Local Girl Scouts attend ‘2019 Cookie University’
–On Saturday, January 19, Girl Scout troops gathered at Laguna Middle School for their Cookie Rookie and Cookie University Rallies. With the upcoming cookie season beginning on Jan. 26, the girls came together to learn about what’s new for the 2019 sale.
Through hands-on and interactive stations, they focused on the 5 skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program: money management, decision making, people skills, business ethics, and goal setting. Participation in Cookie University earned Girl Scouts a 2019 cookie activity pin, a Cookie U patch, and they completed steps towards their Financial Literacy and Cookie Business Badges.
At the Cookie Rookie Rally in the morning, Daisies and Brownie Girl Scouts (110 in total) rotated through stations learning cookie names, how to count up costs by the box, making thank you notes for their customers and role-playing how to talk with their neighbors about the cookie sale. They watch a skit on the ‘perfect’ cookie booth and played games to learn the cookie names and understand how to stay safe during the sale. Eighteen older Girl Scouts volunteered to be trained as Cookie Captains and helped the younger girls navigate the day.
In the afternoon, nearly 100 Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts attended Cookie University where they learned advanced skills to bring their cookie business to the next level. They worked together as troops to write a mission statement for their business, brainstorm what activities they wanted to earn, and then devised a step-by-step plan to reach their goal. They also learned about the new Smart Cookie App and how to use it to streamline their sales.
Each year, Cookie University prepares girls with leadership and self-development skills, provides tips for the upcoming season, and gives girls a chance to meet and connect with their fellow scouts. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. It teaches our girls what it takes to be successful, providing them with the skills that businesses need in their employees and the world needs in their leaders. When you support your local Girl Scouts, girls learn that they accomplish any goal they set their minds to,” said Girl Scouts Central Coast Council CEO, Tammie Helmuth. “Ask cookie sellers about the Smart Cookie app and you will be amazed at the tools they have to run their cookie business!”
Girl Scouts will officially begin boothing sales on Friday, February 1. This year’s cookie menu includes traditional fan-favorites such as Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties, along with the addition of a new Gluten-Free Cookie: the Caramel Chocolate Chip. To locate a cookie booth near you, download Girl Scout’s Cookie Finder app. For more information visit girlscoutsccc.org/cookies.
