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Girl Scouts and the volunteers who lead them are the driving force behind the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program^®. While customers often remember the cookie sellers they see at booths in front of area businesses, they may never know about the countless hours contributed in support of those young entrepreneurs by caring volunteers. Volunteers serve in a variety of important roles to help manage the Cookie Program, including inventory control and booth scheduling.

Thanks to these volunteers, Girl Scouts who participate in the annual program gain exposure to these behind-the-scenes operations and hone their business and entrepreneurial skills like communication, problem-solving, budgeting and customer service.

Jessica Davenport, troop leader of Troop 4039 in Dare County, is one of the thousands of volunteer members within the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast. As a Girl Scout alum who spent her years as a youth growing up in Chicago, MN, she knows just how important the Girl Scout Cookie Program can be for individual Girl Scouts and troops.

“My favorite memory of being in Girl Scouts was having my mother as the Girl Scout troop leader for my sister and I,” she said. “And just as they are today, cookies were a part of the experience. While cookie season can be a lot of work for both volunteers and Girl Scouts, the lessons learned make it all worth it. Our Girl Scouts learn important skills and learn how to set goals. The excitement and feeling of accomplishment that comes when girls and the troop achieve goals make it worth it! And we have fun along the way! The proceeds from our cookie season typically go towards our regularly-scheduled meetings and supplies, our Girl Scout awards, camping trips, and a big trip that the Girl Scout help plan.”

This year, Davenport and her troop are looking forward to a few camping trips and an excursion to Great Wolf Lodge. They are also planning community service projects. In the past, the troop has volunteered with the SPCA, participated in beach trash clean ups, and helped at a local nursing home by playing bingo with the residents.

“I have many wonderful memories of Girl Scouting, including my time as an adult volunteer,” said Davenport. “I have loved the hikes, crafts, and trips, but my favorite has been watching our Girl Scouts build lifelong friendships and embracing the Girl Scout Promise and Law into their lives and relationships. It is truly a transforming experience for girls.”

Cookie season will start with door-to-door sales on January 11. Booth sales will follow in mid-February. There will be no change in the cookie line up or the cost per box from last year; however, this will be the last year for the S’mores Cookie. Find details on the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast website at gsccc.org/en/cookies.html.

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