For various reasons, I believe Girl Scouts is a good experience for all girls. Some people may disagree because they think Girl Scouting is just about selling cookies. But there is more to this organization that benefits girls. Girl Scouts teaches marketing and business skills. Second, girls learn how to build confidence and courage in reaching their goals. Finally, the most important reason is girls learn how to socially and environmentally impact our world to make it a better place. Consequently, I will argue that Girl Scouts benefits girls their entire life.

Girls learn the use of business and marketing skills by finding ways to market their cookies, nuts, and magazines, dealing with orders, handling money, setting up booths and providing customer service.  For example, my friends and I made a song that helped us catch the attention of customers and we sold more cookies. Girls have to budget the money they earn and decide what they can and cannot afford. For instance, my troop and I wanted to go to Disneyland so we had to calculate all the money it would take to go. We looked at how much we already had, factored in known expenses for the year, and then determined how much more we had to raise. These skills taught us what we need to know in order to do some of the things we enjoy.

Most people will never get very far, and have few achievements without believing in themselves or having courage and confidence. This is what the Girl Scout program gives each girl.  For example, many women who were former Girl Scouts have gone into successful careers in politics, science, and technology, and aerospace because they were confident that they could make it.  Kay Bailey Hutchison is a terrific example. A former Girl Scout, she followed her dreams and became a senator. When people have no belief in themselves, they miss out and don’t achieve their goals. When, after saving and months of planning, my troop and I went horseback riding, a girl was terrified on the horse. If she had given up she would have missed out. In fact, after riding for a few minutes she calmed down, had tons of fun, and wants to go again. So, with courage and confidence a person can accomplish anything.

 Third, girls will be able to impact the world using social and environmental skills. Girls help to make a difference locally and globally. For instance, my local Council helped in the fight against Malaria Globally by sending bed nets and water purifiers to South Africa.  Next, my troop and two others made a difference locally with picking up litter. We went up to Kings Canyon and in two hours removed litter from a sledding area that would have taken a single Ranger one month to remove. Additionally, my troop made bread for the Poverello house that benefits the homeless in Fresno County. Therefore, girls all around the world help to make a difference by getting involved in their communities.

Consequently, it is my belief that Girl Scouts is the experience of a lifetime.  Naysayers that say it is just about selling cookies are not looking at the whole organization. Selling cookies is only part of the program, it is the lessons being learned that teach lifelong skills. If only the naysayers looked past the cookie sales they  too could see and believe in the good of Girl Scouting. All the lessons taught and learned by the girls of today, will allow them to become tomorrow’s leaders.

~Treasa