Girl Scout Finds Her Voice Through Cookie Program

During cookie season, Girl Scouts are not only selling delicious treats to customers and bonding with their sister Girl Scouts. They’re learning important skills, working toward their goals, and growing as individuals and with their troop. That’s what being a cookie boss is all about—unleashing every Girl Scout’s inner G.I.R.L. (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) while taking part in the world’s largest girl-led business.

In our first installment of our series, “Like a Cookie Boss,” we spoke with a troop co-leader and mom whose daughter has transformed thanks to the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Debra C. says her daughter Madison, a Brownie in Troop 3172, is nonverbal with most people outside of her own family. But Girl Scouts has helped Madison open up.

When her troop started boothing last year, Madison “wouldn’t talk to anybody,” says Debra. “We didn’t push, we let her stand there and hold a box. But toward the end [of cookie season], she started asking customers if they wanted cookies, which is huge!”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program encourages girls to speak up and step outside of their comfort zones. Through boothing, walkabouts, and other customer interactions, girls practice their people skills (along with the rest of the 5 Skills) and learn how to connect with others.

Madison got some extra preparation during the fall product program: “She would hand the neighbors her order card—and that’s really big for her,” notes Debra. “The most important thing is getting out of her comfort zone and letting her know that everything will be okay, and teaching her to be comfortable when someone talks to her.” Madison’s hard work paid off: During the fall product program, she sold more than 100 units!

Debra also says Madison’s opening up more during troop meetings: “It’s a big step with her and the other kids. She asks when she’s going to Girl Scout meetings, when we’re selling cookies… I give credit to Girl Scouts for giving us these opportunities—if she wasn’t in Girl Scouts, she wouldn’t be out there trying to sell a product and talk to people.”

Madison’s still learning to express herself, and Girl Scouts is a huge part of her growth. Debra recommends Girl Scouts to other parents with nonverbal kids: “It’s worth it. Madison doesn’t realize [Girl Scouts and the cookie program] are helping her. She’s having fun!”

Many thanks to Debra for sharing Madison’s touching story! Learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and browse through our resources for troops and families.

Have a Girl Scout Cookie Program story? We want to hear it! Tell us how the cookie program has made you or your Girl Scout a cookie boss.