Girl Scouts - The Gold Award Gold Award Examples
As part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, 10 million girls worldwide, you are in an exceptional position to take action and make the world a better place. By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award you will be joining the ranks of generations of young women who have made a difference both locally and globally. The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and therefore is a commitment you make and complete as an individual. Download the Gold Award Guidelines (PDF) to find out how.
Girl Scout Gold Award Steps
Below is an overview of requirements to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. In order to fully understand what councils expect from girls, please refer to the Gold Award girl guidelines, the Gold Award Adult guide, and the FAQs. For further information, please contact your local Girl Scout council.
Girl Scout Gold Award Pre-Requisites
Girls must be in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (or equivalent) and a registered Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador
AND
Complete two Journeys (Senior or Ambassador)*
OR
Earn the Silver Award and complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey
*Girl Scout Seniors complete Senior journeys and Girl Scout Ambassadors complete Ambassador journeys
Girl Scout Gold Award Steps
- 1Choose an issue: Use your values and skills to identify a community issue you care about.
- 2 Investigate: Research everything you can about the issue.
- 3 Get help: Invite others to support and take action with you.
- 4 Create a plan: Create a project plan that achieves sustainable and measurable impact.
- 5 Present your plan and get feedback: Sum up your project plan for your Girl Scout council.
- 6 Take action: Take the lead to carry out your plan.
- 7 Educate and inspire: Share what you have experienced with others.
History
The Golden Eagle of Merit, the highest award in Girl Scouting from 1916 to 1919, marked the beginning of a long tradition of using prestigious awards to recognize girls who make a difference in their communities and in their own lives.
From 1940 to 1963, the Curved Bar Award was the highest honor in Girl Scouting. From 1963 to 1980, First Class was the highest award. To achieve First Class meant that a girl was an "all-around" person with some skills in many fields and a proficiency in one. Here is a picture of Juliette Gordon Low pinning a young woman who earned her Golden Eaglet.
Did you know?
A Girl Scout who has earned her Gold Award immediately rises one rank in any of the U.S. military branches.
