All this, of course, starts with you—a Girl Scout volunteer! Encourage girls to go after Girl Scouting’s highest
awards—information on the awards and guidelines for you to use when helping girls earn their awards are also
available http://www.girlscouts.org/program/highest_awards/.
From the beginning of Girl Scouts, one prestigious award has recognized the girls who make a difference in
their communities and in their own lives. The first of these awards, in 1916, was the Golden Eagle of Merit. In
1919, the name changed to The Golden Eaglet, and in 1920, the requirements for The Golden Eaglet were
updated. The First Class Award existed for only two years, from 1938–1940, and was replaced in 1940 with
The Curved Bar Award, the requirements for which were updated in 1947. In 1963, GSUSA re-introduced the
First Class Award, for a girl who was an “all-around” person, with skills in many fields and a proficiency in one.
Today’s highest award, the Girl Scout Gold Award, was introduced in 1980.
Other exciting initiatives and opportunities exist to support the GSLE. In the past, these have covered topics like
the environment, robotics, and space exploration. You can find out how to engage your group in opportunities
like these by contacting your council or by visiting www.girlscouts.org/program/basics and clicking on “Program
Basics” on the left side of the screen. Note that councils may offer different experiences, based on availability of
resources and partners in your area.
See an exciting program, but the date, time or location doesn’t work?
Call 800-248-3355 ext. 1007 or e-mail [email protected] and request a program that can be
delivered to your troop by collaborating with staff/providers on convenient dates and locations. Choose from
the programs at www.gswpa.org, or work with council staff to design a program that meets your needs.
All Programs by Request include a refundable deposit in addition to the program cost.
How many girls and adults do I need to run a p rogram? This number varies from program to program and is
listed under “minimum capacity.” Your number of adults must meet ratio. Please refer to Understanding How
Many Volunteers You Need in the Quick Start Guide or visit www.gswpa.org.
When do I have to reserve a program? To reserve a Program by Request, a deposit must be paid six weeks in
advance of date desired. Actual date of program depends on availability of staff or program partners.
I don’t have the minimum number of girls in my troop. Does that mean we can’t request a program? Not at all!
Ask other troops in your area to team up with you for a program. We can also advertise your program on our
website and open the program up to any girls in your area.
How much does a program cost? The cost of each program includes a deposit and a per girl and adult fee. Each
program cost varies.
Why do I need to pay a deposit? What is it for? In order to begin the process of creating a customized program
for you, we require a deposit. This will hold your program facilitator’s time.
Will my deposit be refunded? Yes, your deposit will be refunded once participation rosters have been submitted
to GSWPA. However, your deposit will not be refunded if you cancel or do not meet the minimum number of
girls.
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