Annual Girl Scout cookie campaign begins

From staff reports

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania entered the next century of Girl Scouts selling cookies on Friday, Jan. 5.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program not only teaches girls essential entrepreneurial skills but also powers amazing experiences for them across the United States.

After last year’s 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts selling cookies, troops in Western Pennsylvania are kicking off this season with the return of Girl Scout S’mores, the most popular flavor to launch in the 101 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies.

Consumers will help fuel transformative leadership experiences and build the next generation of entrepreneurs by purchasing Girl Scout S’mores and classic favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas.

During Girl Scout Cookie season, each G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) sets out to sell delicious cookies while also building entrepreneurial and business skills that are imperative for leadership and future success.

Almost one million Girl Scouts participate in the cookie program each year, generating nearly $800 million in sales during the average season, and 100 percent of the net revenue raised stays with the local council and troops.

Councils use cookie earnings to power amazing experiences for girls through their programming, while girls and their troops decide how to invest in impactful community projects, personal enrichment opportunities, and more.

Girl Scouts are doing amazing things made possible by each and every cookie sale.

However, girls’ cookie earnings alone aren’t enough to power the Girl Scout Movement investing in girls is important year-round, not just during cookie season.

Last year, GSWPA presented Girl Scout S’mores a crunchy graham sandwich cookie with a chocolate and marshmallowy filling, which are embossed with designs honoring Girl Scouts’ outdoor badges which are sure to be best-sellers again.

This year, girls will sell cookies door-to-door and at booth sales, as well as through the Digital Cookie platform, an innovative and educational web-based addition to the cookie program that helps girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie businesses online.

Now in its fourth year, the Digital Cookie platform continues to bring Girl Scout programming into the future by providing girls with invaluable business and STEM skills that prepare them for 21st century leadership.

GSWPA will also celebrate the next century of female entrepreneurs during National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend 2018.

From Feb. 23 to 25, Girl Scout councils across the country will host events and set up booths for cookie enthusiasts to get their hands on the iconic treats and join in on the fun.

To find out when Girl Scouts are selling cookies near you, visit their website at www.girlscoutcookies.org or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, free on iOS and Android devices.

About Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership experience for girls and is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development.

For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, call (800) 248-3355, or visit gswpa.org