PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Although Girl Scouts are often synonymous with cookies, the program offers a lot more to young girls than simply dealing delicious treats.
Organizers with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHP) say that while cookie sales help young women learn entrepreneurship, the program also teaches them three other strengths: STEM, outdoors and life skills. Together, these four pillars make up the essence of being a Girl Scout.
"It's the entrepreneurship part that really shines in the Girl Scout Cookie program; our girls learn business ethics, people skills, money management, decision-making, goal-setting, so many skills that they can carry with them throughout their entire life," Jessica Mislinski, director of product program for GSHP, said.
Ladies who truly go above and beyond in their programs are invited to the S’mores Executive Club, which encourages girls to challenge themselves and recognizes high-achieving members who worked hard toward their goals. Girl Scouts in this program may receive special patches and other incentives, and they can be invited to exclusive events.
"My own daughter is going to Iceland with Girl Scouts in 2025," Mislinski said. "So we do some amazing things for girls because of the Girl Scout Cookie program."
Selling cookies isn't everything Girl Scouts do, but it might just be the most delicious part of the program! And while the treats are yummy on their own, Girl Scout Adalynn Hess demonstrated how to turn Lemonades in no-bake lemon cookie pops using only cream cheese and melted white chocolate.
For those craving a taste of the delicious treat, GSHP's Cookie Locator can find cookie booths near you. Cookies can also be bought online through the Digital Cookie program, or you can text “Cookies” to 59618.
Each purchase from the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps troops fund educational field trips, support community service projects, celebrate their time together as a troop with end-of-the-year festivities, provide program-wide activities and offer financial assistance to ensure any young woman who wishes to join may participate in Girl Scouts.
For more information on the program or how to join, visit the GSHP website, Instagram or Facebook.
