Girlguiding awards
Thanks badge
The thanks badge can be either a brooch, pin or cloth badge. It can be given to members and non-members of Girlguiding as a sign of appreciation for their support. Any member of Girlguiding may present a thanks badge after discussion with a leader or commissioner. The thanks badge can only be given to a member of the Trefoil Guild if they’ve given service specifically to Girlguiding.
Good service brooch
This brooch can be given to an adult member of Girlguiding for excellent service to guiding. It can be awarded by the chief guide, for service to Girlguiding, a chief commissioner, for service in a country or region and a county commissioner, for service in the county. To be eligible for a good service brooch, the nominee must have completed a role no more than 6 months before the application is made.
Long service awards
Any adult member who volunteers regularly, no matter what their role, gender or age is, can get a long service award. Service is counted from the date someone becomes a member, aged 16 or over, and actively carries out a role for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 years. Years of service don't have to be consecutive. The county commissioner should keep an eye on when active members in their county are due to receive awards. If there’s any query about length of service, the decision of the county commissioner is final.
Guiding Star award
The Guiding Star award is given to exceptional young members of Girlguiding, aged up to 19. Girlguiding members can nominate a young member for a Guiding Star award by submitting an application.
Hero award
An award for members or friends of Girlguiding who have done something special. Heroes can be of any age. They can be members or friends of Girlguiding. Reasons to give the Hero award are as wide as your imagination!
Laurel award
The Laurel award celebrates exceptional service. It’s an award for an active member of Girlguiding who’s made an outstanding contribution to guiding. Girlguiding members can nominate exceptional volunteers for a Laurel award by submitting an application.
Silver Fish award
The Silver Fish award recognises what a member has achieved across the breadth of Girlguiding. This is Girlguiding's highest honour so only a few awards are given each year. Girlguiding members can nominate exceptional volunteers for a Silver Fish award by submitting an application.
2026 dates for award submissions
December submissions
12 December 2026 - region deadline
7 January 2026 - region meeting
24 January 2026 - national deadline
March 2026 - national meeting
March submissions
6 March 2026 - region deadline
25 March 2026 - region meeting
19 April 2026 - national deadline
June 2026 - national meeting
July submissions
1 July 2026 - region deadline
15 July 2026 - region meeting
22 August - national deadline
October 2026 - national meeting
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