Another cookie season will soon be underway for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA), and the experience it provides adds up to more than fundraising.

While most Girl Scouts participate in the Cookie Program, some go above and beyond. They’re members of GSHPA’S S’mores Executive Club, and we spoke to a few of these super sellers to hear about their experiences.

“I love the opportunities to travel that are given to us when we sell, but I also like being an influence on younger Girl Scouts,” said Brooke, a Senior Girl Scout from Columbia County. “I think if we keep doing what we do, getting out there and talking about Girl Scouts and selling cookies, it will help Girl Scouts continue on, generation after generation.”

Brooke and her sister, Jordan, a Cadette Girl Scout, excel at the program. Together, they have sold upwards of 800 boxes each annually.

“Our house is always full of cookies,” Jordan laughed. “My bedroom is always filled with the boxes.”

For Brooke, the entrepreneurship program pushes her outside of her comfort zone.

“It isn’t easy for me, because I suffer from anxiety, and I don’t do well when I’m out in public and have to be social with people,” she said. “Selling cookies helped me break out of my shell and become more confident in public speaking. It also taught me problem-solving skills when unexpected situations come up.”

One of the challenges of selling cookies can be facing rejection, said Mia, a Junior Girl Scout from Centre County.

“Sometimes, we ask if someone wants to buy cookies and they say, ‘No,’” Mia said. “I just say, ‘OK, thanks,’ and I try again.”

Succeeding as a cookie entrepreneur requires perseverance, Jordan said.

“The challenge is you have to make enough effort to go out and actually do the work, in the snow, or when you’re tired or you have stuff to do afterward,” she said. “You have to find that sense of encouragement and energy to go out and do the job.”

The Cookie Program not only taught Jordan about persevering, but it also provided an opportunity to practice life skills.

“I learned how to manage money and how to make change,” she said.

Thanks to their efforts, the girls used their proceeds to explore other parts of the country.

“We have seen the White House,” Jordan said. “We went to Williamsburg, Va. We’ve gone camping and we went to Pittsburgh.”

Mia recalled a recent to trip Washington, D.C. where her troop explored famous sites and learned more about America’s history. “We went to the White House, the Pentagon, the Library of Congress, the Capitol and Arlington Cemetery,” she said.

Brooke’s sense of accomplishment is front and center when she talks about challenging herself through the Cookie Program. “Sometimes, it will be tough, but keep your head up and keep going,” she said. “As my mom tells me, ‘The more you try, the more you will get done if you don’t give up.’ The more you try new things, the more comfortable you will get in different situations. Positive opportunities will open for you, and you’ll feel amazing after all you’ve done.”

Reported by Cathy Molitoris, Marketing Coordinator for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.