GIRL SCOUTS OF KENTUCKY’S

WILDERNESS ROAD

News Release

KENTUCKY—Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road has announced the movement-wide celebration of the 100th season of Girl Scouts selling cookies, beginning Jan. 1, 2017. A century ago, girls started participating in what would evolve into the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program®, through which girls learn the essential skills they need to become effective leaders, manage finances, and gain self sufficiency and confidence in handling money. To commemorate this banner year for the organization, the hlghly-anticlpated Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies will be joining classics like Thin Mints and Shortbreads for $4 a box. 

The sale of cookies by Girl Scouts had humble beginnings, born as a way for troops to finance activities. As the Girl Scout Cookie Program developed and evolved, it not only became a vehicle for teaching five essential skills — goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics — it also enabled collaboration and integration, as early as the 1950s, among girls and troops of diverse backgrounds, as they worked together toward common goals. 

“We are so excited that, as a movement, we’ve reached such a proud milestone — Celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies,” said Susan Douglas, CEO of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program is more than delicious treats to share with friends and family; monies earned by Girl Scouts through the Cookie Sale fund programming designed for girls in Kentucky and allow Girl Scouts to make a lasting impact in their communities. From service projects benefitting animal shelters, local parks and schools to educational travel opportunities and more. Each box of cookies sold helps girls fulfill their dreams, follow their passions, take the lead in their communities, and change the world.”

Girl Scout Cookies not only help Girl Scouts earn money for fun, educational activities and community projects, but also play a huge role in transforming girls into G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)™ as they learn essential life skills that will stay with them forever. Today, nearly 1 million Girl Scouts participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, generating nearly $800 million in cookie sales during the average season. All of the net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program — 100 percent of it — stays with the local council and troops. With over 50 million households purchasing cookies every season, the irresistible treats can be found nationwide and will hold a beloved place in Americana for years to come, continuing to help girls take the lead and, ultimately, change the world. 

To find cookie varieties available locally or learn more about the history of Girl Scout cookies and the Girl Scout Cookie Program, visit www.qskentuckv.org or contact us at (800) 475-2621.