There's more to Girl Scout cookie program than just a sweet tooth

MILFORD - In the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council area, girls will begin selling Girl Scout cookies on Friday, Jan. 6 and continue through Monday, Jan. 23,. For nearly 90 years the Girl Scout Cookies Program has helped girls foster a sense of personal and collective empowerment by promoting skills they will use throughout their entire lives. All proceeds, after paying the baker, stays within the council’s jurisdiction. A portion of the money stays at the council level to support all types of activities. Moreover, a share of what remains goes to the troop level, where girls decide how to spend it, thus further encouraging goal-setting and leadership abilities. Cookies can be purchased for $3.50 a box with all your favorite cookies available, Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Lemon Coolers, All Abouts, and the “new” Cafe Cookies. “Last year’s revenues were used to provide assistance to girls attending summer camp; to continue the many outreach programs such as Migrant and Probation programs; and deliver more leadership training opportunities for girls and adults,” stated Ms. Barbara Sampson, Executive Director of the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council. Through this annual activity, girls ages 5-17 learn how to set goals, develop action plans to reach those goals, work together as a team and cultivate a sense of business ethics. Additionally, they build confidence by developing public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. Girls also acquire knowledge in money management,marketing and customer service, thereby making the Girl Scout Cookie Program the nation’s premier financial literacy and entrepreneurship program. “Each and every year I know we’re training girls to fill all sorts of roles in the future,” says Sampson. “One of these young ladies may some day become secretary of state, CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a local business owner, or my future replacement.” Girl Scouts of the USA is the..preeminent organization for and leading __ authority on girls with 3.7 million girl and adult members. Now in its 93rd year, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council, serving Orange and Sullivan Counties in New York and five towns in Pike County, call 845-361-2898 or visit our website at www.swgsc.org.