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 at http://www.gswpa.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-program/highest-awards.html.
A Tradition of Honoring Girls
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.
Gold Award Court of Awards ceremonies are the official GSWPA celebration recognizing our newest
Gold Award Achievers. GSWPA holds two events each spring to recognize girls who have earned their
award during the past 12 months. Award Earners will be celebrated and have the opportunity to
network with other Gold Awardees as we mark their accomplishments together.
Other Initiatives and Opportunities
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
http://www.gswpa.org/en/activities/activity-list.html. Note that councils may offer different experiences,
based on availability of resources and partners in your area.
GSWPA Program Kits
Working on a Journey or badge, or just want to do something fun? We’ve got your back! Our program kits
give you the resources and materials needed to make your Girl Scout adventure super fun. Each kit
contains a program outline, necessary materials and a shopping list – everything you need to get started.
Rent Program Kit from one of our offices with a $25.00 refundable deposit. For a full list of Program Kits,
and to reserve your favorite, visit http://www.gswpa.org/en/for-volunteers/online-support-for-
volunteers/programs-by-request.html.html.
Please note:
●
●
●
A $25.00 deposit is required to reserve a kit. Deposits are refunded when the kit is returned
on time and in their entirety.
The only program that currently requires a non-refundable payment is For Goodness Cakes.
The girl fee includes a patch and the girls keep the kits.
Kits must be requested 3-4 weeks prior to pick to ensure availability.