Because of the shortage of metal during WWII, at first the award was a curved embroidered patch worn on the uniform.

In 1990, National Council Session delegates approved a proposal which would keep the name of the Gold Award in perpetuity.

All of these hours must be completed by the Awardee, and though it is encouraged that the girl use troop members and others from the community to help her, their time spent does not count towards her 80-hour requirement.

Recipients of the Gold Award who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Yearly, GSUSA selects ten girls to be National Young Women of Distinction based on their Gold Award projects.