(ENDED) Girl Scout Cookies – GIVEAWAY

Back when Olivia was five, I began looking into having her join Girl Scouts. I was a Brownie for a couple of months, but they sang too much. I didn’t like that – I needed action.  (Read ‘spaz’ – that was one of the many nicknames my brother called me.)  Later, I joined Girl Scouts as a Junior and Cadette. I loved camping and all the outdoor activities that we did. Girl Scouts was so much fun, and I couldn’t wait for Olivia to join.  But, you know what? Girl Scouts is SO much more than camping and being in the great out-of-doors!  I found this quote on their website, and it has really stayed with me:

Who do you want the girl in your life to become? Whether she is 5 or 17, you want her to become self-confident, strong, and compassionate. You want her to respect herself and others, make good decisions, be open to new challenges, and use her skills and talents to make her world a better place. You want her to build strong friendships, be a leader, and put her values into practice in her everyday life.You want her to become her best self.

Isn’t that a great framework for raising our daughters?  Focus on the inside rather than the outside! Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia.  She wanted to give girls the opportunity to do the many things that Boy Scouts were doing.  She wanted to help girls get out of the house, experience the outdoors, and become involved in their community. Did you know that there are currently 3.7 million Girl Scouts?  How about 10 million girls and adults worldwide?  Or, two-thirds of female members of Congress were Girl Scouts?

Eventually, when she was six, Olivia joined a Brownie troop.  The following year, her troop did not have a leader.  I volunteered to co-lead with another mom, and later she was unable to do it.  So, there I was in sole charge of five little girls.  Certainly not a place I ever envisioned myself.   And, Kim just laughed because she knew.  Four years later, I have been a Daisy, Brownie, and Junior leader; and have a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout.

Girls get so much out of Girl Scouts.  I love to watch the girls grow and change with their experiences.  Girls that don’t like to be outside, don’t want to leave camp and cannot wait for their next trip.  Shy girls gain confidence enough to ask a stranger if they would like to buy cookies.  They plan and carry out service projects to help other people.  Non-singers conquer their stage fright and perform for senior citizens.  That was actually me.  Although I wouldn’t go so far as to stand up by myself.  I’ll work up to that. I’m pacing myself.  No I won’t, who am I kidding?

Girl Scout cookies are the major way that girls earn money to do things.  Camping, field trips, plays, roller skating, just about anything girls can think of.  For many girls, Girl Scouts is the only way they can experience these activities.  But, it’s more than just doing things.  We focus on how we treat other people, as well as helping people and the environment. 

Did the Girl Scouts miss getting your order?  In our area, the initial sales have ended, but most troops will begin to have booth sales at local stores.  Click here, to find your council and cookie booth dates and locations.  And, when those little Brownies muster up the courage to ask you if you’d like to buy a box, please do so.  Even if you don’t, please just give them the support and encouragement so that they can ask the next person.  They like to hear that you’ve already bought a box, or that your daughter or granddaughter is a Girl Scout, or just let them know that you were once a Brownie.

Please visit the Girl Scout site to learn more about the organization, or find a local council.  Get involved with your girl’s life – what kind of person do you want her to become?