It’s National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

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Friday, Feb. 7, kicks off National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, and you’ll see that those girls are a hearty bunch, braving freezing weather to sell their cookies to support the organization.

The Girl Scouts began selling cookies in 1917, five years after the organization formed. In those days, Scouts and their moms baked cookies to support troop activities. Now the organization has professional bakers churn out the Thin Mints, Samoas and other treats.

Where does the money we pay for the cookies go? Here’s what the Girl Scouts say on their website:

All of the revenue earned from cookie activities — every penny after paying the baker — stays with the local Girl Scout council. Each council determines its own revenue structure depending on its cookie cost, local retail price, and the amount that is shared with participating troops and groups.

WCCO in Minneapolis gave this breakdown for Scouts there:

Baking and transporting the cookie takes up 27 percent of the cost – or $1.08 of the $4 box. There are two Girl Scout Cookie bakers in the United States. …

After paying to make the cookie, 21 percent (84 cents) goes straight back to the troop. [Jolene Ross, a communications specialist with the Girl Scouts River Valleys Council] says local troops can use it for supplies or pay for uniforms.

Here’s where the rest of the profit goes:

  • 76 cents for training and screening of volunteers.
  • 61 cents for upgrading camps and subsidizing costs for low-income Scouts.
  • 49 cents for leadership programs.
  • 22 cents for “local administrative offices and support.”

Eight types of cookies will be sold this year, including the brand-new Cranberry Citrus Crisp, described as “a crispy cookie made with whole grain, full of tangy cranberry bits and zesty citrus flavor.” For a limited time, some troops will be selling a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie.

The girls began taking orders on Jan. 11. Delivery starts this weekend. Cookie sales end March 30. Girls Scouts will be holding special programs this weekend to celebrate the cookie program and the skills it teaches girls.

You can find out more about the Girl Scout Cookie Championship giveaway here. It’s your chance to win a year’s supply of your favorite Girl Scout cookie.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

Karen Datko contributed to this article.

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