Each girl scout cookie season I share this story:
I admit I was a girl scout. And for those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was determined to sell more cookies than any of the other girls. I went up and down my street, knocking on doors for orders. I called all my relatives and perfected my telemarketing skills. I asked my dad to get his co-workers to buy from me. And he said NO! But he did offer to take me to work so I could ask for the order. I worked hard and sold hundreds of boxes and was sure I’d win the Cookie title.
Well as it turns out, I didn’t. Some little girl named Susie did. She lived down the street from me and I never saw her ask any of our neighbors to buy cookies. I asked her how she did it and she said it was easy-her mom and dad got all the orders for her. I was mad and didn’t think it was fair and complained to my dad about it. He told me life wasn’t fair, never would be, but that I’d really won, and I’d appreciate it some day when I realized that I had gotten much more out of it than Susie had. Not what a 9 year old girl wants to hear. So I’m sure I sulked around for a while, until something else captured my attention.
But now many years later, I get it. My dad was right- I had won! I’d learned how to set a goal, prospect customers, perfect my sales pitch, work on my organizational skills, plan the logistics of delivery, handle money, make change and enjoy quite a few cookies, too!
And that’s why I implore you to only buy cookies from Girl Scouts. I know there are many well intentioned parents that want to help their daughters, and help support the troops so they can put on all the programs they have scheduled; but please help them by letting them sell! And I still pledge to buy cookies from any girl scout who asks.
When you buy Girl Scout Cookies from the girls you help young entrepreneurs develop five essential life skills.
Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them, enabling amazing experiences for themselves and their troops all year long, while helping others too.
Girl Scouts learn to make decisions on their own and as a team, whether it’s how to run and promote their cookie sale, interact with customers, or spend their earnings.
Girl Scouts learn to expand their money smarts while running their own cookie business and create a budget to fund the experiences they want to share as a troop.
Girl Scouts find their voice and build confidence through customer interactions, developing valuable skills that will help them succeed in school, in business, and in life.
Girl Scouts learn to act ethically—lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime of leadership and success.
And now about the cookies:
Gluten free? Try Caramel Chocolate Chips
Vegan? Try Thin Mints
Kosher? Halal? Try them all! Every flavor variety is kosher and Halal certified.
Did you know the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world?
When you buy delicious Girl Scout Cookies, you’re supporting Girl Scout entrepreneurs and funding future adventures for Girl Scouts. And Proceeds stay local.
Every purchase you make guarantees that Girl Scouts capture the experience of life and leadership.
How the Cookie Crumbles
Did you know that 100% of the proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program stay right here within Girl Scouts of Western Ohio? That means after paying for the product, the remaining proceeds of every package purchased go directly to troops and our local council. These funds help fuel adventures and program opportunities as well as keep our camps safe and fun! Plus, troops earn proceeds for their own goals and plans.
How to order Girl Scout cookies this year:
Ordering Girl Scout cookies always seems like a mad scramble (don’t put it off like I always do and miss out), so if you want to snag a few boxes, you have a few options. First off, you can always order them directly through a locally registered Girl Scout. If you don’t know any offhand, you can either check in with your local Girl Scout council, or use this handy Girl Scout Cookie Finder to locate an active booth near you.
Starting February 21, you can also pop your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder and have boxes shipped directly to your home. If you really want to stay on top of things, you can text the word “COOKIES” to 59618, and you can keep up with the cookies and other Girl Scout news that way.
Enter your information here to be notified when cookie booths open near you! Girl Scout Cookie booths in the area starting starting February 14.
