My little Violet is a Daisy Scout. I was happy to have her join...I couldn't think of a better venue for camaraderie with her school chums and involvement in some fun activities...plus, I certainly didn't want her to be left out. Years ago, I was a Brownie, and then a Girl Scout. Back when I did it, there was no such thing as Daisy Scout...this newfangled pre-Brownie stage for the kindergartners and first graders is a new concept for me. So far, they've made a fleece quilt and donated it to a local shelter, baked Christmas cookies and had a cookie exchange, and had a manners tea party...all VERY good stuff for little 5 and 6 year olds to do. And Violet truly enjoys it. She especially loves that on days her troop has their meeting, she gets to wear her Daisy Scout smock over her uniform jumper and display all the patches she's earned.
The next big thing, however, on her troop's agenda is the annual sale of Girl Scout cookies. I'm a bit perplexed as to why little girls, especially of this age, are being asked to sell cookies. I'm told by thepropaganda informational handouts that selling cookies builds confidence and teaches responsibility, skills in handling money, and how to run a business. Hmmmm. Right now, I'd just be happy if Violet could tie her shoes...and as for the confidence building, I can think of a few better ways to accomplish this than having her sell confections. Can you believe that the troop only profits 60 cents for every box sold? Marcus said that he'd happily donate $30 to the troop (the equivalent of 50 boxes of cookies!) just so we didn't have to deal with this cookie selling hassle.
The troop moms got together and made a few decisions on behalf of the girls, since they are so young. (Typically, older girl scouts are involved in every step of the decision-making process.) After a little negotiation, the troop cookie selling goal is 700 boxes...and each girl can set their own personal goal. We have 14 girls in the troop, so on average, they expect each girl to sell 50 boxes. That seems like a lot to me...but what do I know. I'm just glad we collectively agreed to lower the expectation from 100 boxes per girl to 50. (e-gads!)
I've started talking about this process with Violet a bit...why she's selling cookies, her troop's 700 box sales goal, and of course descriptions of all the cookies that she will be selling. I asked her what she thinks her personal sales goal should be...and bless her little heart...she optimistically announced "100 boxes". !!!! Oh my. I don't want to crush her enthusiasm, but I can barely think of 10 people for her to sell to. I don't really think its appropriate for me to try to sell cookies at work...and we will NOT be selling door-to-door...so that leaves family and friends. After some cajoling, she settled on a 50 box goal...and so our sales and marketing campaign begins this week. She can't wait! Tonight she told me she wants to build a stand out of a cardboard box so that she can properly take my cookie order.
Despite my confusion and disagreement with having children sell products to raise money...and my negative attitude about how valuable this experience really is...I desperately love Girl Scout cookies. I mean...come'on...everyone has a favorite, right? Mine is the Samoa...that coconut carmel chocolatey delight. And now, it seems that I have my own personal supplier.
The next big thing, however, on her troop's agenda is the annual sale of Girl Scout cookies. I'm a bit perplexed as to why little girls, especially of this age, are being asked to sell cookies. I'm told by the
The troop moms got together and made a few decisions on behalf of the girls, since they are so young. (Typically, older girl scouts are involved in every step of the decision-making process.) After a little negotiation, the troop cookie selling goal is 700 boxes...and each girl can set their own personal goal. We have 14 girls in the troop, so on average, they expect each girl to sell 50 boxes. That seems like a lot to me...but what do I know. I'm just glad we collectively agreed to lower the expectation from 100 boxes per girl to 50. (e-gads!)
I've started talking about this process with Violet a bit...why she's selling cookies, her troop's 700 box sales goal, and of course descriptions of all the cookies that she will be selling. I asked her what she thinks her personal sales goal should be...and bless her little heart...she optimistically announced "100 boxes". !!!! Oh my. I don't want to crush her enthusiasm, but I can barely think of 10 people for her to sell to. I don't really think its appropriate for me to try to sell cookies at work...and we will NOT be selling door-to-door...so that leaves family and friends. After some cajoling, she settled on a 50 box goal...and so our sales and marketing campaign begins this week. She can't wait! Tonight she told me she wants to build a stand out of a cardboard box so that she can properly take my cookie order.
Despite my confusion and disagreement with having children sell products to raise money...and my negative attitude about how valuable this experience really is...I desperately love Girl Scout cookies. I mean...come'on...everyone has a favorite, right? Mine is the Samoa...that coconut carmel chocolatey delight. And now, it seems that I have my own personal supplier.
2 comments:
I like the Samoa and the Tagalong. Thin Mints aren't so bad either. I'll buy a box...it's for a good cause:) Sign me up for a Tagalong. Love, Kell
Post a pic of violet in her uniform...I'd love to see it. And how do I make an oprder??
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