Across the country, Girl Scouts are in the midst of their annual cookie program, an initiative that goes far beyond selling treats. Partnering with organizations like United Way of Greater St. Louis, local councils such as Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois use the program to empower girls, build character, and develop essential life skills. We spoke with CEO Loretta Graham and longtime Girl Scout Hannah Thompson about how the cookie program—and more—helps foster leadership and personal growth.
What are some of the most important values the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois tries to instill in young women and girls?
The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois supports girls as they build their self-confidence, make friends, and discover new adventures. We help them gain leadership skills and earn awards for their achievements. As a mission-driven organization, we help girls as they discover their dreams and work together with each other to change the world.
How important is United Way’s partnership to the programs and services Girl Scouts are able to offer?
There are so many opportunities for our Girl Scouts here and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of United Way. This support helps us focus on character building and community impact, and working together, we become a powerful force for the good of our community.
How is the cookie program part of a broader effort to help Girl Scouts grow and develop?
Some people look at Girl Scouts and they think of cookies, camping and crafts, but we are about building girls of courage, confidence and character who we know are going to make our world a better place. There is much more that goes into that box of cookies that you’re buying, it is a donation into teaching girls about goal setting, teamwork, business ethics, and so much more.
Hannah Thompson – A standout Girl Scout
Hannah Thompson is a sophomore in high school and has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. She is consistently one of the cookie program’s best sellers and earned the Girls Scouts Bronze and Silver Awards for exemplary community service. Through Girl Scouts, she enjoys comradery and the opportunity to learn important life lessons.
What are some of the most fun and rewarding things about being a part of the cookie program?
Growing up, I remember putting up cookie sale signs throughout my town and being so excited about this program that has taught me so much in life as I’ve gotten older. You learn how to sell a product, connect with people in your community, and so much more. It also gave me the opportunity to learn about the money side of things and that is why I want to go into finance in the future.
How did you win your Bronze and Silver Awards?
I won my Bronze Award by geocaching which is when troops hunt for hidden things using a GPS. And for my Silver Award, a couple of my troop girls and I redid my elementary school’s blacktop for recess – we painted a bunch of different games on it and gave the whole blacktop more school pride. This project was probably a year-long process, but it was so rewarding to finally see the kids playing on their new playground.
I understand you are striving towards your Gold Award now. What community service project do you plan to work on to achieve that?
I’m going to work with a local assisted living facility and make fidget blankets that help people with cognitive issues. My goal with this is to not only help the patients, but also help the caregivers because my great grandma suffered from Alzheimer’s and I got to see firsthand how hard it was not only for her, but also the caregivers because sometimes the patients can get kind of agitated and antsy.
What life lessons have you been able to learn through the Girl Scouts?
If it wasn’t for the Girl Scouts, there would have been so many things that I wouldn’t have been able to learn or try. Things like visiting the fire station, going hiking or camping, or different skills like how to make a fire, tie different knots, first aid skills, and so much more. There are so many badges you can earn as a Girl Scout, and it’s so many life lessons that come with those badges.
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