Special Girl Scout Awards

Girls Earn Above and Beyond

In addition to the participation patches and age level awards (Petals, Try-Its, Badges and IPs) that are a regular part of the Girl Scout program, Girl Scouts can earn other, special awards along the way.

Life Saving Awards

• Bronze Cross Lifesaving Award: This award recognizes Girl Scouts who have saved a life, or attempted to save a life, while putting themselves at risk.
  
  
• Medal of Honor: This award recognizes Girl Scouts who have saved a life, or attempted to save a life.

Both awards are rare. Girls who earn them have shown special character and maturity by acting in situations that would paralyze many adults. They have reason to be proud. These awards are usually given in a special ceremony or at a special time to honor them.

Meet Some of the Girls who have Earned these Awards

• Ashley H.

Girl Scouts Highest Awards

• Girl Scout Bronze Award is earned by Junior Girl Scouts. In addition to preliminary requirements, girls must complete a project of at least 15 hours that demonstrates her leadership skills and commitment to the community.
  
  
• Girl Scout Silver Award: is earned by girls ages 11-14 (formerly Cadette Girl Scouts). In addition to preliminary requirements, girls must complete a project of at least 40 hours that benefits her community. The completed project must be evaluated by her council.
  
  
• Girl Scout Gold Award: is earned by girls ages 14-18 (formerly Senior Girl Scouts). In addition to in depth preliminary requirements, girls must complete a project that fills a need and creates change in her community. Her project plan must be approved by her council before she can begin work on her project.

The Bronze, Silver and Gold awards give girls the chance to define what's important to them and make a difference in the lives of those around them. Through the preliminary requirements, girls earn badges and other awards that develop their leadership and organizational skills and help them define the project on which they will work.

During the project, the girls work with their leaders, advisors and community. Bronze and Silver may be earned by working within the Girl Scout organization and sample projects may include putting on an event for younger girls, helping them bridge to their next level, or teaching them leadership.

Bronze and Silver may also be earned outside of the Girl Scout organization, and the Gold Award must be earned outside of the Girl Scout organization. Sample project may include building a community library or play ground, teaching children to read, working with adults to learn English as a second language. The project possibilities at all levels are virtually endless and depend on what is important to the individual girl and her community.

Each award represents a significant achievement for the girls. Girls who wear the Gold, Silver and/or Bronze Award stars on their uniforms can be proud knowing they've made a difference.

Meet Some of the Girls who have Earned these Awards

• Wilhelmina B.