The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world, which teaches girls five essential life skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics, and people skills.

To celebrate such a monumental program, this year Girl Scouts has named Feb. 7−8 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Roni Luckenbill, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio CEO states, “We’re excited to celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend and share with the community the benefits of Girl Scout Cookie Program, which teaches five essential life skills.”

When it comes to skill building, statistics show the Girl Scout Cookie Program works. According to a survey from the Girl Scout Research Institute, 85 percent of Girl Scout “cookie entrepreneurs” learn money management by developing budgets, taking cookie orders, and handling customers’ money. Eighty-three percent build business ethics; 80 percent learn goal setting; 77 percent improve decision making and 75 percent develop people skills.

Caitlin Puff, a Girl Scout Cadette from Girl Scouts of Western Ohio’s Lima region, agrees that the cookie program teaches essential life skills. “I have learned so much about business skills and decision making from the Girl Scout Cookie Program. I’ve also learned that I have to work hard if I want to accomplish my goals.”

All the revenue earned from cookie activities—every penny after paying the baker—stays with the local Girl Scout council that sponsors the sale.

A new Girl Scouts of USA marketing campaign reinforces a more contemporary message with the theme, “This Is What a Girl Can Do.” And, for ease of purchase, customers can now find their Girl Scout Cookies using a free app available for iPhone or Android at www.girlscoutcookies.org or can visit www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org and click on the Cookie Locator banner.

About Girl Scouts of Western Ohio
In partnership with nearly 14,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio serves 50,000 girl members in 32 counties throughout western Ohio and southeastern Indiana.  Chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA, the premier organization for and leading authority on girls, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

For more information, to volunteer your time, or make a donation, call 419-225-4085 or 1-800-962-7753, or visit our website at www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org.