The Girl Scout Cookie Program is in full swing across central and northern Arizona from through March 5 and for the first time in the history of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), the season will take place for a total of seven weeks! Known as the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program will not only spread joy through timeless treats and teach Girl Scouts valuable financial literacy lessons, but the proceeds from cookie sales will also fund the visions and dreams of Girl Scouts and provide participants with the resources to thrive in the organization.
Did you know that 100 percent of your money stays local to GSACPC whenever you buy a delicious box of your favorite Girl Scout Cookies? Whether you are purchasing on the Digital Cookie Mobile App or at a traditional cookie booth, proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie sales give back by supporting both members and volunteers with training and support, helping maintain GSACPC camp facilities and more.
“In addition to helping improve our four Girl Scout camp properties across Arizona, proceeds will continue to impact our wide range of Girl Scout programming which covers outdoors, STEM, entrepreneurship and life skills,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Girl Scout Cookie proceeds also provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting affordable for all.”
And the impact doesn’t stop there! Part of the proceeds earned from cookie sales go back to the Girl Scout troops and can be used to fund community service projects, new and existing programs, field trips, and more. This could include donating the earnings to a local animal shelter, or purchasing new camping equipment for the troop or going on a field trip to a local museum. These enriching experiences broaden the world for Girl Scouts and are made possible with your purchase of a box of Girl Scout Cookies.
Cookie proceeds are also used to create dynamic event experiences that give Girl Scouts the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. This includes the upcoming Bring Home the Cookies 5k Run/Walk in Glendale on Feb. 25, a family-friendly event open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners, walkers, and the community at large. This second annual event will be held at Westgate Entertainment District and feature music, food, cookie booths, and more as girls kick off the final week of the 2023 cookie season.
“Bring Home the Cookies 5k is a community celebration of all our incredible girls and their dedication, innovation and creativity. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their entire life,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC.
And not only will there be cookie booths, but the Bring Home the Cookies 5k Run/Walk will also host local Girl Scout entrepreneurs as they sell their own crafts and goods at the race alongside traditional vendors. For more information and to register for the 5K, visit girlscoutsaz.org/5k.
Cookie proceeds can also fuel important milestone projects such as the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. The Gold Award recognizes Girl Scouts in grades nine through 12 who have discovered a sustainable solution to a local, national, or global challenge.
From fighting food insecurity to educating the public on saguaro cactus health to bringing awareness to addiction, Gold Award projects tackle a wide range of issues and leave a lasting impact on the world. And with proceeds earned from the Girl Scout Cookie Season, Gold Award prospects can fund their projects and equip themselves with the resources needed to carry out their project mission.
Not only does a Gold Award create positive change in the world and help girls exhibit the problem-solving, communication, and time management skills they have learned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, but the award is also a nationally recognized symbol of leadership and can open doors for unique scholarship opportunities, allow girls to enlist at an advanced rank when joining the United States Armed Forces, stand out among the competition in the college admissions process, and much more.
Whether you are purchasing a box of Thin Mints, Tagalongs, or the new Raspberry Rally, giving back to the local community is sweet with the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder to find a cookie booth near you and for more information on GSACPC, visit girlscoutaz.org.
