With the beginning of a new year comes the resurgence of Girl Scouts and their cookies. According to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, there are about 3.2 million Girl Scout members in the United States, including adults. Between January and March, thousands of these members take to the streets to offer up their famed boxed treats. However, there is a lot more that goes into being a Girl Scout than just door-to-door cookie sales.
Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Law in Savannah, Georgia, and quickly became popular, with the organization growing to 70,000 members by 1920. Within Girl Scouts, there are several different age groups, ranging from kindergarteners to high school seniors. Members are able to earn badges and participate in engaging activities such as camping and archery, along with their cookie business in the spring.
Keara Bills is an eighth grader at Blue Ridge Middle School and a Cadette in her local Girl Scout troop. “I was kind of born into a scouting family,” said Bills. Joining her troop in kindergarten, she quickly became dedicated to her fellow scouts. Bills noted the importance of Girl Scouts in bringing together girls both in and outside of school. “We really are like a family,” she said. Local troops have the ability to connect girls of all ages and create lasting bonds. “If you meet someone that you didn’t know was a Girl Scout, you immediately become friends. You just immediately are drawn together,” Bills expressed.
Since its founding, Girl Scouts has placed significant focus on science and nature. In the last few years, they have placed importance on supporting STEM fields, like engineering and coding, and urging young girls to pursue careers in them. “A lot of women in STEM were Girl Scouts, and I definitely think that it sets up a good background in STEM,” said Bills. Activities might include using telescopes to study astronomy, or engaging in hands-on science activities through visiting national parks and enjoying the outdoors. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, in 2015, 92% of participants in Girl Scout STEM programs felt that their experience within these programs increased their confidence in both math and science. In 2018, Girl Scouts partnered with Discovery Education to create Girls Get STEM, which provides free educational resources for elementary aged girls. STEM is also identified as one of the four components of the Girl Scout Leadership experience on their website.
A senior and current Girl Scout Ambassador, Grace Harvey also joined Girl Scouts as a kindergartener. During her time as a Girl Scout, Harvey has served as a delegate for her troop and worked on improving her local service unit. Working on local issues and collaborating with fellow Scouts is one of the most important aspects of being a Girl Scout. “It’s a great way to get involved and learn about volunteering and how to work together with other people,” Harvey explained, recommending Girl Scouts for any young girls that may be interested. Through Girl Scouts, young women are able to take advantage of leadership opportunities and excel in their communities. “I think it’s a really great experience,” Harvey noted.
While there are many aspects to being a Girl Scout, their cookies are by far the most famous. Each year, various flavors of cookies, including Thin Mints and Samoas, are sold at store fronts and through individual door-to-door sales. In recent years, cookies have also been sold online, with scouts being able to track their sales and learn how to manage finances digitally. “We also have a friendly competition when it’s cookie season,” Bills said.
From STEM to sweet treats, Girl Scouts have continued to inspire girls and push them to achieve professional and personal goals. They are able to take their accomplishments and skills from Girl Scouts into high school and even well into adulthood.
