

• Honor Pin recognizes outstanding service to at least two or more geographic areas/service units or program delivery audiences.

• Thanks Badge recognizes truly outstanding service benefiting the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement by an adult member.

• Thanks Badge II recognizes ongoing outstanding service benefiting the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement by an adult volunteer who has already received the Thanks Badge.

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• Service unit and council-level adult recognition pins are worn on the right side of the uniform, below the personalized ID pin, or on either side of the Years of Service pin. If an adult has received more than one special recognition (e.g., Appreciation Pin or Honor Pin), the last one received is generally the one worn on the uniform.

• All nominees must be registered members of GSUSA.

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• Nomination and Approval Procedures for Service Unit and Council-Earned Adult Recognitions:

• An individual or group (nominator) familiar with the service performed fills out an application to nominate a volunteer for an award. A separate application is needed for each name submitted.

  The nominator must ask for letters of endorsement/recommendations (should include specific information about the nominee's unique qualifications) from people other than herself/himself. Individual letters should be submitted for each nominee.

  For the council awards, the  nominator must fill out a candidate bio worksheet to be used to prepare a statement for the recognition booklet/program at the Adult Recognition Dinner which is held annually.

  Application, letters and bio worksheet should be submitted to the Girl Scout Center. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. or postmark on the last working day of February.

  All service unit team and adult recognition committee applications for award recognitions will be kept confidential.

  Following the recommendations of GSUSA, one person cannot receive the same award more than once.

  The nominating group is notified of the decision, either approved or denied.

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  Earned Recognitions are approved by the director of adult development.

  Leadership Development Pin is received for participating in training in subject areas that increase skills in working with girls by a troop/group leader, assistant leader or coordinator. Leader/coordinator submits an application to the director of adult development at the Girl Scout Center, along with copies of all of the nominee's training hours that pertained to gaining skills in working with girls. The director of adult development then reviews and evaluates application and credit hours toward earning the pin. Participation in additional credit hours allows this recognition recipient to earn the green leaves that are attached to the Leadership Development Pin.

  President's Award is earned by a service unit who moves their geographic area further toward achievement of the council's goals during the membership year. The service unit submits an application to the director of adult development at the Girl Scout Center, along with documentation of achievements appropriate to this award. The director of adult development then reviews and evaluates criteria toward earning the President's Award. A service unit earning the President's Award plaque is recognized at the Adult Recognition Dinner and their service unit name is added to the plaque displayed at the Girl Scout Center.

  Trainer's Pin is earned by completing specific training and actively participating in the delivery of council training programs. Potential leaders that meet all the council's training criteria are invited (appointed) to participate in the council's Train-the-Trainers course offered annually, followed by an apprenticeship of three observation trainings and three co-trainings in preparation for delivery of council training program. No application is necessary. Award is given as it is earned. Trainer Pin and trainer bar are received after the Train-the-Trainer course has been completed, followed by an apprentice pie to add to the Trainer Pin upon completion of apprenticeship training.