On a diet? It can wait. The Girl Scouts Cookies craze has taken the world by storm! Everywhere you turn, there are Girl Scouts selling boxes upon boxes of delicious cookies. From the classic Thin Mints to the popular newly added S’mores flavor, it’s no wonder why people go crazy for these delectable treats. ‘But beware, the more cookies you buy, the more you want!’ll
Millions of people around the country can’t resist a bite of delicious Girl Scout Cookies. For over 100 years (since 1917 to be exact), Girl Scouts have been selling these tasty treats as a way to help fund activities and experiences during their troops’ year. Every year, more than 200 million packages are sold by Girl Scouts all over the country, making it one of the most popular cookie brands in the country. From the classic Thin Mints, to newer flavors like the Caramel Chocolate Chip, Girl Scout Cookies have something for everyone to enjoy! And with the money raised, Girl Scouts are able to do great things for their communities and for themselves.
READ MORE: 10 Recipes Inspired by Girl Scout Cookies
The History of Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scouts was founded on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low in Savannah, Georgia. During a time when girls weren’t encouraged to go outside, much less lead, Daisy created an organization that broke barriers and changed the world. Daisy believed in the power of every girl and gave them opportunities to develop courage, confidence, and character through service experiences and journeys. From its humble beginning with 18 members, Girl Scouts has grown to 3.7 million strong—2.6 million girls and 1.1 million adults—across the United States and US territories, with millions more in the global Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement.
Types of Girl Scout Cookies
Thin Mints: A classic favorite, Thin Mints consist of a crispy chocolate cookie coated with a thin layer of chocolate and peppermint-flavored fudge.
Samoas/Caramel deLites: These cookies are made with a crunchy oat base, topped with caramel and coconut, and finished with a chocolate drizzle.
Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties: These cookies feature a layer of peanut butter held between two layers of crispy golden cookies. The entire cookie is then dipped in chocolate.
Trefoils/Shortbread: These simple, buttery cookies are cut in the shape of the official Girl Scout emblem and are enjoyed by both young and old.
Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich: These cookies have a layer of creamy peanut butter spread on one side and then sandwiched between two buttery oatmeal cookies.
Lemonades: Tart and sweet, these lemon-flavored sandwich cookies are made with a lemon-flavored shortbread base and topped with a light lemon icing.
Savannah Smiles: This unique cookie is made with a lightly-sweet crunchy base, topped with a zesty lemon-flavored icing, and dusted with powdered sugar.
The Selling and Distribution of Girl Scout Cookies
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps to power amazing experiences for girls throughout the year. Through the program, girls learn essential life skills like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—all while selling fun and delicious treats!
In order to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, a troop (or individual) must register with their local Girl Scout council. From there, Girl Scouts will take customer orders and have a target sales goal. They will then pick up their cookies from the closest cookie depot and begin selling.
Girl Scouts can sell cookies door-to-door or in front of businesses, and even online using the Digital Cookie platform. As the girls sell cookies, their customers can pay with cash, credit, preorder forms, or e-checks. Once the Girl Scouts reach their goal, the local Girl Scout council will purchase the cookies from the bakery and deliver them to the girls’ cookie depot.
Finally, it’s time for the girls to deliver the cookies to their customers and celebrate their success! Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls are empowered to take the lead and make amazing things happen.
READ MORE: Teaching Children About World Peace and Why It Is So Important
The Girl Scout Cookies Program
The Girl Scout Cookies Program is a major source of funding for Girl Scouts—in fact, it’s the largest girl-led business in the world! The money earned from the sale of cookies helps power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences, like leadership programs, outdoor adventures, community service projects, and more. It also teaches girls five essential skills: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Girl Scouts learn life lessons each year while participating in the Cookie Program. This helps them develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program are also used to support the Girl Scouts in their local community. They use the money to support a variety of initiatives such as STEM programming, outdoor activities, and programs that focus on community service and social issues such as anti-bullying and food insecurity. The funds are also used to support the local councils and help the community by providing programming and resources.
READ MORE: The Top 10 Best Summer Camps for Children in the US
Ways to Support the Girl Scouts
Yes, we know you feel so good inside when you bite into a delicious Thin Mint because you’ve supported a great cause. However, several other ways exist to support the Girl Scouts program, too!
Donating money: You can donate to the Girl Scouts of the USA and other local councils to help cover program costs and support girls everywhere.
Volunteering: You can volunteer to be a leader or as a mentor for the girls in your local community.
Shopping on Amazon Smile: When you shop on Amazon Smile, a percentage of your purchase is donated to the Girl Scouts.
Hosting an Event: Whether it’s a fundraising activity or a fun activity for the girls to enjoy, hosting an event is a great way to support the Girl Scouts.
Being an Advocate: You can help share the mission and goals of the Girl Scouts by being an advocate and spreading the word about the program.
Sharing Resources: You can help the Girl Scouts in your community by providing resources like books, supplies, and information about the organization.
The Girl Scout Cookies program is a major fundraising initiative that allows Girl Scouts to develop key business and financial skills while earning money to fund various enrichment activities. The program has been in operation since 1917 and is now a $776 million industry. It provides an experience for girls to learn valuable life lessons and develop leadership skills, while also allowing them to give back to their local communities through donations of cookies and proceeds from sale.
The program also raises awareness of the Girl Scout mission and what it stands for, including leadership, courage, confidence, and character. Furthermore, the program gives individual Girl Scouts an opportunity to grow and develop in a positive and supportive environment. Ultimately, the Girl Scouts cookie program is an essential part of the organization’s role in empowering young girls and giving them the skills to become successful adults.
Photo Credits: Girl Scouts of America
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