It's officially that time again in Orange County. The Girl Scout Cookie Program (the largest girl-led business in the world) has begun! Just a few months ago I wrote that I was afraid of the cookies and their calories. That hasn't changed- moderation is difficult with these delicious treats. But with a big troop excursion planned in June- my troop needs to use our Girl Scout resourcefulness.
Juliette Gordon Low (The founder of Girl Scouting) decided that girls should be able to fund their own troop activities- thus the idea of Girl Scout Cookies was born. The famous cookies had their early beginnings in the kitchens of Girl Scouts, with mothers volunteering as their kitchen advisers. In the 1920s and 1930s, Girl Scouts baked their own simple sugar cookies, packaged them in wax paper bags sealed with a sticker, and sold them door-to-door for 25 to 35 cents per dozen. So here we are in 2013 with newly designed boxes that feature busy Girl Scouts on the front and cookies in cute uniforms on the back. Since this past Sunday, Girl Scouts are out in their neighborhoods with smiles and as many boxes as they can pull in a wagon. (The cookies do cost a bit more now- but who can put a price on the joy of munching a cookie you wait all year for?)
As I said moderation is difficult- That's why they sell so well- almost selling themselves at times. I wear a button that says "Ask Me About Girl Scout Cookies". People ask and then usually buy a box or two; it's great. I get fun stories too. I get to hear about what Girl Scouting was like for them years ago, how they use a cookie in recipes or how much they love a particular flavor.
This year my troop is in high school and selling cookies is harder than ever. Getting them out in public in their uniforms, talking to people other than their best friends is hard at best. But they do it, even if the smiles are a bit more forced than when the girls were cute little Brownies. They do enjoy the activities and community service that we use the money for.
As much as I dislike the fact that I have 1,000 plus boxes of cookies in my garage, I do like the lessons taught by the Cookie Program. As written on the side of each box "Selling Girl Scout Cookies helps girls develop 5 skills that they use throughout their lives" I agree that these are all useful skills for being successful in the future.
The 5 Skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program
- Goal Setting
- Decision Making
- Money Management
- People Skills
- Business Ethics
So remember: "There's more to Girl Scout Cookies than what's in the box! When a Girl Scout sells you cookies, she's building a lifetime of skills and confidence. She learns goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics-aspects essential to leadership, to success, and to life." (http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/)
By putting her mind and energies to something, a Girl Scout can overcome any challenge. There are no limits. She can be anything. She can do anything. She can sell you cookies! And we can eat them up, yum!
What is your favorite cookie? Check out all the flavors!
Feb 8th, 2013 is National Girl Scout Cookie Day!!
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