By Krista Park, Communications & Marketing Director

Every winter here at Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines we celebrate the biggest girl-led business in the world that generates almost $800 million in annual sales – the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girls sell over 200 million cookie packages a year to more than 50 million cookie customers.

And these aren’t just cookies – they’re opportunities! When girls participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale program, they learn by earning.   Girls learn five essential skills by selling Girl Scout cookies. The program’s 5 Skills help them achieve their goals and pave the way for a lifetime of success.

Skill #1 – Business Ethics

Girls act honestly and responsibly during every step of the cookie sale. This matters because employers want to hire ethical employees—and the world needs ethical leaders in every field.  

Skill #2 – People Skills

Girls learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as learning how to work as a team with other girls. This matters because it helps them do better in school (on group projects, on sports teams, and on the playground) and, later, at work.

Skill #3 – Money Management

Girls develop a budget, take cookie orders, and handle customers’ money. This matters because girls need to know how to handle money—from their lunch money to their allowance to (someday) their paycheck.

Skill #4 – Decision Making

Girls decide where and when to sell cookies, how to market their sale, and what to do with their earnings. This matters because girls must make many decisions, big and small, in their lives. Learning this skill helps them make good ones.

Skill #5 – Goal Setting

Girls set cookie sales goals and, with their team, create a plan to reach them. This matters because girls need to know how to set and reach goals to succeed in school, on the job, and in life.

Why do these 5 Skills matter?

Because when your Girl Scout has learned these skills, she’ll be poised for success in her career. Think about it – when employers interview job candidates, they all look for the same things. This is true whether the employer is a bank, high-tech company, university, hospital, publishing house, car dealership, accounting firm—or even the local pet store!

They want someone who can set goals and meet deadlines. Someone who works well with others.  Someone who understands customers. Someone who can influence others. Someone who is honest, trustworthy, and reliable.

Sound like anyone you know? That’s your Girl Scout, using the 5 Skills she learned in the Girl Scout Cookie Program.