Gold Award Ceremony

"The Gold Award was established in 1980 as Girl Scouting's highest award. Only Senior Girl Scouts, at least 14 years of age, may pursue this award.

"The requirements for the Gold Award involve the completion of a combination of interest projects, leadership, career exploration and service projects. A young woman must demonstrate ability and skill in goal-setting, planning, putting values into action, and relating to the community. Each scout must earn 4 interest project patches, the Senior Challenge, the Senior Leadership award and the Career Challenge Pin. Upon completion of these requirements, the Scout must plan and execute a community service project spanning a period of at least four months. Each Scout must summit to the Girl Scout Council a project plan for approval before she does her project. Final application for the Gold Award is made to the council upon completion of the service project.

"The Gold Award Advisory Panel reviews each application to determine that the Scout has truly shown the exceptional leadership and organizational skills and has completed the community service required to earn this award. Over the years Girl Scouting's Highest Award has been called the Golden Eaglet, the Curved Bar, First Class and finally the Girl Scout Gold Award. There has never been a time when Girl Scouting has not had a highest award."

The following is the "Challenge to Recipients of the Gold Award" used at some councils' Gold Award ceremonies:

"Will all of those in the audience who have earned Girl Scouting's highest award, please stand.

[Speaker addresses the candidate(s)]

"[candidates' name(s)], the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides constitute one of the most significant movements in the history of the world. By your hard work and dedication, you have earned your right to be counted worthy of the program's highest rank. You have assumed a solemn obligation of service to God, to your country, to your fellow Girl Scouts and to humanity. Remember that the award you are about to receive is not only yours, but holds great significance for all of us as well. For what you do in the future reflects not only upon yourself but on those of us who with you hold Girl Scouting's highest award."