You’ve got what it takes to make a lasting impact.

Get started by earning a highest award in Girl Scouting.

You're ready to make the world a better place. Show everyone how you’ll do it by earning the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. Each award will challenge you and helps you take action in a big way.

Highest Awards

Gold Award

Take action to make a lasting impact in the world with Girl Scouting’s highest award.

Silver Award

Identify an issue, make a plan, and take action to improve your community.

Bronze Award

Team up with a group of fellow Juniors to make a difference in your neighborhood.

Service Awards

Find awards and scholarships that reflect your accomplishments.

Presidential Volunteer Service Awards toggle arrow

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has three levels of awards (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) for volunteers who have achieved a certain amount of service hours based on their age during a 12-month period (May 1 through April 30). A Lifetime Achievement Award is also available for those who have reached the 4,000-mark of service hours achieved.

Learn more about eligibility requirements.

Updated May 27, 2025: At this time, the PVSA program has been placed on pause, at the national level. While our members can continue tracking their volunteer hours, we are currently unsure how long this pause will last. At this time, we do not have a date for when the program will resume. This uncertainty may impact our ability to order the official award certificate and pin for the current award cycle that ends on April 30th, 2026.

To clarify, PVSA awards for the 2025 cycle (May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025) are not impacted and will still be fulfilled. However, the 2026 cycle, which began May 1, 2025, is the one currently affected, and we cannot guarantee award fulfillment at this time.

Message from AmeriCorps on pause: The President’s Volunteer Service Award is on a temporary pause, as decided by AmeriCorps effective May 27, 2025. At this time, orders for awards and applications to become a Certifying Organization are not being accepted.
If there are any questions, please review our FAQs or reach out to PVSA@americorps.gov.

What does not qualify as eligible service? toggle arrow

Donating funds or materials instead of time.
Political lobbying or campaigning.
Religious instruction or conducting worship services.
Proselytizing (attempting to convert others to a religion).
Court-ordered community service.
Volunteer service performed only for family members.
Service hours that are double-counted for another award program (e.g., Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award hours may not be reused for PVSA credit).
Mandatory school extracurricular activities or hours required to maintain membership or leadership roles in clubs, sports, or honor societies (e.g., required Key Club or NHS service hours).

Important Notes on Submissions:

Large blocks of hours are subject to review and may require additional explanation or a detailed breakdown of activities to ensure they meet PVSA criteria.
Be as specific and accurate as possible when logging service time. The more clarity you provide, the smootherthe review process will be.
As a council, we exclusively provide the official PVSA certificate and the PVSA pin—no medallions, apparel, or other add-ons are included.

Community Service Bar toggle arrow

20 hours of service to one organization

The Cadette Community Service Bar is earned by making a difference in the community and practicing the values of the Girl Scout Law. It is also a way for girls to get involved with a cause they care about.
The Senior Community Service Bar is earned by making a difference in the community and practicing the values of the Girl Scout Law. It is also a way for girls to get involved with a cause they care about.
The Ambassador Community Service Bar is earned by making a difference in the community and practicing the values of the Girl Scout Law. It is also a way for girls to get involved with a cause they care about.

Lifesaving Awards toggle arrow

Girl Scouts have been honored since 1913 for meritorious deeds that helped save lives. Lifesaving Awards are national awards given to a registered Girl Scout who has saved or attempted to save human life under circumstances that indicate heroism or risk of her own life. These awards are reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed acts of heroism beyond the degree of maturity and training expected for their age.

Training in health and safety is a part of the Girl Scout program. A Girl Scout, because of the Promise, Law, motto, and slogan to which she has subscribed, is expected to be resourceful, skilled, and competent – to have presence of mind and to be of service to others. Each situation has many unique factors, and many things are taken into consideration for determining if an act is of unusual bravery beyond that which is expected of a Girl Scout.

Bronze Cross

The Bronze Cross is presented when a girl has shown special heroism or faced extraordinary risk of her own life to save another’s life or an attempt to save another life. It is the highest award for valor in Girl Scouting and rarely given.

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is presented for gallantry in saving a life or attempting to save a life without considerable risk to a girl’s life.

Volunteers can recognize a girl for acts of heroism for either of these lifesaving awards. Contact our Customer Care Department at customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org for additional details and an application.

Completed applications that meet all requirements are submitted to Girl Scouts of the USA for consideration.

Peer Leadership Awards "Formerly Torch Awards" toggle arrow

Council Approval Not Required - On Your Honor.

There is no change to Sliver and Gold Torch Pins.

The Silver Torch award recognizes a Girl Scout Cadette who acts as a leader in her community. The award is earned by completing a Cadette National Leadership Journey and serving in a leadership position at a school, place of worship, library, or similar organization. Refreshed as of July 18, 2025

The Gold Torch award recognizes a Girl Scout Ambassador who acts as a leader in her community. The award is earned by completing one Ambassador National Leadership Journey and serving in a leadership position at a school, place of worship, library, or similar organization. Refreshed as of July 18, 2025.
Senior Torch Award - Girl Scout Seniors will now earn the Gold Torch award. Retired as of July 2025.

Service to Girl Scouting toggle arrow

The Cadette Service to Girl Scouting Bar is earned by volunteering at least 20 hours to the Girl Scout organization. A Cadette can volunteer at a special event for younger girls, be an office assistant for their council or service unit or help with special projects.
The Senior Service to Girl Scouting Bar is earned by volunteering at least 20 hours to the Girl Scout organization. A Senior can volunteer at a special event for younger girls, be an office assistant for their council, service unit or help with special projects.
The Ambassador Service to Girl Scouting bar is earned by volunteering at least 20 hours to the Girl Scout organization. An Ambassador can volunteer at a special event for younger girls, be an office assistant for their council or service unit or help with special projects.

Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship toggle arrow

Colleges and universities recognize the merits of the Girl Scout experience by making scholarships and grants available to Girl Scouts and recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Girls seeking scholarships should contact their high school guidance counselor or the financial aid office at the school they wish to attend for information on any scholarships that might be available to Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Scholarship:

Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship is available to high school seniors who plan to attend a college or university in the fall after graduating. The scholarship is funded by council staff giving and recognizes a girl's achievements in Girl Scouts and in academics and other activities. Applicants must submit an online application, two references, and a sealed official high school transcript. Applications for 2026 are due Wednesday, April 15.

Download the Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship application.

For more information, email customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org or call 210-349-2404.

Find GSUSA scholarship opportunities.

Leadership Awards

Practice all the ways you can lead yourself, your team, and your community.

The new Leadership Awards are about building real skills for real impact and having the confidence to turn your ideas into action. Whether you’re figuring out what leadership means to you, working with a team, leading a group, or stepping up to a challenge, these awards are designed to help you explore what leadership means to you—no pressure, just room to grow.

Personal Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Peer Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Teaching Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Community Advocacy Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Personal Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Start with you—build confidence and courage to lead your way.

The brand-new True North award is available for Junior, Cadette, and Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts.

The True North award is about discovering what matters to you and staying true to yourself. It’s your chance to follow your values and take meaningful action, even when it feels hard or a little scary. Whether you’re finding the courage to speak up for what you believe in, taking on challenges, or advocating for positive change, this award helps you build the confidence and clarity to chart your own course and take courageous steps toward what truly matters to you.

Bonus feature: Earning the True North award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Peer Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Be an awesome teammate while learning how to guide a group.

The Silver Torch award for Cadettes and the Gold Torch award for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts help you grow as a team leader. You’ll start by learning how to be a great teammate and build up to leading a group of peers within Girl Scouting or the wider community.

Silver Torch award: Learn how to shine on a team at school or within a place of worship, Girl Scouts, or a community organization. Work toward a shared goal, support your teammates, and build confidence as you find out what motivates people and inspires positive change.

Gold Torch award: This award gives you the know-how and skills to lead with purpose and heart, not just be in charge. Whether you’re a team captain, club officer, advisory board member, or a leader at a community organization, you’ll learn how to bring people together, turn ideas into impact, and inspire others.

Bonus feature: Earning the Torch award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Silver or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Teaching Leadership Awards toggle arrow

Share your skills and inspire younger kids with hands-on leadership.

The path from helper to role model starts here! Level by level, you’ll grow the confidence and planning skills to lead younger kids through activities, program events, and more.

Junior Aide award (Junior): Discover your leadership style by planning and leading a fun, inclusive activity for younger kids. Build your confidence as you learn what it means to guide and inspire others.

Program Aide award (Cadette): Grow your leadership skills by planning and leading multiple activities—including a full meeting—for younger Girl Scouts. You’ll practice being a role model and engaging different age groups along the way.

Volunteer in Training award (Senior/Ambassador): Take charge by leading two full meetings. Create meaningful experiences that help younger Girl Scouts learn, grow, and feel included while making a lasting impact as a mentor and leader.

Counselor in Training I (Senior/Ambassador): Team up with other teens to learn how to connect with campers, shadow and support camp staff, and take the lead on songs, games, and group activities. You’ll build real leadership skills, make a lasting impact, and become the role model younger campers look up to—all while having a blast at camp.

Counselor in Training II (Ambassador): Take your leadership to the next level by planning and leading fun, meaningful activities, including a hands-on service project, for younger campers. You’ll also get to support camp staff by helping to manage schedules, keep groups on track, and handle real-life challenges like conflict resolution. You’ll grow your skills, make a difference, and keep being the role model others look up to.

For Counselor in Training I and II, reach out to your local Girl Scout council to locate a CIT program at a camp near you.

Bonus feature: Earning one Leadership award for your program level opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior Aide: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Program Aide: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Volunteer in Training: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
For Counselor in Training I and II, reach out to your local Girl Scout council to locate a CIT program at a camp near you.

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Community Advocacy Awards toggle arrow

Turn your passions into action by making change locally or globally.

The Take Action award and Global Action award are available to Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts who want to turn their passion into action! Pick your favorite badge and use it as inspiration to create meaningful impact in your community. Many issues affect your world, both close to home and far away—focus on one that matters most to you.

Take Action award: Team up to identify a local issue, understand what’s behind it and who’s already working on it, and create a lasting solution.

Global Action award: Explore how communities worldwide experience similar issues, then make a global connection by applying what you learn to your project.

Bonus feature: Earning one Community Advocacy award opens the door to the Highest Awards. Once you earn this award, you’ve fulfilled the prerequisite and are ready to start your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

Download the Volunteer Guide and Action Plan PDFs:

Junior: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Cadette: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide
Senior & Ambassador: Action Plan | Volunteer Guide

Make it official—Get your award pin!

Girl Board

Serve as a leader, advocate, and be a voice for and within the council.

About Girl Board toggle arrow

A volunteer board of directors sets strategic direction for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. Board members represent the broad diversity of our council membership and the communities we serve.

Girls have the opportunity to participate in this process as Ex Officio Girl Board Members. Serving as an Ex Officio Girl Board Member is an excellent way to become involved at the council level and serve as a leader and advocate. Join and experience the board process, meet distinguished members of our community, and enhance your resume for jobs and college!

Serving as an Ex Officio Girl Board Member offers high school-aged Girl Scouts opportunities to learn real-world leadership skills. The executive-planning atmosphere will allow Girl Scout members to understand the inner workings of our organization and the ways in which the Board influences and supports the council. During their one-year term, Girl Board members will also obtain invaluable experience in long-term planning and financial accountability.

What is expected?

Ex Officio Girl Board Members are asked to attend each board meeting (four total each year), the council's annual meeting, Girl Board meetings, pillar events (i.e. STEM Expo, Day of the Girl), and other important council events. During the Girl Board meetings, held each Second Saturday of the month, members will plan out their year for community service projects, team-building days, and strategies for innovative programming for older girls. Girl Scout representatives will be expected to speak on their experiences in Girl Scouting and participate in board activities.

Requirements

Girl Scouts must be in grades 9-11 at the time of application to be eligible to apply for the Ex Officio Girl Board position. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be interviewed, by a selection committee. If you have any questions about the Ex Officio Girl Board position or application, please email customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org.

2026-2027 Ex Officio Girl Board Overview & Timeline

Applications: Applications are open for the 2026-27 Girl Board! All applications and letters of recommendation are due by April 3.

PR Team

Represent the council at events, media appearances, and more.

About PR Team toggle arrow

The PR Team is comprised of Girl Scouts of all ages who apply to represent the council in various public ways. Overseen by the Marketing and Communications Department, girls on the PR Team have opportunities to participate in media appearances (TV, print/digital, radio), event participation (flag ceremonies, to represent the council, to be on a panel, etc.), photoshoots, and more.

Girls must complete an application and interview process before joining the team. Being a member of the PR Team does not guarantee a girl will appear in media; however, all girls are given opportunities to participate and are selected based on availability and the council's needs to coverage/attendance.

Applications for the 2024 Girl Scout year open August 2023.

Summer Camp

Take on leadership roles at Camp Metro and Camp La Jita.

About Camp Roles toggle arrow

Cadette Program Aide (PA) toggle arrow

Girls can serve as a Program Aide (PA) at Camp Metro and/or Camp La Jita!

They must have completed all three PA requirements listed in the section below AND be 12 years old entering the 7th grade OR 13-years-old entering the 8th grade.

Requirements listed in the section below.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I and II toggle arrow

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn Counselor-in-Training I and II certification by mentoring young girls at one of our summer camps as they build skills toward becoming a camp counselor.

Camp La Jita: CIT (I/II) certification is a two-week training where you will learn the ins and outs of running camp while also assisting in each area from camp units to the barn, kitchen, and so on. You will familiarize yourself with the surroundings of camp, as well as gain experience of how camp activities are run.

Camp Metro: CIT (I/II) certification is a two-week training where you will learn to plan and execute creative activities for the day camp, as well as master skills needed to lead younger girls in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Requirements listed in the section below.

Equestrian Aide (EA) toggle arrow

As an Equestrian Aide (EA), you’ll work under the supervision of the riding director at Camp La Jita to learn horse care and stable management. A lot of time will be spent at the barn improving and mastering skills as you share your love of horses with other campers! It’s not all work and no play-enjoy all that camp has to offer when you’re not at the barn.

Requirements:

Entering grades 9th-12th.

Previous completion of Program Aide certification/requirements.

Must have attended Wild West and/or Night Riders sessions for two years (submit dates attended to customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org after registering for this session).

Cookie Season

Rock your cookie business and be a Cookie Entrepreneurial Officer.

About CEO

Each Girl Scout Cookie® Program, we recognize the Girl Scout who sold the most Girl Scout Cookies during the season as our Cookie Entrepreneurial Officer (CEO). The girl receives recognition as the CEO, acts as a council spokesperson at PR opportunities, shadows the council CEO for a day, and receives special awards including a personalized acrylic plaque, a boutique named after her in the Girl Scout Shop, and more!

Learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Leader in Action (LiA) Award toggle arrow

The LiA is earned by assisting a group of Brownie Girl Scouts on any of their National Leadership Journeys.

To earn this award, complete the requirements in the Volunteer Toolkit in MyGS.

LiA Award will be leaving October 1, 2026. Retired as of July 2025.

Program Aide (PA) toggle arrow

Cadettes receive their Program Aide (PA) award by earning one Leader in Action (LiA) award, completing council-designed leadership course training, and working directly with younger girls.

You can become a PA by:

Attending a Program Aide training (trainings are offered twice in the fall and twice in the spring).
Earning one LiA by assisting a Brownie group/troop in completing a Journey.
Working with younger girls for six or more activity sessions for a minimum of 1 hour each session. These activities can include assisting girls of a younger level within your troop or a different troop, and through volunteering at community/council events (hours/sessions earning the LiA award do not count towards this requirement).
Once you have completed the three requirements, please submit a completed Program Aide Award Activity Log to receive your award pin. Program Aides will receive their award pin via mail 4-6 weeks after confirmation of submission.
Submission process: Email a scanned copy of the Program Aide Award Activity Log to customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org with the subject line: Program Aide Activity Log – Girl Scout’s Name. Paper forms will not be accepted.

Girls can serve as a Program Aide (PA) at Camp Metro and/or Camp La Jita! They must complete all three PA requirements listed above AND be 12-years-old entering the 7th grade OR 13-years-old entering the 8th grade to be a Program Aide at summer camp.

Counselor-in-Training I and II (CIT I and II) toggle arrow

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn Counselor-in-Training I and II certification by mentoring young girls at one of our summer camps as they build skills toward becoming a camp counselor.

Camp La Jita: CIT (I/II) certification is a two-week training where you learn the ins and outs of running camp while also assisting in each area from camp units to the barn, kitchen, and so on. You will familiarize yourself with the surroundings of camp, as well as gain experience of how camp activities are run.

Camp Metro: CIT (I/II) certification is a two-week training where you learn to plan and execute creative activities for the day camp, as well as master skills needed to lead younger girls in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Counselor-in-Training I (CIT I) requirements:

Entering grades 10th-12th.
Previous completion of all Program Aide certification/requirements with 2+ years of PA experience.
Must register for and attend a CIT I Summer Camp Training (annual requirement).

Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II) requirements:

Entering grades 11th-12th.
Previous completion of all Program Aide & CIT I certification/requirements.
Must register for and attend a CIT Summer Camp Training (annual requirement).
Complete online registration for the week(s) your Girl Scout intends to CIT.

Apply here to be a CIT II - Deadline is April 29, 2026 at 6:00pm

Please note:

Girls wanting to be a CIT (I/II) at Camp Metro or Camp La Jita MUST:

Be registered for the two-week training (during the first two weeks of camp).
Be registered for the weeks your Girl Scout intends to CIT.

What’s New at Girl Scouts

Check out the latest badges and activities for Girl Scouts.

Council Finder

Leadership and Highest Awards

You’ve got what it takes to make a lasting impact.

Get started by earning a highest award in Girl Scouting.

Highest Awards

Service Awards

20 hours of service to one organization

Bronze Cross

Medal of Honor

Leadership Awards

Practice all the ways you can lead yourself, your team, and your community.

Personal Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Peer Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Teaching Leadership Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Community Advocacy Awards

For Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Start with you—build confidence and courage to lead your way.

The brand-new True North award is available for Junior, Cadette, and Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts.

Be an awesome teammate while learning how to guide a group.

The Silver Torch award for Cadettes and the Gold Torch award for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts help you grow as a team leader. You’ll start by learning how to be a great teammate and build up to leading a group of peers within Girl Scouting or the wider community.

Share your skills and inspire younger kids with hands-on leadership.

The path from helper to role model starts here! Level by level, you’ll grow the confidence and planning skills to lead younger kids through activities, program events, and more.

Turn your passions into action by making change locally or globally.