NEW ORLEANS — Thin Mints or Shortbread?
Beginning January 12, Girl Scouts from across southeast Louisiana will sell annual Girl Scout cookies, encouraging the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
“The Cookie program lets girls show the world their entrepreneurial spirit as key members of the world’s largest girl-led business,” said Keenan Ruff, Director of Product Program for Girl Scouts Louisiana East.
Through the Cookie Program, girls are able to earn money towards fun, educational activities, as well as contribute to their council’s ability to provide Girl Scouting in the community. Each Girl Scout cookie purchase helps power endless girl-led experiences for Girl Scouts while transforming them into the everyday G.I.R.L. (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders).
The Cookie sale has developed female entrepreneurs since the program began in the early 20th century, and since then, Girl Scouts across the country have learned essential skills, such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics, to become great leaders. In fact, 57 percent of Girl Scout alumnae in business say the program was key in the development of their skills today.
“Not only are Girl Scouts learning important business skills, but they are putting them into practice. Our young entrepreneurs experience what it’s like to run a business, which leads to confidence in taking on leadership roles in all aspects of life,” Ruff said.
Locally, Girl Scouts will begin taking cookie orders on Friday, January 12, and will sell them at booth locations throughout the Girl Scouts Louisiana East council’s 23 parishes, Friday, February 23 – Sunday, March 11. The council will offer nine cookie varieties, Shortbread, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Caramel deLites, gluten free Trios, Thin Mint, Peanut Butter Patties, Lemonades, and Thanks-a-lot, along with last year’s newest favorite, Girl Scout S’mores. Cookies are $4 a box upon delivery, with the gluten-free Trios, at $5 a box.
All Cookie program proceeds remain within the council’s jurisdiction, funding troop activities and helping the council maintain properties, train and recruit volunteers, and support council initiatives.
For more information about Girl Scouts, call the council office in New Orleans at 504-733-8220, in Baton Rouge at 225-927-8946, or visit its website at www.gsle.org.
