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Learning the Cookie Business
Our 2025 Cookie Captains used all their super powers to work with Girl Scouts during the “Learning the Cookie Business” workshops held on Saturday, December 14 at A Place for Girls. They seriously demonstrated great mentorship skills and shared their Girl Scout Cookie Program® knowledge with younger entrepreneurs.
During the event, Daisies and Brownies rotated through stations designed by our Cookie Captains. Our newest cookie entrepreneurs learned how to identify cookie packages, practiced selling cookies, and met our 2025 cookie program mascot, Měi Lán the giant panda.
All of our Cookie Captains were on hand to lead activities and to share their expertise, including Girl Scout Ambassador Elgin who has been selling Girl Scout cookies for 11 years. Elgin has fueled many of her Girl Scout experiences, such as Camp Fury and a trip to Italy, by participating in the program.
Elgin said, “It’s important to keep the program alive because the cookie-selling traditions are a big part of being a Girl Scout. Today, we talked about goal setting and taught the Daisies and Brownies about the different parts of a cookie business.”
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the beginning place to learn business skills. Did you know there are over 13 million female-led businesses in the U.S.? That accounts for 42% of all businesses in the country! Together, they generate over $3.9 trillion in annual revenue.
The Girl Scout Research Institute discovered that over 50% of women-led businesses started with the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The five skills girls learn during the program develop essential skills that carry over into women-led businesses. These skills help girls become leaders in their daily lives and prepare for their futures.
- Goal setting: Girls learn to set goals and create plans to achieve them.
- Decision making: Girls learn to make decisions on their own and as part of a team.
- Money management: Girls learn how to create a budget, handle money, and make decisions about how to use it.
- People skills: Girls learn to interact with customers, build confidence, and be comfortable talking to new people.
- Business ethics: Girls learn to act ethically in business and in life, such as being respectful of others, taking responsibility for their actions, and keeping their promises.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is recognized as the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the United States. This initiative not only provides delicious cookies but also empowers Girl Scouts with essential life and leadership skills. The proceeds stay within the community, supporting Girl Scout activities and service projects. This hands-on experience in running a business helps Girl Scouts build confidence and prepares them for future success.
When Girl Scouts approach you to buy cookies, ask them questions. This will help them apply the skills they’re learning. You may also be amazed at how well-spoken and organized the girls are, especially as they participate year after year. Your involvement is essential in helping achieve their goals and perhaps give them the confidence to start their own businesses in the future!
