Only 3,484 packages can be sold to reach the target of 3,500. The annual Girls Scout Her Cookies campaign has just begun.

For Madisin “Madi” Van Hemmert, a 12th grader in Girl Scout Troop 212, these goals are inspiring, achievable, and educational.

“After 12 years of scouting, I have learned many valuable life skills. We learned how to grow together.”

Van Hemert is also working on a Gold Award project, the highest award in Girl Scouts. This award must begin in high school and he must demonstrate leadership skills and a desire to give back to the community.

Mentoring her on her project is 212nd Troop leader Nicky Roeber, who has been with the Girl Scouts for over 30 years.

Lober recently gathered comments to post in the girls’ own words about their goals and what they learned from selling cookies.

“I’m honored to lead this unit and see so many girls come and go,” she said. “I have watched each of them grow and leave our military with more skill and confidence than when they started.”

Ever since her scout daughter Amelia graduated from high school, the troop has been limited to older girls in middle and high school.

The 212th, which has been in action for 19 years, has so far welcomed girls from six divisions. There are 16 girls registered this year.

Rover is also the cookie manager for the Sunny Peaks Service Unit and teaches all Girl Scout leaders in Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams, Winslow and Page how to sell cookies and how to make successful cookies for girls and parents. I teach you how to teach. Sale.

“Most of these girls have been selling for years, so we support them by training them on the new information of the year and making sure they have the resources they need. We are planning a cookie kick-off or cookie rally, which will teach young girls the skills they need to succeed in selling cookies.”

This year’s goal is to sell 12,000 boxes. There are 12 girls selling and goals range from her 250 boxes to her 3,500 boxes depending on how much time they spend selling.

Girls train at the cookie booth. They take turns sharpening their professional conduct and pitch. We are also working on door-to-door sales practices to make conversations with customers more comfortable.

A cookie tasting session teaches you about the types of cookies so they know the product.

They also learn about goal setting for themselves and their troops, play business ethics games, and learn how to live by Girl Scout law while selling cookies. have fun with learning,” Rover said.

On the cookie website, 11th grade Emma Herning writes that she enjoys winning gold in 2022 and being her own “cookie boss.” she said: I’m so happy to have the opportunity to raise funds to go on a fun trip with the people I love!”

Girl Scout cookies have a long history. It all started in 1917 with homemade cookies made by scouted girls’ mothers with the help of a confectionery advisor. These early baking efforts began about five years after Juliet Gordon Lowe started Girl Scouts in the United States to raise money to fund her military activities.

A simple sugar cookie was the first product. Today, from the classic Trefoil (shortbread) and Thin Mint (mint chocolate dip) to the new Adventurefuls (brownie cookies dipped in caramel cream and sea salt) and Raspberry Larry (crispy raspberry flavor dipped in chocolate). , there are 13 types.

Alexis Velázquez, a ninth grader in the 212th Division, posted about cookies and sales. “I learned to work as a team and have delicious cookies.”

This year, a cookie-selling website reminds customers of the benefits their sales efforts bring to girls. Success requires teamwork, planning, and a positive outlook. ”

The success of the annual Cookie Campaign is supported by Family Guides published by the Girl Scouts – Cactus Pine Council, which serves more than 90 communities in Central and Northern Arizona.

“It helps families support Girl Scouts,” says Lober. “Their website also has many resources to help girls with their skills and earn Family Cookie Entrepreneur pins and badges.”

Troops earn $0.95 for each box sold, and the girls decide how to spend it. “Remaining proceeds from the cookie sale will remain with the Arizona Cactus Pine Council to support camps, girls programs and activities, and support and training of volunteers. No, it’s an opportunity for girls to learn how to be business women and support programs they love.”

“Troop 212 gives back to the community each year. We adopt trails and take advantage of a variety of volunteer opportunities. It’s tea.”

The volunteer role has always been essential to Scouting’s success. Patrice Horstmann, chairman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, acted as an informal volunteer “whenever her scouts reached out to Arizona Cactus Spine Girl” and in 2018 voted from the group “Outstanding Women ” was awarded.

With Liz Archuleta and Kerry Blume, she helped found Troop Pearl, an adult Girl Scout troop dedicated to supporting Girl Scouts. “I was a Girl Scout when I was younger and have tried to live the Girl Scout creed of ‘building a better world,’” Horstmann said.

She also helped girls develop their business skills to make Cookie Drive, the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurship program, a success, she noted.

“Girl Scouts are dedicated to developing courage, confidence and character in girls,” she said. “Cookie Drives help advance this mission. With the money they earn, the girls can embark on amazing adventures. These Cookie Drives give girls important financial, organizational, and marketing skills. I will teach you skills.”

Horstman has helped some scouts perfect their skills and develop “pitches” for face-to-face sales. “We also live in the world of virtual selling, so I reviewed some of Girl’s Scout’s cookie selling videos,” she said. “Each girl has a unique approach that reflects their individuality. Because cookie sales offer girls a hands-on leadership experience and an opportunity to contribute to the financial interests of their unit. , the girls can participate in projects, trips, or community programs together.”

The 212th unit meets once a month for planning, which includes deciding how to spend the money they earn.

The 212th’s goals are horseback riding and travel. “We have been planning their Costa Rica trip for the past five years. They set aside some money for Cookie each year and we are going this summer. “Last summer, we were able to thank the tunnel firefighters with a few cases of cookies,” Rover said.

Arizona’s Girl Scouts cookie season typically lasts six weeks. The Arizona Cactus Pine Council, which serves Phoenix as well as Central and Northern Arizona, officially launched its cookie promotion on January 16, and began shipping cookies on March 5. Ended.

The link to find the cookie booth is https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/how-to-buy-cookies.html.FBN

Betsy Bruner, FBN

Courtesy photo: Girl Scout Troop 212 Grade 12 Maddie Van Hemert (left) is pictured with her sister Peyton.