Girl Scout Gold Award

Highest Award for Girls Ages 14-18

The Gold Award Project

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

1 Choose 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 Eaglet insignia, the highest award in Girl Scouting from 1916-1939, 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 automatically rises one rank in any of the U.S. military branches.

Paperwork and Completion

The Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal form (DOC) must be submitted to your council at least six weeks prior to the start of your project. This application includes a timeline and plan for the project. Individuals at the council (usually a special Gold Award committee) review your proposal. If you don't hear from them within three weeks, contact them. They may make suggestions based on safety, timeline, or project standards. You can't start your project without approval from your council.

The Girl Scout Gold Award Final Report (DOC) must be filled in and submitted to your council. Many councils will set a date for this to be completed by so that Gold Awardees may be honored at a special council-wide ceremony. Ceremonies can also be planned by individuals, groups, or service units to honor girls upon completion of their project.

5,500 Gold Awards!

Last year, approximately 5,500 girls received the Girl Scout Gold Award. That was around 5.4% of the eligible registered Girl Scouts in grades 10-12. Congratulations!

Inspiration Corner

Need inspiration? Here are some sample projects to get you thinking:

Start a bat education program for nature centers and schools, including a travel box and talk, as well as helping the community set up neighborhood bat boxes.
Create a program for educating parents on the dangers of lead poisoning and present it at community events.
Create a pedestrian safety campaign in your community; present the need for a stoplight in your community at a busy intersection to your local city council based upon your research.
Develop a breast cancer awareness program in your community for mothers and teens through local women's church groups.
Organize a chapter of SADD and plan a campaign for safe graduation parties in your community with representatives from the different high schools.
Develop an anti-bullying program for children that include a drama component and peer counselors.
Plan and host a student art show as part of a community event.
Set up a cyber cafe in a retirement home and train volunteers to help new users connect with information and their loved ones.
Start a community clothes closet for homeless or low-income teens
Present a movement class using music and art at local senior centers.
Train a guide dog for the blind and educate others about the project.
Write, cast, and direct a play to promote community conflict resolution.