Highest Awards. They represent an incredible part of the Girl Scout journey and show just how bold, dedicated, and hardworking Girl Scouts are.

In order for a Girl Scout to receive her Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, she must complete a Take Action Project.

For a Take Action Project, Girl Scouts must address a complex issue in the community, then put in the research and hands-on effort to make sustainable change.

Go for Gold! | gsmidtn.org

Executing a Take Action Project, either as an individual or as a group, is no easy feat. You may be a Girl Scout who’s eager to go for the Gold, but wondering: “Where do I start?”

A perfectly fair question! We talked with a couple Highest Award Recipients full of wise advice.

In her 8 years as a Girl Scout, Gracie from Troop 2163 earned a number of accolades. For her Gold Award last year, she created a Little Learners Library at the Tullahoma Day Care Center. She collected nearly 1,000 books, constructed bookcases, and made a database system. Gracie said she wanted to help kids develop a love of reading like she had.

Gracie’s tips:

  • Pick a topic you are passionate about.
  • Take it all one step at a time.
  • Celebrate the little things!
  • Set small goals to achieve while always keeping the end result in mind.

Gracie said she faced a challenge in getting donations at the beginning. But that inspired her to expand her outreach. After that, she received more than enough support! Don’t let roadblocks stop you; let them motivate you to create innovative solutions.  

Ava from Troop 782 earned her Bronze Award last year alongside fellow troop member Karley. Together they constructed a music wall for Rotary Park in Clarksville. They built the wall from unique materials—like metal pipes and washboards—to creatively teach kids more about music, rhythm, and sound.

Ava’s advice:

  • Start by thinking about things you are passionate about—maybe art, animals, or sports! (Ava is a musician, which inspired her project!)
  • Next, consider how those topics relate to your community.
  • Work with knowledgeable, inspiring mentors.
    • Ava and Karley worked with a college music professor to help them understand the technical elements of their project. They also had a former Girl Scout, who helped them brainstorm when they hit roadblocks.
  • Remember why you’re doing this…

“I wanted to look back when I am older and know that I helped my community. Some girls might think that Highest Awards are too hard or too much work, but I feel the harder something is, the better the reward.”

No one ever said getting a highest award would be easy…but everyone who’s been in those shoes says it’s worth it.

You’ve got this. We can’t wait to see what you come up with and how you continue to serve!


Find more information on Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee Highest Awards here.

We love celebrating Highest Award achievers each year at Honors Day! Read about our 2021 ceremony.