Girl Scout Cookie sales prepare future leaders

Every year, millions of girls across the United States gain valuable knowledge while providing the community with a special treat - Girl Scout Cookies. This year is not exception.

Locally, the Girl Scout Cookie Program began on Jan. 11. Two new delicious cookies joined the cast this year: Lemon Chalet Cremes and Sugar Free Chocolate Chips. But don't worry, your favorite Girl Scout Cookies are still available: Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, All Abouts and the famous Thin Mints.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an integral part of Girl Scouts' Business and Economic Literacy initiative for girls in first through 12th grade. What started out as a bake sale, has turned into a sophisticated leadership program where girls learn valuable life and business skills, including goal setting, public speaking, teamwork, brand awareness, responsibility, money and time management, financial literacy and grassroots entrepreneurship in its finest form. Essentially, the girls run their own business. The entire troop sets a goal and follows a plan leading toward that goal.

Girl Scout troops use funds from the cookie program to fund service projects, exciting educational field trips, and other leadership activities. Whether girls are dreaming of becoming a doctor, teacher, businesswoman, president of the PTA, or superstar athlete, the Girl Scout Cookie Program gives them the self-esteem they need to reach for the stars. Many successful women have credited their business skills to the Girl Scout Cookie Program, making it the premiere business and economic literacy program for girls in the United States. As one successful Dallas entrepreneur put it, "It's not about how many cookies are sold or which girl sells the most - It really is about learning to create a business plan, how to sell, and how to deliver on a promise."

The Girl Scout Cookie Program also promotes community ser vice. Project Troop to Troop is a Girl Scout service initiative that encourages members of the community to buy packages of Girl Scout Cookies to donate to U.S. Armed Forces. Last year, Project Troop to Troop generated more than 100,000 packages of cookies; this year's challenge is 120,000 packages.

The 2008 Project Troop to Troop Cookies will be transported to Fort Hood, the USO, the American Red Cross and ultimately service men and women at home and abroad. Cookies will also reach local Veterans Organizations and wounded soldiers. Go to www.gsnetx.org/cookies/troop2troop.stm to donate to Project Troop toTroop.