Dr. Travis Towne: Let's talk about Girl Scout Cookies

Ka’Tia Thomas-Dickens and Alexis Towne selling Girl Scout Cookies for Troop 3612.

Last Saturday at a local grocery store, I experienced something firsthand that I have always heard about, but never truly believed. I saw what can only be described as abject terror wash across the face of an individual as they stepped out of their vehicle and realized they would have to navigate the gauntlet of Girl Scouts selling cookies in front of the store. 

The indecision on their face was palpable as they were considering their options of flight or fight. In the end, their need for supplies triumphed as they recognized the inevitability of going home with a minimum of one box of cookies, but realistically two or more, as their toll for the day’s shopping expedition. 

It dawned on me at that moment, that I played a critical role in creating such an emotionally draining experience because my daughter was a part of the Girl Scout gauntlet that morning. I decided right then and there (as an individual partly responsible for causing angst to my fellow county residents) that I would research why in the world I would even support the sale of something so addictive that people experience both initial purchasing terror and then, once consumed, absolute bliss.  

While researching the history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, I discovered that Juliette Gordon Low was looking for a way to not only help finance her troop’s activities while supporting the WWI war effort in 1917, but also teach her girl scouts the value of hard work and develop core essential skills. Over time the Girl Scout Cookie Program became the largest girl-run business in the world and arguably one of the most well known for its product name.

However, what truly stands out in my mind are the life lessons these young ladies learn as a part of this program to help them grow as leaders. According to the Girl Scout website, the cookie program “aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics.” In looking at the Girl Scouts: Fun Facts and Figures document, I discovered that there are many successful Girls Scout alums who got their start in the business world by selling Girl Scout Cookies.  

Much of the information about the Girl Scout Cookie Program can be found on the Girl Scouts website and troops in our local area are part of the North Carolina Coastal Pines Council, which provides resources and training to help individual troops be successful. Many people, including myself, did not realize that all of the net proceeds from the sale of the delicious treats stay local to our area, instead of going to the national council. 

This means that every box bought locally helps a girl from that particular troop raise resources for their own success, much like in the traditional entrepreneurial business world. However, just like in a business environment, sales can be tough and many factors are involved including location, time, weather, and attitude. 

For example, a hesitant “no” is an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to practice soft sales skills and extol the many amazing benefits of buying a box of the recently released S’mores, while a curt “no thank you” allows them the opportunity to evaluate an important social cue of not pressing for the sale and give a polite response of “have a good day”. 

Having to stand for an extended amount of time, make advertising signs, arriving early for set-up and staying late for packing everything up, practicing financial accountability, along with many other business-related aspects are all part of the wonderful learning that my daughter personally is getting to embrace while selling Girl Scout Cookies.

So... for those individuals, who had to make the tough decision to walk past the cookie sale gauntlet, not only once by going in, but then with the full knowledge that you had to do it again as you headed out, please know that I completely understand and wholly appreciate your willingness to stop and invest your hard-earned money in a young Girl Scout’s foray into the business world. 

Many of you did so even after purchasing cookies at other troop stands or were willing to give a donation and I am also grateful for this because you realize that you are not just buying cookies, but investing in the future. The skills these young ladies are learning will come to fruition for our community when these leaders start their own businesses and use the lessons they learned while selling Girl Scout Cookies. 

I would also like to take a moment to thank all the businesses who allow these Girl Scout troops the opportunity to practice their skills and help them accomplish their goals. Many of the employees are asked innumerable times during the day if they would like to buy Girl Scout cookies and in my experience, they have always been polite and respectful, innately understanding their role in the overall picture of growth and learning. I personally thank you for your patience and willingness to open your sidewalks to help these Girl Scout troops have a place to learn to be leaders. 

And for all those wondering if Girl Scout Cookies are still available… YES… YES THEY ARE. Most Girl Scout parents would be absolutely ecstatic if you took a few boxes (or even cases) off their hands. For those of you just wanting to know when the cookie sales will finally end so that you don’t have to keep driving around to find that one grocery store that doesn’t have a cookie booth gauntlet… March 1, 2020 is your lucky day. 

But let’s just be honest, next hurricane season, we all will really wish we would have bought more and frozen them for a midnight snack. 

Dr. Travis Towne is a social studies teacher at the Lenoir County Early College High School in Kinston. He has an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor of Science in Christian Education from Lee University. He has taught for more than 14 years in a variety of settings including junior high, high school and college. He has been married for over 20 years and has three daughters (one adopted). He also works part-time for the online Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) and as the Senior A/V Engineer for Magic Mile Media and Neuse News. He is an Army veteran with service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and volunteers as a drummer and technical facilitator for Tanglewood Church of God. You can connect with Travis on Facebook at facebook.com/travis.towne.18, on Twitter @tntowne, or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/travis-towne-69106443.