Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign for the Girl Scouts (GSUSA) and Mom It Forward Blogger Network, written by me. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
When I was a little girl, I was a member of the Girl Scouts. I started as a Brownie, and progressed throughout the higher levels of the Girl Scout system. I made some lifelong friends through the Girl Scouts, and we still love to reminisce and share stories about the memories we made. I remember having a handbook, with projects we could complete that required us to learn a variety of skills, to earn badges. It was a fun way to learn important lessons and life skills in a constructive and fun way. We often went on weekend camping trips where we’d camp out, prepare our meals, and explore the outdoors. While we did have fun activities, such as horseback riding and socializing with girls from other troops, we also would do a community service project, such as trash collection along the side of roads or State Parks, or visit nursing homes to spend time with the elderly.
What the Girl Scouts are probably most famous for, are the cookies. I don’t think I know anyone, personally, who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies! When I sold them, I’d often have to get 2 or 3 order forms (they were LONG) because people wanted several boxes, and froze them since they’re only available once per year. Since I have boys, we don’t have a Girl Scout in my immediate family, and we order ours from daughters of friends, or pick up boxes when they’re selling them outside the supermarkets on the weekends. I think social media has probably helped sales too. I know my parents didn’t allow me to go door-to-door, even back in the 80’s because it just wasn’t safe. I did visit neighbors we personally knew, but aside from that my parents took the sheets to work and we took them to Church with us, and that’s how I got all of my orders. Now, my friends are able to post on social media sites that their children are selling them, and the feed blows up with people placing orders 🙂 It’s also been nice to see this year that many troops are taking orders for boxes that can be donated to the troops. It allows those of us who don’t live close to them to support the children in our lives and offer a nice treat to troops who are fighting for our safety overseas at the same time. The cookie sales are an important fundraiser for each troop, and it allows them to be able to participate in many additional activities with the funds they raise.
National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend is rapidly approaching! There will be a red carpet premiere on February 7 in NYC, where customers can purchase boxes of cookies. There will also be the largest virtual Girl Scout Cookie Party on February 5, where you will have the opportunity to win a year’s supply of your favorite Girl Scout Cookie! They’d love to have your share pictures from your own cookie festivities on the GSUSA Facebook page, and you can Download a Girl Scout Cookie Finer App to find your local #CookieBoss to purchase cookies from!
I’d also like to mention that my sorority, Kappa Delta, launched a partnership with the Girl Scouts, after my time in college. It’s a great venture between two organizations that mean a lot to me. Collegiate girls and Alumnae members are able to volunteer with troops in their respective areas to provide positive role models and mentor to the young girls. I love seeing pictures and stories in our quarterly magazine, showing how our volunteers have enriched the lives of Girl Scouts. They help these girls learn our values of honesty, integrity, leadership, and friendship while also building their confidence.
You can find out more about the Girl Scouts by visiting the GSUSA Website, GSUSA Cookie Program Page, GSUSA on Facebook, GSUSA on Twitter, and GSUSA on Pinterest.
Leave a Reply