Are Girl Scout Cookies Actually Sold by Girl Scouts Anymore?
Girl Scout cookie sales have started up again. It's a tradition that has gone on for 100 years. Has some of that tradition been lost though? In the 21st century, do Girl Scouts actually sell the cookies themselves?
According to the Girl Scouts website, selling cookies teaches five skills to girls: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. But do they?
I may be causing a stir here, but think about it. Have you ever bought Girl Scout cookies without ever seeing a Girl Scout? I honestly can't remember the last time I bought them and saw a Girl Scout and I buy every year.
The days of door to door sales are over. Sadly we've gotten to the point where it's just too dangerous. Table sales are the new way to sell to the public. They're safe, in public spaces and are monitored by troop leaders and parents.
Online sales are now available as well, but you must get a link from a Girl Scout to do so. Does that help Girl Scout's skills? According to the Girl Scouts, online sales teach "online marketing, application use, and ecommerce." Fair enough.
Where do I think Girl Scouts miss out on the skills they are trying to build? When mom or dad shows up at the office with a cookie order sheet. What does that accomplish other than helping reach a top cookie sale award?
I know that cookie sales are the number one fundraiser for the Girl Scouts and the more cookies sold the more money for the organization, and I encourage everyone to buy a box to help out. But maybe for those parents who end up doing the heavy lifting, they should instead go with their Girl Scout to help them learn those essential skills that the cookie sale program was built on.
That's my opinion. What's yours? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.