Commonly known for their famous cookies, the Girl Scouts strive to better themselves, their troop and the community around them beyond the iconic cookie sales.
As Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls. They grow stronger through enriching experiences such as community service projects, cultural exchanges, field trips, skill-building sports clinics and environmental stewardships.
“The girls learn so many life lessons, build confidence, friendships, serve the community and [learn] to be a better person,” Troop 718 leader Patty Thornton said.
More than 59 million women in America participated in Girl Scouts during their childhood years. That number continues growing as Girl Scouts of the USA continue to inspire, challenge and empower girls around the world.
Mothers inspire daughters to become scouts by sharing their love and passion about the organization with them.
“[I got interested when] we took a trip to Savannah where the Girl Scout founder is from. All I knew was my mom was a Girl Scout when she was a kid. I begged my mom to let me join. I bought my first patch right in Low’s birthplace,” junior Monique Mahabir said.
Beyond working in the community and learning new skills, being a part adds benefits the young girls.
“You make a lot of new friends with people you might not have known before and you gain a lot of experience,” junior Kiara Zambrana said.
Completing tasks until reaching the last level of Ambassadors looks impressive on college and job resumes. It shows that the girls can work in a group environment to get tasks completed.
Seniors who earn the Girl Scout Gold Award are eligible for $1,000 educational scholarships awarded by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.
“[The Girl Scouts] teach you commitment, responsibility, discipline, leadership and service,” Mahabir said. “All are needed in order to be the leaders of whatever career path we choose.”
The physical and mental tasks challenge girls to build mental character and strength to help them in their future careers and journeys.
Enrichment activities designed to help girls reach their full potential can be costly. Selling cookies helps provide the money necessary.
Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scout founder, initiated the cookie sale as a way for Girl Scouts to be self-reliant and to fund their own activities. The first national Girl Scout cookie sale occurred in 1936.
Thin mints and Caramel deLites prove most popular amongst buyers.
For every box of Girl Scout Cookies purchased, more than two-thirds of the cost helps the local Girl Scout Council fund for community service projects.
“The goal is to do something by ourselves that impacts our community, that is why I am looking at teaching an American Sign Language class to younger students,” junior Caroline Mueller said “[My favorite thing about being a Girl Scout is] doing cool things with my friends. We go camping all the time and do a lot of community service.”