As someone who grew up in Girl Scouts all through school, I always buy at least one box of Girl Scout cookies a year. By buying a box of cookies, it's my way of paying it forward to girls who want to continue to represent an organization that's close to my heart. Girl Scouts is more than just badges and cookies; it's a sisterhood in which young girls learn to maximize their potential to be a leader in society. It's a place where they can expand their knowledge and impact their community in any way possible. Serving the community teaches them what it means to be a leader and the implications their actions can have on others. Through community service, badges and cookie sales we live by a promise, a law and a motto to remind ourselves of the impact we have on those around us, as well as within ourselves.

Girl Scout Law: " I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I saw and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout." (GirlScouts.org 2017)

Serving the community

I'm proud to be a Girl Scout because it taught me that one action can impact an entire community. The badges symbolize growth. Our motto to "be prepared" reminds us that no matter what situation we are in, it's our duty to do our best to help others. You not only learn practical skills to use in daily life, but ones you can teach to others. You learn about the issues in your community and what you can do to help resolve them. By getting involved in your community, you not only grow as an individual, but you make it a better place for your neighbors.

Sisterhood

I'm proud to be a Girl Scout because I learned the meaning of "sisterhood." Your troop isn't only made up of your peers, but your friends. You learn to treat everyone like a sister. You learn that it's okay to be an individual and still be apart of something bigger than yourself. Through meetings, service projects and activities with your troop you learn that above all, it's important to treat everybody with respect.