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Girl Scouts: Worth Taking a Look At

By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator

Dallas, TX – You don't really want to hear how much the airlines will lose if we go to war? I didn't think so. So, let's talk about the Girl Scouts. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.

91 years ago today, a Southern belle by the name of Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls, and founded the Girl Scouts. Girlscouts.org says Low envisioned an organization that would bring girls out of their cloistered home environments to serve in their communities and experience the open air. Within months, they were schlepping through the woods, playing basketball in a curtained-off court, and camping under the stars.

Ms. Low's enthusiasm would not be waned; she sold her "extremely valuable necklace of rare matched pearls" to initially finance the operations. Then in 1936, some very wise person found a commercial baker to whip up the irresistible Girl Scout Cookies.

This year, 2.3 million boxes were sold just within the Tejas Council covering North East Texas. If you haven't bought your box yet, let me enlighten you on where the money is going. Of the $3 per box, 50 cents goes to the individual troop, $1.65 stays right here to support the local council, and the balance, for the cookies and materials. And the Tejas Council pays for the three camps, three service centers, training for volunteers, and the service Penny Farrell of the Council was most proud of, monetary assistance enabling all girls to participate, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Tejas Council membership is 40% scouts of color.

The intangibles of selling Girl Scout Cookies are equally significant: money management, goal setting, and decision-making. Boy, there were some real hustlers in my troop. How do you think many of today's successful business women got started?! Just ask 'em. At Camp CEO, professional women bond with the Scouts telling their story and encouraging the girls to think big. Though many of the camping trips are still under the stars, this one is air-conditioned.

So, what's your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?

For KERA Marketplace Midday, I'm Maxine Shapiro.

Marketplace Midday Reports air on KERA 90.1 Monday - Friday at 1:04 p.m. To contact Maxine Shapiro, please send emails to mshapiro@kera.org.