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.
If you don’t know a Girl Scout already, mark your calendar for February 16, when customers who do not already know a Girl Scout can go to gswo.org/findcookies to purchase cookies to be shipped directly to their homes. This link also can be used to find a local booth or purchase cookies for donation to military and veterans’ organizations and local foodbanks.
All Girl Scout Cookie proceeds stay local.
Do you know what’s even sweeter than Girl Scout Cookies? Every box of cookies you buy from your neighborhood Girl Scout stays local. Proceeds from your purchase help fund incredible adventures like camping and bold ideas like a local recycling program. The Dayton region has over 5000 girl scout that will benefit from your support when you purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout today!
