Adult Position Pins: Those Little Color Bars Explained

Posted On February 3, 2026

(Originally posted October 2017; Last updated January 2026)

Adult Position Pins were introduced in 1968 to replace older types of adult position insignia. Only 1 pin was to be worn between the WAGGGS pin and the membership pin. The exception to the rule was for adults that were also troop leaders, and then the two bars were worn side by side with the yellow (Troop Leader) bar towards the inside.

Insignia tabs were introduced in 1977 and allowed no more than 2 pins (regardless of which 2) to be worn one above the other in the same location. This has continued to today.

Current Position Pins

Are you wearing the right Adult Position Pins? In 2011, with the change in the badge program for girls, also came a change in what the colors mean for adults.

• Maroon – National Operational Volunteers, National Board Committee Members
• Dark Green – National Board of Directors
• Deep Blue – National Board of Officers
• Dark Gray – Council Presidents
• Light Gray – Council Board Members, Board Committee Members
• Beige – Staff
• Light Blue – Service Team Volunteers, Administrative Volunteers, USAGSO Committee Chairs, Overseas Committee Members, Council Volunteers
• Lime Green – Learning Facilitators (Trainers)
• Red – Program Volunteers, Event and Camp Pathway Volunteers
• Orange – Series and Travel Pathway Volunteers
• Yellow – Troop Pathway Volunteers (Troop Leaders and Troop Volunteers)

Looking for adult position pins?
I carry a rotating selection of current and vintage adult position pins for wear or collecting → [Browse Adult Position Pins]

Pin History

Adult position pins have expanded as Girl Scouts grew and leadership roles became more diverse. Each color was intentionally chosen to represent different levels of service and responsibility.

Original pins:

• Gold – Honorary National President
• Blue – Past Honorary President, National President, Past President, National Vice President, Chair of National Executive Committee
• Green – National Board of Directors, Regional Chairman
• Maroon – Regional Committee Members
• Dark Gray – Council President
• Light Gray – Council Vice President
• Yellow – Leader and Assistant Leader

Added in 1973:

• Red – Council Volunteer Serving Troops

Added in 1978:

• Chartreuse – Trainers

Added in 1983:

• Light Blue – Other Volunteers
• Beige – Staff

Added in 1985:

• Maroon – National Volunteers in Regions and on National Committees

Added in 1993:

• Navy, Green, Blue (Striped) – Board Alumni

With the changes, I do not know if they still have position pins for the Honorary National President or Board Alumni. 

I currently wear Lime Green as a Learning Facilitator (Trainer) and Red since I work so much with Camps. I also keep a yellow and light blue one in my vest pocket.

Which colors do you get to wear? Share below or tag us on facebook with yours!

~Zigg