There are few things that make elementary school students happier than hearing the words, “School’s out for summer.”

Well, maybe one thing.

Finding out you’re heading home with a box of Girl Scout cookies on the last day of school.

Earlier this month, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania had the opportunity to share thousands of boxes of cookies with students at select elementary schools across our region. It was a small way to celebrate their hard work, recognize the incredible support of our school partners, and send students into summer with a smile.

Let’s be honest. If someone handed me a box of Thin Mints on the last day of school, I would have considered that a pretty great graduation gift, too.

As I watched photos come in from schools across our council, I couldn’t help but think about how much these moments represent what Girl Scouts is really about.

Yes, we sell cookies.

But cookies have never been the end goal.

They help girls learn confidence, communication, goal setting, financial literacy, and leadership. Every box sold helps create opportunities for girls to explore the outdoors, earn badges, make friends, serve their communities, and discover what they’re capable of accomplishing.

Those lessons don’t stop when summer begins.

In fact, summer is often when some of the best Girl Scout memories are made.

Girls might spend a week at camp, learn a new skill, tackle a community service project, try an outdoor adventure, or simply spend time with friends who encourage them to be themselves. Sometimes the biggest growth happens when a girl tries something she wasn’t sure she could do.

As I write this, I am also beginning a new adventure of my own.

Many of you may know me from my previous role leading Marketing and Communications at Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. In late April, I stepped into the position of Membership Director.

It’s a bit of a career plot twist.

After years of helping tell Girl Scout stories, I now have the opportunity to help create even more of them.

The move has allowed me to spend more time with families, volunteers, schools, and community partners. It has reinforced something I already believed: Girl Scouts changes lives because of the people who make it happen.

I have met volunteers who dedicate countless hours to creating meaningful experiences for girls. I’ve met parents looking for opportunities to help their daughters build confidence and friendships. And I’ve met girls whose enthusiasm can light up an entire room.

That’s what excites me most about this role.

Every new girl who joins Girl Scouts starts a journey that can last for years. Every volunteer who raises a hand to help becomes part of something bigger. Every community partner who opens a door helps create opportunities that girls may remember for the rest of their lives.

So as we celebrated the students who recently finished another school year, I want to offer a sincere thank you.

Thank you to the schools that welcomed us into their communities.

Thank you to the families who support Girl Scouts.

Thank you to the volunteers who make the program possible.

And thank you to the girls who remind us every day why this work matters.

Enjoy the cookies. Enjoy the summer.

And if you’re looking for your next adventure, Girl Scouts will be here waiting. Should you have any questions for me, please email me: Cathy Hirko at chirko@gshpa.org.