Cookies, Badges and Beyond: Women's Fund and Girl Scouts

I’m fascinated by Girl Scout cookie time – fascinated by the dedication of the Troops selling them each weekend throughout the city; I’m fascinated by the mom’s helping to sell their daughter’s cookies; but mostly I’m fascinated by the lessons learned by Girl Scout cookie time. And wouldn’t you just know that as I was talking about Girl Scout cookies with Women’s Fund I learned something new about the organization… they helped create a Girl Scout Badge.

First, lessons learned:

* Education: My sister, a proud Troop leader and “cookie mom”, believes that selling cookies teaches the girls key business and communication skills. Not only are they learning to be confident in their communications skills (they can really work a deal at the grocery stores), but they are learning key business lessons as they sell cookies to support field trips and Troop activities (the more they sell, the more they earn).
* Philanthropy: A friend’s daughter showed me that cookie time teaches girls the value of philanthropy and community service. With just a few boxes left to sell, and knowing I had already purchased my fair share of cookies, she asked if I would be willing to donate cookies to military troops. She proceeded to tell me how the men and women overseas would enjoy a package of Girl Scout cookies as a special treat and a thank you for their service. I ended up buying three more boxes.

Now, about the badge and the connection with Women’s Fund. Women’s Fund actually helped create a Women’s Issue Patch that girls of all ages can earn. Girls explore topics such as staying healthy, caregiving responsibilities, philanthropy and finances. Click here to find out more about the badge and the activities girls can participate in to earn the Women’s Issue Patch.

In addition to the patch – and the purchase of numerous Girl Scout cookies, Women’s Fund has supported Girl Scouts of Central Indiana over the years. Grants to the organization have helped fund summer camp scholarships for girls, STUDIO 2B program for girls 11-17, volunteer trainings and Web enhancements.

Thankfully, Girl Scout cookie time isn’t year-round – my pocketbook and my waistline can’t afford it. However, the next time I’m asked to buy Thin Mints or Tagalongs, I’ll be reminded about the lessons the girls are learning and the role Women’s Fund of Central Indiana plays in supporting these future leaders.