I became a troop leader because of my passion to help girls reach their full potential. Being a part of a community that fosters intelligence, leadership, friendship, and service is truly amazing and I want to make sure this troop thrives in the years to come.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My Girl Scouts love to sell cookies, go camping, and attend encampments. I help with cookie distribution, selecting cookie booths, and enrolling girls in Girl Scouts Summer Camp as well as encampments. One of my favorite activities was when another Girl Scout mom and I led a star walk for my troop.
Our star walks are walks at night to learn about astronomy. I had a blast sharing facts about the stars and planets as we walked the trail in the forest. Seeing the girls enjoy the different plants, flowers, and bugs in the forest was great. We looked at the stream and then even started a talk about the snowmelt which led to a discussion about environmental sustainability. It was such a great time out in nature and having great conversations about being good stewards of the planet.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop works with a senior community and prior to COVID-19, we would perform Christmas carols and donate cleaning products to the residents. We also worked with this community in their garden by pulling weeds and planting seeds. Additionally, my troop donates cookies to the military every year.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the volunteer moments that I will always remember was when we partnered with an organization to feed the homeless. The girls met early on a Saturday and together we were able to feed around 75 people. The girls were so excited and helpful in making sure everyone received food and toiletries. It felt fulfilling to be able to make a positive impact and meet a great need in our community.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I think patience is a great tool to have when being a troop leader. Understanding that projects may not happen as you intended but that does not mean they were unsuccessful, is key. Not all parents and girls may show up for every activity and that is okay. Just make sure that those who did show up have a great time and get the job done. Try not to sweat the small stuff, be flexible, and do your best to reach the main goal.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I have been fortunate to have two other leaders that work alongside me. They have taught me about financial reports and how the Fall Product Program is organized. Every day I am learning how to be an effective leader and have seen that communication with the parents/guardians is critical. Sometimes a parent may need several phone calls about an upcoming meeting or activity and that is just what needs to be done. Don’t stress out about it.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
When it comes to volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts, the sky is the limit. There are various positions to choose from that all help us keep the movement going. Regardless of what position you are in, I can guarantee that you’ll feel great volunteering your time with Girl Scouts and also feed off the passion to provide girls the best Girl Scouting experience.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Yes, my troop sells cookies! By participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls are given the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and gain important business skills that will prove essential in adulthood. Plus, we use those sales to go to summer camp and different trips around the world. Overall, cookies give girls the opportunity to embark on new adventures!
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
My biggest cookie-selling tip is to have fun. If you make the experience too serious, girls can sometimes lose interest. The program is meant to encourage girls to grow both professionally and personally, so try to make each day full of good memories. Also, decorate your booth and use all platforms available to sell cookies.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My most inspiring moment was when my Girl Scouts and I visited Tucson to meet up with a fellow Girl Scout Sister that recently started attending the University of Arizona. My Senior Girl Scout was so excited to see the dorm and asked many questions about college classes, student life, and being away from home. That moment was great and really emphasized why it is so important for these girls to create friendships. We work so hard with our girls so they can reach their goals, and at that moment they saw that their goals really are attainable?
A few months ago, I found myself at the end of a highly challenging but overall successful cookie season. My troop and I were so proud that we were able to sell 7,240 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, raise $280 in donations, and donate 63 packages of cookies to Maggie’s Place, a local organization committed to serving mothers. It was awesome!
Even with the excitement, I was exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was questioning my ability to sustain my busy life, my business, my family, my health, my sanity, let alone my troop. How could I keep up?! Just a week after the cookie program ended, we began to reserve camp, research family camp, plan events with our funds, etc. It felt as though I didn’t even have a second to breathe!
I was questioning my “why.” Why was I volunteering my time, effort, sweat, and tears? Why was I struggling to feel appreciated when my work created positive change for girls and our community? Then, one stressful Monday, I was scrolling through our Facebook leadership page trying to plan the next thing and one word stood out to me in a post, “retreat.” It was as if it was calling out to me!
It was an invitation for a 3-day, 2-night retreat hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) called Return to Center. It was being held at Parsons Leadership Center exclusively for troop leaders and it turned out that it was taking place that upcoming weekend! All that kept playing in my mind was the word “retreat” and how desperately I needed one. So I extended the invitation to my new co-leader as it was her first-ever cookie season and she was also in need of self-care time. She said yes and we reserved our spots.
The day we arrived at the retreat we didn’t know what to expect. We thought we were going to be able to bond with each other more, make new friends, learn about camp, how to get more volunteers, parent engagement, and all the other things we didn’t know. We felt apprehensive, unsure, hopeful, and exhausted.
As the event progressed, it was clear the incredible women in the Authentic Leadership Community put together an event that was so diverse in lessons and in their approach that our anxiety disappeared. All of their hearts were golden and each member incorporated an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship, guidance, and love. We became vulnerable, learned openly about ourselves, and gained valuable insight from others.
My favorite skill we practiced during each session, that we have since implemented into our troop, is the simple concept of “the circle” – an ALC tool, used at the retreat, that creates a safe space for participants to share ideas and opinions of various topics. After our troop’s first circle, we asked the girls (Daisies and Brownies) what topics they would like to talk about in the upcoming circles, and we were blown away with their responses! They came up with this list of topics:
Friendships
Siblings
Sadness and grief
Hardships and how to overcome them
Happy things
Animals
Meeting planning
Anxiety
Knowing that they want to talk about these difficult topics that they face in their daily lives and having that safe space with people they trust to open up to has been so meaningful and has really brought our troop together.
There were so many great takeaways and meaningful moments during our retreat. As a person who is constantly on the go, my favorite practice I learned at the retreat that has helped me significantly were the mindful/full stop moments. A full stop is when a group, or individual, takes a moment to disconnect from previous tasks and thoughts. This allows all participants to take a moment to clear their minds and be present in the current conversation or task. Implementing this practice in my day-to-day has helped me organize my thoughts, destress, decompress, and breathe before tackling another obstacle. I do not feel nearly as stressed as I did before the retreat.
Return to Center was a great theme for the retreat. We all realized that we have to take care of ourselves to be the best leader we can be, and there’s no way for us to pour out of an empty cup. Unfortunately, this thought of self-care was so abstract to so many of the leaders present because we’re such givers, and it’s hard for us to receive sometimes or even pause to fill our own cups up.
The women of the Authentic Leadership Community poured their love and encouragement into us, provided us with time to reflect and gave us the skills and tools to help us recharge. We were able to take those tools away with us and now we can use them during any moment that we feel drained. If ever you have the opportunity to attend, you will be happy you did! I know we cannot wait for the next one.
Shout out to all those at the retreat who have reminded me that we are not alone and do not have to do everything alone. I want to recognize our troop’s new parent volunteers who help with our troop. I am thankful for my partner who was our Digital Cookie dad and incredibly thankful for my amazing Co-Leader! We could not do this without you all. I’m also so grateful to the troop leaders in Hayden’s Ferry, our council volunteers, and the other neighborhoods for being there for me when we had questions! Thank you for being a sister (or brother) to every Girl Scout and helping me with our learning curve so our troop can help make the world a better place!
Before this retreat, I was questioning my “why.” By the end, I remembered my “why” – it is and has always been to encourage Girl Scouts to be their best selves. To love them, guide them, encourage them, listen to them, and remind them that they are respected and appreciated. To teach them the tools and skills they need in life to help them discover the women they want to be. Our hosts and the other leaders who attended helped remind me why I am a troop leader, and I am so thankful for that.
As a former teacher who enjoys impacting lives and making a difference, I came to a point where I needed to find a new avenue to direct my passions. I remembered as a girl how much Girl Scouting taught me. So, with my love of Girl Scouting and the outdoors, I decided to become the leader of my daughter’s troop when the position became available.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop loves to camp, complete community service projects, run events for girls, and more. However, one of their favorite activities is a troop retreat where we go to a cabin and work on our leadership and outdoor skills. It’s a way for the girls to work together, step out of their comfort zone, and gain new experiences with the support of their Girl Scout Sisters.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We helped a small school that lost all the books in its library to vandalism. We rebuilt and restocked their shelves. The school was appreciative, and the kids just were shocked when they saw all the books that the communities around them had donated. It was a special moment for my troop and me.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
My troop consists of older girls, so my favorite moments are when I can stand back and watch the girls take the skills they have fostered over the years and put them into action. For example, when they organize a girl-led event and see it to completion. They make me proud of all the time and effort they invest into each project.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
Some advice I would give to other troop leaders would be to start with the badges that interest you and teach those first; your excitement and knowledge will help keep the girls engaged. Also, take the time you need to find your groove. Every leader is different and has their strengths, use that to your advantage. Finally, don’t be afraid to look to other leaders for guidance. It’s all about creating the best opportunities for the girls.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that the girls’ parents and guardians can be a great resource. Don’t feel like you must tackle everything alone, you have people around you who may want to help. If you have a strong community around the girls, the troop will be strong.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
There are various opportunities to volunteer within our Council! You do not have to be a troop leader to make an impact in our community or the girls’ lives. You can volunteer during our annual cookie program and host a cookie cupboard, help girls explore nature during summer camp, and offer assistance to your Service Unit. It truly is worth it to get started.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Yes, my troop sells cookies and by doing so they are able to learn so many lessons during the program. It’s more than selling cookies, it is about giving girls opportunities for growth in different areas like communication, business management, and handling inventory, all of which could prove useful as they grow into adulthood.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Some of our tips would to be yourself and thank everyone for listening to you, even if they don’t buy cookies. They gave you an opportunity to practice your pitch and most times they will realize that you are working hard at selling for your goal and are willing to help in any form they can. Remember that the girls’ experience is the priority.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
I worked hard to set up a CPR class for my older girls. The girls attended and succeeded in earning their certification. Less than 24 hours after the class, one of my girls had to administer CPR to one of her family members until paramedics arrived. She was honored for her bravery and courage by Girl Scouts with the Metal of Honor.
Last month I had the honor of helping facilitate an Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) retreat at the beautiful Parsons Leadership Center in South Phoenix. It was a wonderful weekend with an amazing group of eight Girl Scout Volunteers from all over the state. The common theme among all the women that weekend was how much they cared for and took care of everyone else, but rarely took that same care for themselves. They also all carried these burdens alone. Maybe you feel that way too? Always giving to others and not always having that same support for yourself.
Sitting in a circle with these women, I could feel the shift as each woman shared their experiences, and we all came to realize that we are not alone in our struggles. We are all unique yet share some of the same feelings. As we learned together, shared meals and conversations, attempted archery, and walked the labyrinth, something remarkable happened. Connection, friendship, and the feeling of support – sisterhood.
It struck me that this is the power of Girl Scouting. When our girls go camping, rally together to sell cookies, or support their community and each other through challenges, they learn what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Connect
There is something special about sitting in a Girl Scout Circle and something that I think we have all missed over the last few years. As an ALC volunteer, I cherish and look forward to our Circles. It is a safe place where all are welcome, and all belong. It’s a place where you feel heard, seen, and affirmed. For our girls, this could be a small yet powerful element of developing their confidence. I know as an adult, it is powerful to feel seen and know you are accepted, valued, and not alone.
Take Action
For your girls: Be intentional about creating a Girl Scout Circle, a center, and taking a full-stop moment with your troops.
For you: Consider joining the ALC. Come sit in Circle with us at one of our monthly meetings held on the second Thursday of each month at Parsons Leadership Center. Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org for more information.
For your Service Unit: Invite ALC to do a deep-dive workshop on Circle setting – its history, purpose, and tools on how to incorporate it.
It’s National Volunteer Month, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the dedicated volunteers who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for girls in their communities. Our volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization—you open the doors of possibility for girls and show them the power they have to make the world a better place.
You have enabled Girl Scouts across the country to continue their Girl Scout journeys and stay connected to their sister Girl Scouts even during the unprecedented challenges of the last few years. You serve as strong role models and are truly making a difference in their lives—championing, encouraging, and inspiring them to be the leaders and change-makers the world needs.
The power of Girl Scout volunteers is felt everyday by the girls and families of our Movement: 86% of girls say their leader makes them feel important, 80% say their leader helps them pursue their goals, and 70% say their leader helps them think about the future.
99% of parents/caregivers tell us their girl’s leader made her feel like part of a group, and 94% of them say their girl’s leader made their whole family feel like part of a community. And during a time of national crisis, this sense of community you foster—and how it empowers girls to give back—is vitally important. Over the past two years, Girl Scouts and volunteers like you have engaged in hundreds of thousands of hours of COVID relief efforts, including sending cards or letters to COVID patients and frontline healthcare workers, making and donating masks, donating and delivering meals, planning food drives, and donating cookies to bring joy to others. At a time when girls have been experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety and powerlessness in their day-to-day lives, you have shown them the difference they can make even under incredibly challenging circumstances.
On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, the 700,000 incredible Movement-wide volunteers across the country and the world for your commitment to Girl Scouting and for helping girls become their best selves.
You are building the trailblazers and changemakers of today who will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
(PHOENIX – March 23, 2022) — Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is celebrating a successful cookie season. From Jan. 17 to Feb. 27, participating Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona sold more than 2.6 million boxes of delicious cookies, building essential entrepreneurial skills imperative to leadership and future success along the way.
“Our 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season was the most memorable one yet. Despite selling during a pandemic and experiencing inventory shortages, our girls were confident and innovative as they engaged with customers across central and northern Arizona. We celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and are grateful for the generous support from the community,” shared Christina Spicer, Interim Co-CEO of GSACPC.
The funds raised through the cookie program will allow local girls to take part in a variety of programs, community outreach projects and enrichment over the next year, including:
Fueling adventure by maintaining four camp facilities and outdoor programming year-round, including the NEW boulder wall, zip line and climbing tower at The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
Providing STEM, outdoor, life-skills, and entrepreneurial programs for Girl Scouts to participate in in central and northern Arizona, including providing access to programs for girls residing in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Lands
Volunteer training and support for over 6,000 volunteers
Financial assistance to cover membership, uniforms, and camperships for any family needing extra support.
Supporting girls’ passions, take-action project, and pursuit of the Girl Scout High Awards through service projects that make an impact on our community
The Girl Scout Cookie Program not only helps Girl Scouts earn money for these fun, educational activities and community projects, but also plays an important role in helping girls learn essential life skills like decision making, money management, people skills, business ethics and goal setting. It is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! All proceeds from the cookie program support Arizona’s Girl Scouts.
How the cookies crumbled, by the numbers:
7,063 girls in central and northern Arizona sold 2,686,833 cookies
The per girl average was 380 boxes each, up from 320 boxes each in 2021
The top cookie seller, Kaitlyn of Troop 2232 in Glendale, sold 7,788 boxes of cookies
The top troop, Troop 558 in Peoria, sold 64,886 boxes of cookies
113 girls sold over 2,000 boxes each
843,710 packages were sold online through its Digital Cookie program
The most popular cookie sold was Girl Scout Thin Mints
In its first year, 247,456 boxes of Adventurefuls found their way to local homes
Girl Scouts hosted hundreds of booths thanks to restaurant and retail supporters, and long-term partners like Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores (Bashas’, Food City, A.J.’s), and Safeway
In other sweet news, 19 restaurants participated in the 8th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. The Dessert Challenge invites chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants to support Arizona’s girls by creating a special dessert using one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout Cookies. A public voting component was introduced last year, allowing diners to vote for their favorite dessert! With 22% of the votes in the central Arizona area, Nook Kitchen and chef Amber Cumming took the title for best dessert with their Don’t Mind if I Do using Girl Scout Do-si-dos. In the northern Arizona region, Shift won with 37.5% of the votes for their Mint Chocolate Churros created by chef Dara Wong featuring Girl Scout Thin Mints. A portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold was donated to support Girl Scouting in our community.
The season also marked the first-ever Girl Scout night during a Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Arena and Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run and Walk, which took place on Feb. 26 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners and the community at large, featured music, food and even a Girl Scout business or two. In total, more than 400 girls and their families took part with the community in this special event day-of.
The overwhelming success of this year’s cookie program was possible only with the support of the community. All funds raised stay in Arizona, ensuring girls will have the resources they need to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
About Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.
When my oldest daughter was a Daisy, one of the leaders stepped down and I was approached about taking over that role. I decided that it would be a great opportunity to support my daughter in her Girl Scout Journey as well as spend time with her. I had no idea what it fully entailed but I’ve enjoyed being able to share this experience with my daughter as well as our troop.
What kind of activities do you do with your troops? What is their favorite thing to do?
We are a multi-level, multi-school troop, and we love to bonding together by giving back to our community. We like to engage the girls with new experiences, introduce them to different worlds, and promote team building with an emphasis on supporting their Girl Scout Sisters. As the girls have aged, encampment has become one of their favorite things to do. Each camp allows them to try new things, meet other Girl Scouts, and bond. One of their favorite things to do is skip the bonfires and have dance parties and tell bad jokes in their cabins. Those nights are full of laughter, memories, and stories that they will tell years later from a previous encampment.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have done several different types of service projects. We like to teach the girls about the different ways to give back (time, monetary, etc.). A few of the service projects we’ve completed have been:
Collecting donations for the Arizona Animal Welfare League
We’ve read to the dogs at the MCSO MASH Unit
Collected donations and pop-tops for the Ronald McDonald House
Made and donated dog toys
Put together Snowman Soup to give out at a “Shop with a Cop” event for the Peoria Police Department
Created donation boxes for Domestic Violence Awareness month
Painted rocks that were placed at the Oncology unit of the Mayo Clinic.
With each project, I see the girls’ passion and their growth as leaders!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of my favorite moments was when our troop hosted a daddy/daughter day to build robots that earned girl their Robotics badges. As moms we get to participate in programs more often, but the ability to include the dads and allow the girls to show their dads what they can do was great. It allowed the girls to bring their dads into our Girl Scout world but also allowed the dads to see how incredible and capable their daughters are.
It also bring be great joy to see how the girls love and support each other. It doesn’t matter who they are within the troop, you are guaranteed to hear giggles and discussion. They are there for each other, encouraging each other during a difficult moment, applauding and praising when one succeeds, and ensuring each girl is safe. Those are the bonds and moments I believe help shape their experience and will leave lifelong impressions.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
My advice to other troop leaders would be, allow yourself some grace. Life is busy and there are times when we don’t always feel on our game but that is the best time to lean on your fellow Troop Leaders and share the responsibilities. The girls will see your actions and will learn how to ask for help or even step-up when someone needs help. Leading by example is important and can help groom positive self-care and mental health examples. Leading takes a village.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You do not need to know everything about Girl Scouts and do not hold yourself to another troop’s standards. Each troop is unique, like a snowflake, and what one does may not be what’s best for your troop. Find your own groove. There are a million resources available which can be overwhelming but do not fret, you do you. And if you need help, ask. Look for a mentor within your neighborhood or even another that you are comfortable with, and you can lean on. We are all here to support each other.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
If you’d like to see improvements or changes within your neighborhood or council, get involved. There are many types of committees that you can join. They might seem intimidating at first, but you will not regret it. I’ve been able to support IGMs, new volunteers, present at a council training, and even provide council feedback on training over the years. Everyone has skills that they can offer, and we always need new ideas and sounding boards to make our daughters experiences better.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Our troop does sell Girl Scout Cookies each year. I think the cookie program helps girls learn how to handle money, how to improve customer service skills, and proper etiquette when a guest is at a business. These are all important lessons that the girls will need to know throughout their life. No matter what career path they choose or where they adventure, they will need to understand money, working with others, and proper etiquette. It’s OK to be sad when goals aren’t hit or a customer refuses or ignores you but we like to teach the girls how to handle rejection, move on and try not to dwell on a handful of “nos”.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
This is where we’ve seen success with girl behaviors and etiquette. Our girls always thank customers no matter if it’s a “yes” or “no” and they like to add a touch at the end such as “have a great day” or “thanks for supporting” based on the response from the customer. We’ve had customers return to purchase based on etiquette alone. I don’t believe there are many tricks to selling as it comes down to the girls’ goals and how they want to push themselves. We have one who will knock it out of the park every year and as soon as she hits a goal, she sets another. We also have some girls who use this as an opportunity to help support the troop and they focus on wanting to help earn funds for high awards. I love the flexibility of the program and how it allows the girls to lead but with clear boundaries to help them succeed.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
When a girl finds her voice or is willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and try something new is such a great feeling. I love that our girls are learning healthy boundaries and supporting themselves while having fun. Leading is great but most speak of leading others; we want them to lead themselves and witnessing a girl learn her worth and lead herself is a true testimony of what the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is.
Times change. People change. Places change. But deep inside, your heart’s inner compass knows the way. Years of Girl Scouting taught me to be true to my own values and ambitions. As a Girl Scout Cadette, my involvement in the organization helped me gain the courage to pursue my own interests outside of what was popular in the world around me. This strength followed me into higher Girl Scout levels and other areas of my life. I learned to follow my true North.
The pandemic that struck in 2020 has changed all our lives. Repeated surveys have reported that at least 55% of Americans are seeking a new job. People are looking at their lives through a new lens and are considering changes that may help them feel more congruent to their values. Given this time to look back and evaluate our lives, we ask, “Are you happy with the life you are living?”
Do you know your true North? What does your authentic self, crave? Listen to that voice. As we emerge out of this stormy time, know that you have a true purpose. Let your self-awareness guide you in path that leads you to excel at what is most important to YOU.
Looking for your true North? Take time to journal and reflect on these thirty questions written by Bill George, author of Discover Your True North.
What do you want your legacy to be? 10, 20, 50 years from now, what will your name mean?
What one word do you want people to use to describe you? What do you think they’d currently use?
If money was no object, how would you spend your time? What would your day look like?
Fill in the blank: My life is a quest for _______. What motivates you? Money? Love? Acceptance?
If you were to donate everything you have to a cause or charity, which would it be?
What is your biggest regret? If you could go back and have a ‘redo,’ what would you change?
When was the last time you told a lie? Why? What would have happened if you had told the truth?
If you accomplish one thing by the end of the year, what would make the biggest impact on your happiness?
What do you think is the meaning of life? Do you live your life accordingly?
What would others say is your biggest asset? What would they say is your biggest flaw? Be honest.
What did you like to do when you were 10 years old? When was the last time you did that activity?
What do you love most about your current job? What do you wish you could do more of?
What do you think you were put on this earth to learn? What were you put here to teach?
What keeps you awake at night when you should be sleeping? What gets you out of bed in the mornings?
List your core values. Use your company’s mission statement to list its core values. Do they match up?
What skills do people frequently compliment you on? These may not be what you think you’re best at.
If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would you say?
What do you not want others to know about you? Use your answer to find and conquer insecurities.
List the five people you interact with most frequently (not necessarily friends). How is each helping you to reach your goals (or not)?
If yourself from ten years ago met you today, would he/she be impressed with where you’ve gotten? Why or why not?
What bugs you? If it makes you mad, you’re passionate about it! Can you make your anger productive?
Fast-forward ten or twenty years. What is the one thing that, if you never pursued, you’d always regret?
When was the last time you embarrassed yourself? You have to be vulnerable to find your purpose.
Who or what energizes you? What makes you feel depleted? Do you thrive on chaos, or prefer order?
Who do you look up to? Who are your mentors, both those you know personally and those who inspire you from afar?
Think about your talents, passions, and values. How can you use them to serve and contribute to society?
Why do you want to find your purpose? Write the answer down and put it somewhere you can see it. The journey isn’t always easy.
What in your life is ‘on hold’? Until you lose weight, until you retire, etc. What are you waiting for?
What price would you take to give up on your dreams? What price would you be willing to pay to achieve them?
Now that you’ve answered these questions, what is your action plan? What steps will you take today?
In Girl Scouting, we support and encourage one another in our journeys. Join us in the Authentic Leadership Community as we all look to improve our own lives and the lives of the girls we serve.
(PHOENIX – Feb. 23, 2022) – Join Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), State Forty Eight, and State Forty Eight Foundation for the first-ever Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run and Walk on Feb. 26 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to families, competitive runners and the community at large, will start and finish at Sun Devil Stadium and feature music, food and even a Girl Scout business or two. All registered participants will receive a Girl Scout goodie bag with a State Forty Eight branded 5K shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies, a medal, and more.
“For six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in central and northern Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: The Girl Scout Cookie Program,” says Christina Spicer, interim Co-CEO for GSACPC. “Bring Home the Cookies 5k is a celebration of all our incredible girls and their dedication, innovation, and creativity during these unique times. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their whole life. We are also honored to celebrate with State Forty Eight and State Forty Eight Foundation as we close out this year’s cookie season.”
“We are thrilled to have joined forces with Girl Scouts to celebrate the spirit of local entrepreneurship,” says Mike Spangenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of State Forty Eight. “They do so much to equip and empower the young women of our community to be leaders, that it was an easy decision to choose them as our partner for our first-ever 5K.”
In addition to the race itself, the event will feature special appearances from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, Arizona Cardinals’ Cheerleaders and Big Red, and a Runner’s Village both with traditional booths and vendors as well as food trucks and even a couple Girl Scout entrepreneurs, notably 9-year-old Giselle, a Girl Scout Junior with Troop 2894 in Goodyear, who will exhibit her Pawsome Pet Boutique.
“Giselle used the skills she learned and confidence she gained through the Girl Scout Cookie program to start her own business,” says Mary Mitchell, co-interim CEO of GSACPC. “Her business, through which she sews and personalizes over-the-collar pet bandanas, makes pet bowls and creates handmade gemstone jewelry for pet lovers, even donates 10% of all sales to Sun City 4Paws Rescue, paying it forward as part of her business model.”
The Runner’s Village will open at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. It will be followed by a celebration and medal ceremony. The course is a fast-paced route that loops with a minimal elevation change. This course is perfect for attempting a personal record or having a fun, leisurely run or walk. Water will be available for runners and walkers at the start, finish and midpoint. Restrooms are public and near the start, finish and expo areas. Sports strollers, running chairs, handcycles, sports wheelchairs, prostheses and canes are allowed on the course.
Girl Scouts and their accompanying family members can participate in the race untimed for free. For those who wish to sign on as timed runners or walkers, registration starts at $80 and there are team options for sign-up.
“This event would not be possible without a village – a Runner’s Village, to be specific – of supporters, including sponsors at State Forty Eight, State Forty Eight Foundation, Ardie & Steve Evans, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lovett & Touché, Helios Education Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, KITCHELL, Duffy Group, Mutual of Arizona Financial Group, As You Wish, Bashas’, Burrito Express, Circle K, Kappa Delta, and LAVIDGE,” says Spicer.
“This a cause that is deeply aligned with the mission of our foundation,” says Alyssa Moore, Executive Director for State Forty Eight Foundation. “To co-create a fun event with our local Girl Scout chapter that will in turn support Arizona’s future leaders and business owners is very exciting for us.”
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
About Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.
*** Please note that Girl Scout Cookie Program dates are set by each of the 112 councils throughout the United States and vary based on the local market and environment. The 2022 cookie program for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is Jan. 17 – Feb. 27, 2022. GSACPC is one of two councils in Arizona. GSACPC includes central and northern Arizona. The second council, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSoAZ), includes Tucson and Yuma, and their cookie program is Jan. 22 – March 13, 2022.
When my oldest daughter was a Daisy running her Girl Scout Cookie business for the first time, I helped her write her very first handwritten thank-you cards to her cookie customers. This is a tradition that has continued with both of my daughters every year since, both during cookie season and the Fall Product Program. The only thing better than receiving an order of Girl Scout Cookies is receiving a handwritten letter of gratitude with them. I’ve heard numerous cookie customers of my daughter’s comment on the thank-you cards they received, and I’m convinced that the cards are a factor in cookie customers coming back the following year.
There’s something intimate and delightful about receiving a hand-written card, especially one that arrives in the mail. On one level it’s just scribbles on processed tree pulp, on another level it is magic. A handwritten note takes effort. It takes time. It takes intention. It says that the person writing it stopped everything for a few moments of their day to think of you and offer their appreciation.
What better way to engage in self-care during cookie season than to write yourself a handwritten card?
This form of self-care has seven steps. These steps can be done with others or in solitude, whatever you prefer.
Hand-Written Note – Self-Care Activity
First, take yourself on a trip, in-person or virtually, to a store that sells stationary. I like to visit local bookstores like Changing Hands in Tempe/Phoenix, but any bookstore, drugstore, dollar store, or online retailer will do. Find some eye-pleasing stationary or thank-you cards that delight you, even if (perhaps especially if) someone else would find it silly.
Second, find yourself a fancy pen, a marker, a colored pencil, or a crayon. The brighter and more unusual and fun the color, the better.
Third, scavenge for stickers. Splurge on a pack if you don’t already have some. Consider splurging on a pack even if you do have some.
Fourth, write yourself a thank-you letter. Consider writing in your non-dominant hand if you’d like to invoke the spirit of your younger self or write with your dominant hand if you love how your handwriting looks on the page. Write with intention and answer questions like what are you thankful for? Why is this amazing human that you’re writing to so amazing? Consider making a list of five things that you’re thankful for. Then consider expanding it to ten. The quicker you write, the better (and the easier the gratitude will flow). Add stickers for emphasis.
Fifth, fold your letter, place it in an envelope, address it to yourself, stick a stamp on it, as another sticker or three to the envelope, and walk it out to the mailbox, or take it to the post office. Take a selfie with the envelope before you drop it in the mailbox and post it on social media.
Sixth, check the mail like you’re waiting for a reply to fan mail you just sent to your favorite band. When it arrives, let your inside feelings come right out. Squeal, do a happy dance, do a cartwheel- whatever suits your mood. Then make yourself a yummy beverage, grab your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, and open that envelope. What’s it like reading those words? Journal about it or share it with someone close to you. Consider even writing one for someone else and mailing it to them!
Seventh, put your note to yourself somewhere close-to-hand so you can read it as often as you wish. You’re worth it.
I love teaching young girls new things, and the joy on their faces when they realize that they can accomplish anything is super rewarding. Watching them grow within the program and become independent young women makes it all worth it.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We love to do arts and crafts! I have learned that each girl has a different interest, so we try not to stay on the same platform for too long. Science and robotics are a major part of what we do also.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troops?
We spend much of our time working with Pet Allies, a local no kill animal shelter. The girls love spending time making sure that all the animals are loved and happy.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I have had the pleasure of being a mentor for two of my daughters as they earned their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Being able to guide them while they worked on making it their own was an amazing experience for me.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
My advice to other troop leaders would be, let them make a mess! Allow the girls to explore each activity and adventure in their own way. Sometimes this means that things won’t go perfectly, but that is all a part of the journey.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me to take advantage of my resources and to not be afraid to ask for help. We are all on the same team, working towards the same mission and goal. Ask for guidance when needed to help give the girls in your troop the best experience.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
This is the best experience that I have had.
Watching my daughter grow and learn is the best thing a mom could ask for. There are many ways to get involved with Girl Scouts but being a Troop Leader and having direct involvement with the girls’ growth has been my favorite part.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our troop loves to sell cookies! The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps shy little girls blossom into a cookie boss that can change the world.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
One of my biggest selling tips is, don’t get discouraged by the people that tell you no; keep asking until someone says yes. It is about the triumphs and learning how to become a better entrepreneur.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
When a new girl comes to her first meeting, we as leaders like to make sure they feel welcome. We start the meeting by having everyone introduce themselves and tell the new girl something they like about Girl Scouts. At a recent meeting with a new girl, one of the other girls did that without being asked. Watching her step up into the leadership role and do the things that we taught her is what makes it all worth it.
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (January 21, 2022) — The STEM subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are the foundation for the country’s fastest-growing occupations, yet women and girls are underrepresented across all levels of the STEM pipeline. Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is working to close that gap through STEM programming on the Navajo Nation designed to spark girls’ interest so they can become part of this expanding sector.
Thanks to a $35,000 grant from the APS Foundation, 250 girls on the Navajo Nation will experience STEM learning opportunities during the school year through Girl Scouts. Programs will include a three-day summer camp this June at Diné College in Tsaile, AZ that will serve more than 70 girls.
Christina Spicer, Interim Co-CEO of GSACPC shares, “We are deeply grateful to the APS Foundation for being a long-standing supporter of Arizona girls. We are honored that they continue to invest in girls throughout our jurisdiction.”
Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council provides experiential STEM opportunities for girls who are part of the Navajo community through culturally relevant programming and delivery models that meet their specific needs. Girls are encouraged to ask questions about the world, problem-solve, and use natural creativity through play and experimentation while fostering their internal qualities such as self-confidence, self-esteem, and a strong work ethic.
Throughout the school year, girls will have opportunities to earn badges in cybersecurity, environmental advocacy, mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science, and space exploration. The outdoor STEM camp at Diné College in June, also supported by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, will offer additional opportunities to get hands-on with science, technology, engineering, and math.
Each year, the APS Foundation, which has focused its support on STEM education since 2012, partners with organizations like Girl Scouts to fund programs that inspire the next generation of leaders.
“Studies show hands-on STEM learning truly ignites a passion for continued STEM education,” says APS Foundation Executive Director Tina Marie Tentori. “When you bring STEM to life through fun, interactive activities such as mountain biking, archery, and astronomy at summer camp, it adds a whole new dimension of learning. It’s exciting to see young minds turned onto careers in the sciences as a result of this type of programming.”
“Over the last two years Girl Scouts had to pause some programs to protect the health and safety of our members, especially those on the Navajo Nation as the community endured the unimaginable. Not surprisingly, the program we get asked about most is our STEM Camp. Girls and families are anxiously awaiting its return this summer,” says Mary Mitchell, Interim Co-CEO of GSACPC. “We’re excited to offer not only a small glimpse of normalcy for girls but also provide them an important opportunity to increase their STEM confidence and inspire them to pursue STEM in their futures.”
About Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
My journey as a troop leader began when my oldest daughter showed interest in becoming a Girl Scout. To help give her the experience, I stepped up and became a leader. Then, when my youngest daughter joined, her troop needed a leader which I filled. It’s been such a rewarding experience to not only be a troop leader but also be one with my daughters involved.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We are in Flagstaff, so we like to take advantage of the nature and local scenery by exploring the outdoors. Additionally, we are currently working on our Bronze and Silver Awards, so the girls are gaining some valuable leadership experience.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
A lot of people don’t know that you can donate Girl Scout Cookies! Last year, my troop donated cookies to Hope Cottage, a local women’s and children shelter. This year my troop packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, an international project that provides children in various communities in need with shoe boxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. It was a moving experience that allowed the girls to give back.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I love helping the girls in my troop organize service team events. I get to see the girls take action, work together, and organize an event that will help our community. Two of my favorite events were the mother-daughter tea and the Christmas parade.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would tell other troop leaders to enjoy every moment and to be flexible. Sometimes, meetings will not go as planned and that is totally okay. Just take a deep breath and move forward!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone told me not to stress about the little things! This is a rewarding role to be in and the growth you see in the girls over time is the important piece.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I have a blast being a leader and on the service unit team! However, there are other ways to get involved with the organization outside of being a Troop Leader. For example, you can volunteer time in specific programs, you can lead outdoor activities, volunteer at events, and more!
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Yes, we sell cookies. The cookie program funds what we do as a troop but more importantly, it teaches my girls confidence, ethics and how to be entrepreneurs. They step outside of their comfort zones to talk to members of the community and make sales!
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
The cookie program is a time of year when the public eye is on Girl Scouts, so it is important for girls to be professional when selling cookies. Also, we recommend that you wear your vests! People love to come over and ask about patches and pins – it’s a great way to transition into a cookie pitch.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
It’s a Girl Scout Camp tradition to have a camp name and a camp name is given to you by another Girl Scout. One of my favorite moments was when my troop went to Jamboree and the girls gave me my camp name. It was a special moment that I will keep with me for a long time.
The new year is upon us and with it comes the excitement of setting new year’s resolutions! Around this time also our cookie season begins and girls set goals and make thoughtful, strategic decisions about how they want to achieve them. We’ll show you an activity you can introduce to your troop that will show them the strength of outline steps to big goals.
My daughters have often aimed high when it comes to goal setting during cookie season. They’ll be the first to tell you that the recognitions for high achievers are enticing. When it comes to showing up for the work required to meet those lofty goals, though, the enthusiasm that comes with goal setting can dwindle. Established habits and desires to do other things may end up taking precedence, and if they do, disappointment about the failure to meet goals can surface.
Making a resolution for the new year is like setting a goal for cookie season. How does one strike a balance between setting resolutions and developing habits that support the actions required for them?
Below is an exercise you can do in a hands-on way to explore this balance and reach your goals.
Supplies
6 strips of colorful cardstock or paper (1″ wide, 8.5″ long)
A colorful marker/pen
Clear tape
One marble
Instructions
Step 1: On the first strip of cardstock, write down your resolution. On three additional strips, write down three steps that will support your success in meeting that resolution. These steps may include actions you know you’ll need to take as well as subsequent actions you’ll take if/when your initial interest begins to fade.
Step 2: Hold up your marble. This is your resolution. Now use the strips of paper to pick up your marble. How well do the strips hold your resolution?
Step 3: Arrange two of the strips next to one another vertically on a flat surface. Then weave two strips horizontally through the vertical strips, alternating between going over and under. Once this is done, you’ll have a plus sign with a woven square at the center. This square is the floor of your container. From here, fold the ends of the strips so that they stand straight up above the floor of the container. These will be the walls of the container.
Step 4: Take another strip and fold it every two inches along its length to form a square shape. Tape the ends of this strip together to secure the square shape.
Step 5: Position your square from Step 4 so it is parallel with the floor of your container. Weave the square from Step 4 onto the upstanding ends of your container from Step 3. The ends of the container from Step 3 should alternate over and under the square from Step 4 on all four sides. Once this is done, repeat steps 3 and 4 with a second strip of paper.
Step 6: Fold the ends of the vertical strips from Step 3 over the second square from Step 5 (fold it toward the inside of the container if the strip is on the outside of the square, and fold it toward the outside of the container if the strip is on the inside of the square). Tape the folded ends to the walls of the container.
Step 7: Put your marble in the container you’ve woven and pick up the container. How does the container support your marble compared to the individual strips of paper? Describe what was it like to weave a container for your resolution. What do you imagine it would be like to try weaving a container again for a new resolution? Journal for 5-10 minutes about the process and share your insights with someone you know.
Try this activity with your troop and have a discussion on goal setting. Share your troop’s experience with creative goal setting at stories@girlscoutsaz.org
This article is hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community. The Authentic Leadership Community is currently running a new workshop for Service Units – Introduction to Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. We would love to visit your SU! To learn more and sign up, please complete our interest form.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jan. 17, 2022 – Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust recently awarded $125,000 to Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) to support outdoor experiences for girls in central and northern Arizona over the next two years.
“We are deeply grateful to the Trust for their partnership over the years. This gift will help us create more opportunities for girls to bolster their confidence as they challenge themselves to take on outdoor adventures,” Christina Spicer, Interim Co-CEO said.
“This grant will give us additional resources to expand access to our outdoor programming through family engagement, volunteer-led outdoor experiences, community events, and specialty programs like climbing, archery, and mountain biking.”
After almost two years of disruptions to programming due to the pandemic, GSACPC is ramping up their in-person programs at their four camp properties located in Phoenix and in northern Arizona. “Technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and connect with the outdoors. However, girls who attend Girl Scout Camp or participate in an outdoor program benefit from a shared-learning experience and an all-girl safe space that offers plenty of opportunities to create their own outdoor adventures” says Spicer.
“Girl Scouts supports girls as they take healthy risks to try new things and achieve their ambitions. And when they reach the finish line, we’re there to cheer them on to the next challenge. We encourage girls to see failure as just another opportunity to get better at something so they can move ahead with determination to succeed. Our outdoor programs provide these confidence-building experiences, whether girls are putting up a tent for the first time, hiking to the top of a mountain, or scaling one of our climbing towers.”
GSACPC plans to address barriers and increase girls’ access to programs so they may benefit from unparalleled leadership opportunities in the outdoors that will help them build self-confidence, laying the foundation for a meaningful and successful future.
“These outdoor Girl Scouts programs help young women develop a more confident sense of self, which will serve them throughout their lives. We’re pleased to support programs that promote girls’ healthy development,” said Trust Senior Program Officer Laura McBride.
The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust was established upon the death of Nina Mason Pulliam in 1997 to support the causes she loved in her home states of Arizona and Indiana. The Trust seeks to help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life in metropolitan Indianapolis and Phoenix. Since its inception, the Trust has distributed over $353 million to 1,006 organizations. For more information visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
About Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
Girl Scout Cookie Season – the World’s Largest Girl-Led Entrepreneurial Program – Takes Place Jan. 17 to Feb. 27 across Central, Northern Arizona
(PHOENIX – Jan. 11, 2022) – For six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: The Girl Scout Cookie Program. This year, the cookie season for the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) will take place Jan. 17 to Feb. 27, 2022. As in year’s past, all the Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to help girls fund impactful projects to benefit the community; embark on amazing girl-led troop adventures; provide programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship; maintain and improve four camp properties; and provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting available and affordable for all girls.
“As we continue to find our new normal and navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, many girl entrepreneurs will utilize digital sales in the upcoming cookie program. Cookie entrepreneurs are planning on a safe and fun season by opting into in-person and/or digital sales through Digital Cookies, Girl Scout’s e-commerce platform available for each girl to build and manager her own website,” says Mary Mitchell, interim Co-CEO for GSACPC.
Girls will also provide socially distant and contactless options in-person and apply CDC-recommend precautions like wearing a face mask, advising customers to pay with card, and applying hand sanitizer in between purchases. The goal is to provide a safe experience for Girl Scout Cookie customers, sellers, and create a successful sale for local girl members.
“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is more than a sale. It provides girls the skills they need to become successful women. Girl Scouts learn to invest in themselves, their troops, and their community. Encouraging girls’ interest in entrepreneurship prepares them for any future career pathway,” says Christina Spicer, interim Co-CEO for GSACPC. “The qualities that lead to successful entrepreneurship, like curiosity, confidence, and innovation, are essential for all types of academic and career success. There aren’t many organizations that help girls learn key entrepreneurship skills – Girl Scouting does!”
Bigger and better than ever, here is a snapshot of everything you need to know for the 2022 cookie season, from a NEW cookie, the first-ever family friendly 5K, and the return of the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge after taking a year off amid COVID-19:
GSACPC Cookie Lineup
NEW!! Adventurefuls: Brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt. $5
Lemon-Ups: Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages. $5
Thin Mints: Mint flavored with a delicious chocolaty coating. Vegan. $5
Tagalongs: Layers of peanut butter with a rich, chocolaty coating. $5
Samoas: Caramel and toasted coconut-covered cookies. $5
Trefoils: Iconic and delicious shortbread cookies. $5
Do-si-dos: Crisp and crunchy oatmeal outside and creamy peanut butter inside. $5
Girl Scout S’mores: Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling. $6
Toffee-tastics: Buttery (and gluten-free) cookies with sweet, crunchy golden toffee bits. $6
Adventurefuls
GSACPC and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) are pleased to announce that a new cookie – Adventurefuls – will join the nationwide lineup for the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program. An indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt, Adventurefuls take cookie lovers on a delicious taste adventure just like Girl Scouts go on amazing adventures through the program. Girl Scouts in central and northern Arizona and across the United States will offer the Adventurefuls cookie next season alongside favorites like Thin Mints® and Samoas®.
Cookie CEO Fast Pitch – Jan. 22
Valley CEOs are training Girl Scout entrepreneurs at the virtual Cookie CEO Fast Pitch on Jan. 22. During this event, local CEOs/executives will guide Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors, and Ambassadors and help sharpen their communication skills, sales pitches, and give them sound business advice and tips.
“Participating girls will make their cookie sales pitch to one of the local CEOs or corporate executives in attendance. In exchange, they’ll get feedback on their pitch and develop confidence in their one-on-one coaching sessions,” said Spicer. “At the end of the event, girls will apply the strategies they’ve learned and give their best pitch to the mentors. If the CEO was sold on the pitch, they’ll purchase up to $500 worth of cookies.”
Girl Scout Night and Booker Bus Reveal with the Phoenix Suns – Jan. 30
On Jan. 30 leading up to the Phoenix Suns taking on the San Antonio Spurs at 6 p.m., for the first time ever, local Girl Scouts will be selling cookies at four cookie booths outside of the Footprint Center. And the cookie booths are just the beginning. Approximately 400 Girl Scouts will descend on Footprint Center to attend the game, and local Girl Scouts will reveal the mini bus funded by the Devin Booker Starting Five Grant as well.
“The $100,000 grant, which was announced in mid-October, was used to replace the mini-bus used to transports girls to and from educational and character-building activities and experiences,” says Spicer. “Due to vandalism and theft of the vehicle, GSACPC had no way to transport girls to programs and events. The lack of transportation often meant that girls would not have an opportunity to participate in activities.”
The Return of the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge – Feb. 1 to 28
The Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is back for its eighth year! After taking a break in February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GSACPC is pleased to present the return of the challenge taking place February 1-28, 2022.
Twenty-one esteemed chefs from venues throughout central and northern Arizona will participate in this year’s friendly competition to create a winning dessert with one of these Girl Scout Cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils or Lemon-Ups.
“The participating chefs will use their culinary prowess to re-imagine these classic Girl Scout Cookies into a delicious dessert and feature it on their menus throughout the entire month of February. A portion of the proceeds will support Girl Scouting in Arizona,” says Mitchell.
This year’s returning competitors are:
Aioli Gourmet Burgers in Phoenix
Churn in Phoenix
Lovecraft in Phoenix
Lumberyard Brewing Company in Flagstaff
Proof Canteen at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant in Chandler
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale
This year’s first-time competitors are:
Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar in Phoenix
The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen in Scottsdale
Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix
Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery in Flagstaff
Nook Kitchen in Phoenix
Oak on Camelback in Phoenix (formerly St. Francis)
Shift in Flagstaff
Taco Guild in Phoenix
Tarbell’s in Phoenix
The County Seat in Prescott
The Italian Daughter in North Scottsdale
The Mick Brasserie in Scottsdale
“Girl Scout Cookie fans and restaurant patrons will vote for their favorite dessert in central and northern Arizona during the month of February, helping us crown a 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge Champion for each region,” says Mitchell. “In addition to the fun, many of the venues have also opened their doors to allow local Girl Scouts to host cookie booths on-site during the challenge as well, a first for us and our challenge partners.”
Join GSACPC and State Forty Eight Foundation for the first-ever Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 26 in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners and the community at large, will start and finish at Sun Devil Stadium and feature music, food and cookie booths. All registered participants will receive a Girl Scout goodie bag with a State Forty Eight branded 5K shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies, a medal, and more!
“All members of the community are invited to join the celebration in spirit of local entrepreneurship and support Girl Scouts as they host cookie booths inside the runner’s village in a final attempt to reach their sales goals for the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program,” says Spicer. “With the 2022 cookie season ending the day after the race, this event will help our local girls ‘sprint’ toward their goals.”
“As our nation continues to adapt to life with COVID-19, girls are still encouraged to expand their efforts to web safely with the options to sell online only or online and in-person,” says Czerina Harvey, Product Program Manager for GSACPC.
This year’s selling options for girls includes:
Digital Cookie: Through thisdigital selling platform, girls build a custom website so they can invite friends and family to purchase cookies, with the option of having cookies delivered in-person or shipped directly to their home. Girls can also use the Digital Cookie Mobile App to accept credit card payments on the go from customers. Digital Cookie also introduces lessons about online marketing, application use, and eCommerce to Girl Scouts, through building their own cookie website and managing their virtual sales.
Drive-Thru Booths: Local Girl Scout troops have the option to coordinate drive-thru booths, with cashless transactions being strongly requested. The drive-thru booths will be in parking lots that allow for plenty of distancing and space for the girls and their parents. Cars will have the chance to pull to the front of the line, make their orders, and have the contactless or near contactless ability to pick up their cookies as they would from a traditional booth. There will be parents stationed at each of these booths with sanitizing products to help the girls ensure maximum safety and monitor cookie transfer to cars.
Booths: As permitted and with CDC-recommended guidelines in place, including wearing masks and social distancing, girls will be setting up a temporary “shop” in front of local businesses providing socially distanced options for customers to purchase cookies. Booth locations this year include longtime supporters Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sonic and other retailers and small businesses.
“Over the years, community partners like Basha’s and Fry’s have been game changers for us and our local Girl Scouts,” says Harvey. “We are incredibly thankful for all of our retail partners small and large, who help our girls in their sale by simply sharing their space and support. We’d also like to acknowledge that because of partners like Bashas, our girls on the Navajo Nation and Hopi Lands also get the opportunity to reach cookie customers safely in more rural areas of our jurisdiction.”
Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder and use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find a cookie booth near you. It’s simple – just enter your zip code and choose from a list of locations nearby. If you want cookie finder access on-the-go download the free Girl Scout Cookie Finder app onto your iOS or Android mobile device from Google Play or the Apple store.
Cookie Clarifications
Bakery Confusion: there are two commercial bakers licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to produce Girl Scout Cookies. The GSACPC bakery is Little Brownie Bakers. Therefore, some other councils offer different cookies.
Thin Mints are made with vegan ingredients.
Toffee-tastics, our gluten-free cookie, will sell for $6 a box. Only troops that have opted into selling this cookie will have them, so it will be available only in limited quantities.
All our cookies have no high corn fructose syrup, no partially hydronated oils (PHOs), zero grams of trans fat per serving and use RSPO certified (Mass Balance) palm oil.
FOR MEDIA ONLY
Questions Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneurs love to answer at booths and in the media:
What skills has participating in the cookie program taught you?
What are your cookie program goals as an individual and troop? What is your troop working towards?
What does your troop have planned to do with the cookie proceeds?
What organization are you and your troop donating your Cookies for the Communities to and why? Are you planning any other service projects?
About Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.
(PHOENIX –11 de enero, 2022) – Cada año durante seis semanas, Girl Scouts en Arizona participan en el programa empresarial más grande del mundo dirigido por niñas: El Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout. Este año, la temporada de galletas para el Concilio Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine (GSACPC) se llevará a cabo del 17 de enero al 27 de febrero de 2022. Al igual que en el año pasado, todas las ganancias de las galletas de Girl Scouts permanecen localmente para ayudar a las niñas a financiar proyectos impactantes en beneficio de la comunidad; o a embarcar en aventuras increíbles de tropas dirigidas por niñas; proporcionar programas en STEM, al aire libre, en habilidades para la vida y de negocio; mantener y mejorar cuatro propiedades del campamento; y proporcionar asistencia financiera que mantenga las Girl Scouts disponible y accesible para todas las niñas.
“A medida que continuamos a encontrar nuestra nueva normalidad y navegar por la pandemia de COVID-19, muchas niñas empresarias utilizarán las ventas digitales en el próximo programa de galletas. Las emprendedoras de galletas están planeando una temporada segura y divertida optando por las ventas en persona y / o digitales a través de Digital Cookies, la plataforma de comercio electrónico de Girl Scout disponible para que cada niña construya y administre su propio sitio web,” dice Mary Mitchell, co-CEO interino de GSACPC.
Las niñas también proporcionarán opciones socialmente distantes y sin contacto en persona y aplicarán las precauciones recomendadas por la CDC, como usar mascarillas, aconsejar a los clientes que paguen con tarjeta y aplicar desinfectante de manos entre las compras. El objetivo es proporcionar una experiencia segura para los clientes y vendedores de las galletas de Girl Scout y crear una venta exitosa para las niñas locales.
El Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout es más que una venta. Les proporciona a las niñas las habilidades que necesitan para convertirse en mujeres exitosas. Girl Scouts aprenden a invertir en sí mismas, en sus tropas y en su comunidad. Fomentando el interés de las niñas en el espíritu empresarial las prepara para cualquier trayectoria profesional en el futuro,” dice Christina Spicer, co-CEO interino de GSACPC. “Las cualidades que conducen un espíritu de emprendedor exitoso, como la curiosidad, la confianza y la innovación, son esenciales para todo tipo de éxito académico y profesional. No hay muchas organizaciones que ayuden a niñas a aprender habilidades clave de emprendimiento, ¡Girl Scouts lo hace!”
Mejorando en lo anterior, a continuación, encontrara todo lo que necesita saber para la temporada de galletas 2022, desde información de la GALLETA NUEVA, la primera carrera de 5 KM familiar y el regreso del Reto del Postre de Galletas de Girl Scout conocido como “Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge”:
Los Sabores de Galletas de GSACPC
¡¡NUEVO!! Adventurefuls: Una galleta inspirada por chocolate con sabor a caramelo y un toque de sal marina. $5
Lemon-Ups: Galletas crujientes de limón horneadas con mensajes inspiradores. $5
Thin Mints: Sabor a menta con una deliciosa capa de chocolate. Vegano. $5
Tagalongs: Capas de mantequilla de maní con un rico recubrimiento de chocolate. $5
Samoas: Galletas cubiertas de caramelo y coco tostado. $5
Trefoils: Icónicas y deliciosas galletas de mantequilla. $5
Do-si-dos: Avena crujiente por fuera y mantequilla de maní cremosa por dentro. $5
Girl Scout S’mores: Galletas crujientes de sándwich con chocolate cremoso y relleno de malvavisco. $6
Toffee-tastics: Galletas de mantequilla (y sin gluten) con trozos de caramelo dorado, dulce y crujiente. $6
Adventurefuls
GSACPC y Girl Scouts de EE.UU. (GSUSA) se complacen en anunciar que una nueva galleta, Adventurefuls, se unirá a la alineación nacional del Programa de Galletas Girl Scout 2022. Una indulgente galleta inspirada de chocolate (brownies) con crema con sabor a caramelo y un toque de sal marina. Adventurefuls lleva a los amantes de las galletas a una deliciosa aventura de sabor al igual que las Girl Scouts participan en increíbles aventuras a través del programa. Las Girl Scouts en el centro y norte de Arizona y en todo Estados Unidos ofrecerán la galleta Adventurefuls la próxima temporada junto con otras favoritas como Thin Mints® y Samoas®.
Cookie CEO Fast Pitch – el 22 de enero
Ejecutivos de corporaciones del Valle estarán entrenando a las empresarias de Girl Scout en el Cookie CEO Fast Pitch virtual el 22 de enero. Durante este evento, los ejecutivos locales guiarán a las Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors y Ambassadors y ayudarán a mejorar sus habilidades de comunicación, argumentos de venta y les darán consejos y sugerencias de negocios.
“Las niñas participantes practicaran su presentación de venta de galletas con uno de los jefes locales o ejecutivos corporativos presentes. A cambio, obtendrán comentarios en su presentación y desarrollarán confianza en sus sesiones de entrenamiento individual,” dijo Spicer. “Al final del evento, las niñas aplicarán las estrategias que han aprendido y darán su mejor discurso a los mentores. Si el jefe fue vendido en el argumento de venta, comprará hasta $500 en galletas. “
El Regreso del Reto del Postre de Galletas de Girl Scout – el 1 al 28 de febrero
¡El Reto del Postre de Galletas de Girl Scout regresa por su octavo año! Después de tomarse un descanso en febrero de 2021 debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, GSACPC se complace en presentar el regreso del desafío que tendrá lugar del 1 al 28 de febrero de 2022.
Veinte estimados chefs de lugares de todo el centro y norte de Arizona participarán en la competencia amistosa de este año para crear un postre ganador con una de estas Galletas de Girl Scout: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils o Lemon-Ups.
“Los chefs participantes utilizarán su experiencia culinaria para inventar delicias usando estas clásicas Galletas de Girl Scout en un delicioso postre y lo presentarán en sus menús durante todo el mes de febrero. Una parte de las ganancias apoyará a Girl Scouts en Arizona,” dice Mitchell.
Los competidores que regresan este año son:
Aioli Gourmet Burgers en Phoenix
Churn en Phoenix
Lovecraft en Phoenix
Lumberyard Brewing Company en Flagstaff
Proof Canteen en el Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant en Chandler
ZuZu en el Hotel Valley Ho en Scottsdale
Los competidores por primera vez de este año son:
Beaver Street Brewery en Flagstaff
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar en Phoenix
The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen en Scottsdale
Geordie’s en Wrigley Mansion en Phoenix
Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery en Flagstaff
Nook Kitchen en Phoenix
Oak on Camelback en Phoenix (antes era el St. Francis)
Shift en Flagstaff
Taco Guild en Phoenix
Tarbell’s en Phoenix
The County Seat en Prescott
The Italian Daughter en North Scottsdale
The Mick Brasserie en Scottsdale
Los fanáticos de las galletas de Girl Scout y los clientes de los restaurantes votarán por su postre favorito en el centro y norte de Arizona durante el mes de febrero, ayudándonos a coronar a un Campeón del Reto del Postre de Galletas de Girl Scout 2022 para cada región,” dice Mitchell. “Además de la diversión, por primera vez, muchos de los lugares también abrirán sus puertas para permitir que las Girl Scouts locales tengas sus puestos de galletas en el lugar durante el desafío.”
¡NUEVO! Carrera/Caminata de 5km “Bring Home the Cookies” – el 26 de febrero
Únase a GSACPC y la Fundación State Forty Eight para la primera carrera/caminata de 5km “Bring Home the Cookies” el 26 de febrero en Tempe. El evento familiar, abierto a las familias de Girl Scouts, corredores competitivos y la comunidad en general, comenzará y terminará en el Estadio Sun Devil y contará con puestos de música, comida y galletas. ¡Todos los participantes registrados recibirán una bolsa de regalos de Girl Scout con una camisa marcada State Forty Eight 5K, un paquete de Galletas de Girl Scout, una medalla y más!
“Todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a unirse a la celebración en espíritu del emprendimiento local y apoyar a las Girl Scouts mientras organizan puestos de galletas dentro del pueblo de los corredores en un último intento de alcanzar sus objetivos de ventas para el Programa de Galletas Girl Scout 2022,” dice Spicer “Con la temporada de galletas 2022 terminando el día después de la carrera, este evento ayudará a nuestras niñas locales a ‘correr’ hacia sus metas.”
“A medida que nuestra nación continúa adaptándose a la vida con COVID-19, todavía se alienta a las niñas a expandir sus esfuerzos de usar el internet de manera segura con las opciones de vender solo en línea o en línea y en persona,” dice Czerina Harvey, gerente de programa de producto de GSACPC.
Las opciones de venta de este año para niñas incluyen:
Digital Cookie: A través de esta plataforma de venta digital, las niñas construyen un sitio web personalizado para que puedan invitar a amigos y familiares a comprar galletas, con la opción de que las galletas se entreguen en persona o enviados directamente a su hogar. Las niñas también pueden usar la aplicación móvil Digital Cookie para aceptar pagos con tarjeta de crédito de los clientes. Digital Cookie también introduce clases sobre mercadotecnia en línea, uso de aplicaciones y comercio electrónico a las Girl Scouts, a través de la construcción de su propio sitio web de galletas y la administración de sus ventas virtuales.
Puestos de Autoservicio: Las tropas locales de Girl Scout tienen la opción de coordinar puestos de autoservicio, y las transacciones sin efectivo que son muy solicitadas. Los puestos de autoservicio estarán en estacionamientos que permiten un gran distanciamiento y espacio para las niñas y sus padres. Los autos tendrán la oportunidad de llegar al frente de la fila, hacer sus pedidos y tener la capacidad sin contacto o casi sin contacto de recoger sus galletas como lo harían en un puesto tradicional. Habrá padres estacionados en cada uno de estos puestos con productos desinfectantes para ayudar a las niñas a garantizar la máxima seguridad y monitorear la transferencia de galletas a los automóviles.
Puestos: Según lo permitido y con las pautas recomendadas por la CDC, incluido el uso de mascarillas y el distanciamiento social, las niñas establecerán una “tienda” temporal frente a las empresas locales que ofrecen opciones de distancia social para que los clientes compren galletas. Las ubicaciones de los puestos este año incluyen a los partidarios de largo patrocinamiento, Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sonic y otras tiendas y pequeñas empresas.
“A lo largo de los años, los socios de la comunidad como Basha’s y Fry’s han sido de gran beneficio a nuestras Girl Scouts locales,” dice Harvey. “Estamos increíblemente agradecidos por todos nuestros socios pequeños y grandes, que ayudan a nuestras niñas en su venta simplemente compartiendo su espacio y apoyo. También nos gustaría reconocer que gracias a socios como Bashas, nuestras niñas en la Nación Navajo y el Pueblo Hopi también tienen la oportunidad de llegar a clientes de galletas en las áreas más rurales de nuestra jurisdicción”.
Visite girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder y utilice el Buscador de galletas de Girl Scout para encontrar un puesto de galletas cerca de usted. Es sencillo: simplemente ingrese su código postal y elija de una lista de ubicaciones cercanas. Si desea acceder al buscador de galletas sobre la marcha, descargue la aplicación gratuita Girl Scout Cookie Finder en su dispositivo móvil iOS o Android desde Google Play o la tienda de Apple.
Clarificaciones Acerca de las Galletas
La Confusión de las Panaderías: hay dos panaderías comerciales con licencia de Girl Scouts de los Estados Unidos para crear las Galletas de Girl Scout. La panadería de GSACPC es Little Brownie Bakers. Por lo tanto, algunos otros concilios ofrecen diferentes galletas.
Thin Mints están elaborados con ingredientes veganos.
Toffee-tastics, nuestra galleta sin gluten se venderá por $6 la caja. Solo las tropas que hayan optado por vender esta galleta las tendrán, por lo que estará disponible solo en cantidades limitadas.
Todas nuestras galletas no tienen jarabe de maíz con alto contenido de fructosa, ni aceites parcialmente hidronados (PHO), cero gramos de grasas trans por porción y utilizan aceite de palma certificado por la RSPO (Balance de masa).
SOLO PARA LOS MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN
Las Girl Scouts emprendedoras les encanta responder las siguientes preguntas en los puestos de galletas y en los medios de comunicación:
¿Qué habilidades has aprendido participando en el programa de galletas?
¿Cuáles son tus metas en el programa de galletas como individuo? ¿Qué meta se ha propuesto tu tropa?
¿Qué ha planeado hacer tu tropa con las ganancias de las galletas?
¿A qué organización están apoyando por medio de donaciones de sus Galletas para las Comunidades y por qué? ¿Están planeando algún otro proyecto de servicio?
Sobre las Girl Scouts
Las Girl Scouts hacen realidad sus sueños y trabajan juntas para construir un mundo mejor. A través de programas de costa a costa, las Girl Scouts de todos los orígenes y habilidades pueden ser ellas mismas sin disculpas a medida que descubren sus fortalezas y se trabajan para enfrentar nuevos desafíos, ya sea que quiera subir a la cima de un árbol o a la cima de su clase, ponerse las botas para una caminata o abogar por la justicia del medio ambiente, o hacer sus primeras mejores amigas. Apoyadas por voluntarios adultos de confianza, mentores y millones de alumnas, las Girl Scouts lideran el camino a medida que encuentran sus voces y hacen cambios que afectan los problemas más importantes para ellas. Para unirse a nosotros, ser voluntario, conectarse o donar, visite girlscouts.org.
Las Girl Scouts—Concilio de Arizona Cactus-Pine (GSACPC)
En asociación con 6,000 voluntarios adultos, GSACPC atiende a más de 11,000 niñas de grado K-12 en más de 90 comunidades en el centro y norte de Arizona. Desde 1936, GSACPC ha ayudado a las niñas a desarrollar habilidades y herramientas de liderazgo para el éxito en un entorno que cambia rápidamente. Sabemos que dada la oportunidad, cada niña puede convertirse en una líder, actuar con confianza en sus valores y conectarse con su comunidad. Para más información, visite www.girlscoutsaz.org, y síganos en Facebook o en Instagram.
Sobre el Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout
El Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout es el programa empresarial dirigido por niñas más grande del mundo, que genera más de $ 700 millones en ventas anuales. Casi 200 millones de cajas de Galletas de Girl Scout se venden cada año a más de 50 millones de clientes. El Concilio de Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine vendió más de dos millones de paquetes de galletas el año pasado. En medio de los desafíos de COVID-19, las tropas esperan cumplir o superar las metas de ventas anteriores.
“Mom, I want to join Girl Scouts.” That’s how it all started.
Thank you to my daughters Malissa and Jessica, who begged me to join Girl Scouts in grade school. While I wasn’t sure exactly what our journey would be like, I did see the program as a way for my girls to learn how to become effective, confident leaders in their own right while giving back to our community. Little did I know that I too, would be a Girl Scout (leader). I would have the opportunity to forge a path towards enhancing my leadership skills, collaborating, and working with incredible people to create a great girl and leader/volunteer experience.
As a Girl Scout leader, new or experienced, we are given many resources to help us live out the Girl Scout Law and traditions and get started. When I began my Girl Scout journey, I did what all leaders are guided to do; complete trainings, review Council rules, apply safety rules when traveling with our troops, and observe and practice traditions. This helped me become a confident troop leader and I quickly dov ein.
However, it wasn’t until I attended an Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) retreat called “Hit the Pause” in 2020 that Girl Scouts genuinely changed my life. Girl Scouts created a program that encouraged me to be my authentic self and develop into a better leader and person through discussions that involved the adoption of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership Methods in everyday situations.
As a member of the ALC, I am honored to be a part of a team that aims to help our leaders learn and experience the essential elements of Girl Scouting. Several of these elements may be familiar to you, and for those that may not be as familiar, you can learn all about it as well. Here is what ALC aims to provide:
Circles – Safe spaces where everyone is equal, heard, respected, and valued. There is no hierarchy. Examples include Friendship circles and Circle Agreements.
Reflection – Pausing to take time for self-discovery and awareness; helping girls and adults connect with their inner compass related to their life’s purpose. The ALC offers a variety of programming for adult leader development to identify personal core values, enhance interpersonal communication skills, and navigate /appreciate personality differences.
Ceremony – Recognizing, celebrating, and marking an accomplishment or beginning of a new program. Examples include bridging, investiture/rededication and candle lighting.
Co-Generational Community – All levels of girls and adults working together. No one outgrows their potential, and the profound effects it has on the whole community.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – The unique differences of individuals that make up our Girl Scout Community – the intentional inclusion of every girl, family, and adult no matter their background, while also making sure every member belongs, and their inputs are valued. ALC offers a variety of programming for adult leader development to incorporate DEI thinking in your Troop / Service Unit activities.
ALC is currently offering an Introduction to Authentic Girl Scout Leadership for Service Units. If you would like to schedule this workshop please connect with your Service Unit Manager and complete this form.
A Girl Scout myself, I really enjoyed my experience and wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to create her own Girl Scout memories. One day my daughter brought home a call for volunteer flyer from school and I didn’t think twice about joining. I filled out the form to get started as a volunteer and the rest has been history!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop enjoys various activities! We especially like participating in community service projects, product programs (like selling Fall Product), and doing crafts! We have also enjoyed presenting girl programs within our neighborhood, camping, and traveling.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have volunteered at Feed My Starving Children events and at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that build beds for kids who are in need of one. We also participate in a neighborhood project called “Books Bears and Blankets” that the girls enjoy.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There are multiple moments for me. I enjoy the “ah-ha” moments with the girls. For example, the first time they see snow, when a concept clicks, the sense of pride when they cook or clean for themselves, or when they conquer a problem.
I also treasure random, unexpected hugs and knowing that the girl that drives you nuts is the one that needs you the most. Additionally, a volunteer moment that stands out has been sitting on the Board of Directors and getting to be a part of the historic decision to rebuild Camp Sombrero into the wonder that is now known as the Parsons Leadership Center.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
The advice I’d give to another troop leader is “you do you”. Be a little selfish when setting meeting times and activities. If it doesn’t work for you, you are more likely to experience burn out and leave. Have thick skin and don’t take issues personally. Remember your why – the girls, they make everything else the little stuff great and worth it, so don’t sweat it.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
Gosh, that was a long time ago! I wish someone had told me that there would be ups and downs, but to stay on the high road. I have, and it has served me well! Also, to participate in product sales fully to be able to do more without stressing out parents.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
You only get so much time with your children and volunteering with her troop is an amazing way to spend time with her as well as the unknown impact you will have on other girls along the way.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Yes! Girls gain so much from the Girl Scout Cookie Program. I have seen a girl who started off hiding behind the cookie packages because she was afraid of taking to others move into performance arts. I have had a girl who attended speech therapy stop going during the program because her parents thought she got more speech practice selling cookies.
The cookie program has funded many wonderful activities and trips that we would have not been able to participate in otherwise! The understanding of profit and expenses, budgeting, customer service, and goal setting are invaluable tools for the girls that they will use throughout their lives.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
We start the cookie season with a troop meeting where we make signs for our booths and do a troop walkabout. This gives the girls the confidence to do walkabouts (door-to-door sales) on their own, in their own neighborhoods.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
It has been so inspiring to see my troop become independent and grow into capable and courage young women. For example, watching the girls deliver program to younger girls, and allowing them to run the program, and them adjusting things along the way as they see fit. These are priceless experiences and memories that we have had together as Girl Scouts.
My daughter wanted to join Girl Scouts, and her troop needed a leader. Having been a Girl Scout for 14 years, I wanted her experience to be as amazing as mine had been, so I volunteered to help!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop likes to do it all! We participate in many of the activities our Council or its partners host. We also have hosted many events for our neighborhood, Cactus Bloom, including Mother-Daughter Tea, Journey at Night Lock-In, and Operation Christmas Child Packing Party.
We also love to explore the outdoors. We have gone on many hikes in Sedona and have visited both caves at Kartchner Caverns. We’ve even gone indoor skydiving! My troop loves to volunteer, and we love helping at the Arizona Animal Welfare League and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop has helped pack and send over 500 boxes of toys and personal items for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan’s Purse. We sewed “joey pouches” that hold baby kangaroos whose mothers were injured during the Australian Wildfires. And last year, we hosted a holiday food drive for our neighborhood where we collected and donated over 1,900 pounds of food for St. Mary’s Food Bank. Additionally, we used our cookie money to make “Just for Me” bags for the Glendale Family Advocacy Center.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
Every year I let the girls throw a whipped cream pie in my face for “creaming” our cookie goals. I end up completely covered in whipped cream, and the girls have a blast doing it. Our togetherness, ability to laugh together and make memories is what I appreciate most – I love making them smile!
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
I would tell other Troop Leaders to enjoy the journey even when the road is bumpy. Celebrate little victories because they matter too. And to learn from your girls as much as you can.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me that no matter how prepared you think you are, it’s ok not to have any idea of what you are doing in running a troop. It will all be ok and work out how it’s supposed to. Girls learn and benefit from watching you learn too. And there are tools and resources to help you in the process or get started.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is more than just the cookie program! Also, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is not just for young girls but for older girls too. They gain so many valuable life and entrepreneurial skills. If they start from a young age, the program is developed to grow with them, progressing the skills or teaching them new ones at every girl level. For example, learning to count change for younger Girl Scout Daisies, to learning how to manage inventory online for older Girl Scouts.
Why is it important to participate in the Cookie Program?
My troop has come a long way from shy little Daisies to the young women they are today. The cookie program has truly allowed them to take ownership of their cookie business and build resilience and confidence to speak to customers and handle small challenges. The girls have learned to be experts in their business, express their creativity, and showcase their leadership and communication skills by answering questions and helping customers make decisions. You really do see their growth and maturity shine.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Something that our troop discussed is when a cookie customer first says they’re not interested in cookies because they’ve recently started a diet for the New Year – since our cookie program begins after the new year, typically in mid-January. A way to overcome this that my troop has mastered is asking customers to purchase cookies to donate! It works nine times out of 10, and the girls turn a “no” into a “yes.”
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
It has been inspiring watching my girls take on challenges and learn new skills. And even more when overcoming fears like sleeping outdoors, going down a zipline at an encampment, or fear of heights while climbing a rock wall, or venturing into a darkened cave to see rock formations. It makes me proud to be a Girl Scout Troop Leader and watch them unleash their potential and showcase their courage and confidence!
girlscoutsaz.blog 