Civilians venture throughout the streets of Memphis, guided only by the crumbs of cookies. They creep down Union Ave., driven to find their treasure before it is too late. As the smell of caramel intensifies and their mouths water, they have found their prize: Girl Scout cookies. With each new year, a new reign of Girl Scout cookies rises to the stage. The time has come for Girl Scouts of all ages to scatter around Memphis in hopes of selling cookies. From January to April, Scouts participate in selling cookies, not only to raise money, but also to gain skills that will last a lifetime.

“[Girl Scouts] are like a big group of sisters,” Kallie Wright (10) said. “[My favorite part of being a Scout] is the sisterhood and being able to talk to different women in my life.” 

The beginning of a Scout’s journey first starts with their sash. It allows them to display their badges and serves as a timeline of their adventures.

“I’ve been in [Girl Scouts] 11 years now and I really enjoy it,” Wright said. “I have around four vests full [of badges], so [I have] maybe around 200 [badges].”

One of the most common ways for Scouts to earn badges is by selling cookies. The crunch of a cookie not only satisfies buyers but also fills a space on a sash. Through selling cookies, Scouts learn how to run a business and market their product to the public.

“I would say [I sell] about 200 boxes of cookies,” Ellie Carr (9) said. “[Through being a Girl Scout], I have learned how to handle money and customer service.”

The start of their business begins with the setup of their table. For four months, Scouts work to see who can sell the most cookies. They voyage all around Memphis in hopes of finding the perfect spot to mount their tables. Scouts are able to make a profit, gain experience in public speaking and form new relationships. 

“I’ve learned a lot of social skills [through being a Girl Scout],” Wright said. “[I have learned] how to talk to strangers, friends and build relationships with them.”

On average, Scouts sell around 150 boxes of cookies per season. Contrary to popular belief, Scouts do not keep any portion of the money they make; instead, it goes towards funding their troop’s trips.

“My money is going into my trip fund,” Carr said. “This will allow me to go on an overseas trip [to Europe]. I can only [spend] the money [I earn] on Girl Scout related things.” 

Being a Scout is more than just wearing a sash and the stereotypical pigtails. Being a Scout is a chance to learn skills and lessons that last a lifetime. 

Girl Scouts are more than just a group of girls selling cookies; they are a family. Behind each badge is a story of a girl that would have never been created without the support and encouragement of her fellow troop sisters.

“[I became a Girl Scout when] I had just moved back to the United States,” Amna Qunni (11) said. “My friends were in it and learning about new things, and hanging out with them made it all worth it.”