The giving of service is inherent in the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Adults participate in Girl Scouting because they believe in the philosophy of the movement, and because they want to work for youth.

Personal satisfaction for the service they give come from many sources:
* The contribution to the community.
*The association with girls and adults dedicated to a high purpose.
*The opportunity to acquire and use various skills and the knowledge of a job well done.

Whatever anyone’s role, whether working in partnership with girls or adults, in governance or management, volunteer or employed staff member, long-tenured or short term, everyone can benefit from an atmosphere and attitude of appreciation. However, there are times when an individual’s service goes above and beyond.... who exceeds expectations .... whose contributions are significant ..... who is a model of outstanding performance and the council wants to express appreciation in a special way through the formal recognitions in Girl Scouting

The GSUSA recognitions are given consistently throughout the organization – throughout the country – and are easily recognized when groups of Girl Scout adults gather together.

The GSUSA recognition program reflects the following:

• Quality of accomplishments is the primary determining factor in awarding recognition.

• Impact on girls is the leading measure of quality.

• Many kinds of contributions must be considered: time and talent, as well as donations of money and resources.

• Length of service or number of other recognitions does not judge quality; it is ultimately a function of impact, direct or indirect, with girls.

• Recognition is given to reinforce high expectations and encourage continual improvement. It is not a competition.

• Recognitions create a strategic advantage because they identify those who model the future. Recipients’ performance is part of what moves a council toward its goals.

• Publicly honoring adults underscores Girl Scouting’s vitality in the community. It encourages greater involvement and support from other adults and organizations – all with the goal of helping girls become happy and resourceful citizens.