From the beginning of Girl Scouts, one prestigious award has recognized the girls who make a difference in their communities and in their own lives.

The Golden Eagle of Merit, the highest award in Girl Scouting from 1916 to 1919, marked the beginning of this tradition. 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.

Today’s highest award, the Girl Scout Gold Award, was introduced in 1980 and remains the top award for girls to attain. The steps to earning the highest awards are rooted in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the three keys to leadership: girls discover themselves and their values and explore the world, connect with others locally and globally, and take action to make the world a better place. Learn more about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girls can choose to use either the summer 2009 Girl Scout award guidelines or the previous guidelines to earn the award during the two-year transition period (summer 2009 through September 2011). Keep track of the date and check with GSMW if you have any questions.

For more information, visit GSUSA’s Highest Awards F.A.Q.s

Download the Gold/Silver/Bronze Highest Awards at-a-glance