In celebration of the organization's 95th anniversary and the Cookie Sale Program 90th anniversary during 2007, we are pleased that the Cookie Sale Program has evolved from a local sale to a leading business and economic literacy program for girls. Annually, Americans purchase over 200 million boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Every box sold ensures that girls learn skills which will be utilized as
today’s girls become tomorrow’s leaders.

The Cookie Sale is our organizational strength. It has played a significant role in developing strong women leaders for generations. Research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute and Lewis Harris in 1999 shows that 66% of women of professional achievement were Girl Scouts at some point in their youth. Additionally, 82% of high achieving Girl Scout alumnae believe that Girl Scouting influenced their success.

Through cookie activities, girls learn how to set goals, build teams, communicate ideas, make decisions and provide service to their community. The Girl Scout Cookie Program empowers girls to set their own goals and through active participation they build basic business and financial literacy skills. Girls practice making change, setting budgets, public speaking and deciding how to spend the earned money as a group. Today’s entrepreneurial girls also design business cards, presentations, newsletters, charts and posters to support their cookie program goals. Girls are empowered to discover, connect and take action for their success.

During the 2006-2007 cookie season 15,370 central Maryland girls “Stepped Up” to sell 1,617,625 boxes of cookies. Family support, adult leadership and girl efforts successfully realized $905,075.00 for troop treasuries. In 2006-2007 troops retained the second highest proceed amount since our 2003-2004 Cookie Sale when troop treasuries retained $912,887 and the sales volume was 1,844,508 boxes.

As we prepare for the 2007-2008 Cookie Sale Program, our focus will continue to be girl leadership development through a fun and successful business and financial literacy program. As they practice and hone their skills through Girl Scouts and the Cookie Sale Program activities, girls develop the
• Courage - to talk to that stranger or to embrace change.
• Confidence - to present themselves in a professional manner and convey their ideas.
• Character - to become strong women of integrity in our communities.

Download the Product Sales Committee's Report for their research, statistics, and comments for the 2006-2007 Cookie Sale in central Maryland.